Lorraine Watry finds unique challenges in painting water, glass and metal
I am fascinated by the random shapes, patterns and colors that make up reflections in water, glass and metal. Reflections often go unnoticed because we are looking at the object as a whole, and not the shapes and values that compose the object. Generally, what we see reflected is different from every point of view and can change quickly, which creates an elusive quality. While I paint a variety of subjects, I am a very detail-oriented painter, and I continue toreturn to those that include a reflection of some sort. Depicting glass, metal and water is a fun challenge.
I started down the path of reflections with my water lily series. Even though I don’t paint like Claude Monet, his impressionistic water lilies were always an inspiration. I explored unusual patterns, colors and graphic shapes in the water as the backdrops to realistic depictions of the lilies. I found I like the very graphic shapes juxtaposed with the organic shape of the lilies.
The detailed nature of most of my watercolors does not work to paint on location. Therefore, I work from my own photos and have learned to take a shot quickly in case the moment flashes by. I compose the scene with my camera, but will later make additional compositional adjustments to get the desired effect.
I use my computer to adjust my photos, piece two or more images together and enlarge or reduce my drawing before transferring to my watercolor paper. I use a gridding app on my tablet to grid my photo for drawing. I also display my image on my tablet while painting, and can zoom in and see the little details.
This story is from the June - July 2019 edition of International Artist.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the June - July 2019 edition of International Artist.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Intrigue in the ordinary
I've \"'ve never had any formal training always had a strong attraction to the arts and the practice of painting
Paper Textures
John Lovett guides us through the varying properties of different watercolor surfaces
Creating Ambiance
Mona Parker Weidner selects colors palettes and light sources that emphasize the mood of her interior scenes
Visual Depth
Blending and smoothing with solvents, Holly Siniscal creates painterly portraits in colored pencil
Sharp Precision
Working with craft blades and tattoo needles, Conor Smith etches realistic renderings of wildlife
The architecture of water
When Then I moved from Toronto to a tiny community in Nova Scotia, I became fascinated by the ocean, its reflections and endlessly shifting patterns of color and light
Saturated World
Emphasizing the beauty of nature, Joe A. Oakes paints landscapes with warm colors and imaginative compositions
Pure Bliss
Working alla prima, Andreas Liss takes on a loose, unbridled approach in his artwork
Sculpting the Paint
Using a palette knife allows oil painter Maria Iva to create clean colors and rich textures
Forwad MOMENTUM
Artist Lisa Gleim shares the evolution of her career and how she grew into her preferred medium of pastels