Sunday, August 24, 2008

Water color questions is it me or the paints?

this is a small-- 4" x 7". Sort of quick-- under one hour no hair dryer. Watercolor on canson water color paper the smooth side. Painted with very cheap ($11.00 for 24 larger tubes) reeves brand watercolors from hobby lobby- I'm not sure if its me, just the way watercolors are, or the paints. To me it looks muddy and sort of gritty not sparkling bright colors like I see in so many posts - I'm sure that my inexperience with any fluid art mediums is a large factor but I also wonder if better quality paints make any difference and if so what brands are you all using --- Thanks comments and suggestions greatly appreciated

10 comments:

Brenda Yarborough said...

Artist quality paints can make a huge difference. You are very talented and skilled and your work definitely deserves to be expressed with quality materials. Good paper can also make a difference. There are many good paints to choose from, I like WN, DS and AJ (not necessarily in that order - LOL)
This portrait is very good -- love her expression!!

Stephanie said...

wow! I can hardly wait to see what you can do with quality watercolors! you are so talented!

Anonymous said...

Reeves is a very low quality brand, only appropriate for children or to learn the basics. I really like M Graham. If you are looking for a cheaper brand to play around with, I did a lot of nice paintings with a travel set of Van Gogh's.

Ann said...

This is a wonderful watercolor painting. It's probably the paint quality you had trouble with. I bought those for my daughter one time but the set didn't even have good primaries to show her color mixing. Looking forward to what you will do with better paints!

kazumiwannabe said...

The portrait is great anyway - she's got a wonderful natural expression! I don't know anything about paint... I'm using a small box from the brand "Daler-Rowney", the lady at the art supply store said it was good for beginners...

Deb said...

Wow...great portrait! I'd love to see what you do with quality stuff!!!

Lynn said...

I think this is really good! But it's really true that good quality paints have clearer, brighter colors. Treat yourself to some, you deserve it!

Sandy said...

What a fabulous face, the sparkle in the eyes is there (KEY) and I agree, you are so talented, I can't wait to see what artist quality supplies will do for your talent!!!Great expression!

Timaree said...

I agree with every one here. Your rendition is great so it must be the paint and/or the paper. She certainly has a happy, sparkly expression. Enjoy the picture and pick up some new paints. You are worth quality. They last a long time anyhow so it's just up-front expensive not life-time expensive.

Anita Davies said...

Anything artist quality will make a huge difference.
I've used Reeves, they are awful..worse than awful...You did an excellent job with them but you deserve so much better! :)