Comments on: Eggs Revisited

By: Nel Jansen

Nel Jansen — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 04:00:38 +0000

Nice value study. Seems like you are enjoying the watercolors. Even though I don’t work in watercolors exclusively, I’ve always maintained that watercolors are far more difficult than oils. So be comforted, it’s not an easy medium to master. I find that if you have quality PAPER, you can get by with less expensive brushes, and less expensive paints. That’s what I’ve always taught my watercolor classes. Though artist grade paints and nice burshes help, too. And yes, do go see Kate’s work, you’ll be inspired.

By: Joan Gillman Smith

Joan Gillman Smith — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 17:16:31 +0000

Hi Jeff,
I agree that there is a BIG difference between the student and artist grade watercolors. I once had a very small WindsorNewton artist half pan set and
the colors were glorious. Lost it somewhere along the way. I think it now sells for about $60. (gulp!)
You might want to try the Derwent inktense watercolor pencils. I find them quite brilliant. And you can get 24 colors for about $34.
Your eggs/whisk study is very beautiful.

By: Javeed

Javeed — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 16:25:11 +0000

Neato! Gotta love eggs .

By: Sarah

Sarah — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 19:46:09 +0000

This is great.
I agree with the comments above about quality of paint.
I’m just stepping out and ‘upgrading’ from student watercolours (same as you, Cotman) and buying artist/prof quality paints and the difference is definitely there. The range is wider as well. I feel certain that my painting will progress and improve by making this change (even though I can’t buy a whole lot at once!)

By: Michael Nobbs

Michael Nobbs — Sun, 01 Mar 2009 15:37:05 +0000

…or even eggs (blush)

By: Michael Nobbs

Michael Nobbs — Sun, 01 Mar 2009 15:36:08 +0000

Lovely.

I’ve got a bit of a thing for whisks and lemons at the moment too

By: Beth

Beth — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 19:14:53 +0000

Great sketch, good idea to practice with values before adding color.

By: Phyllis

Phyllis — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 14:46:28 +0000

You are just using too much water on your pan paints, listen to every word Kate Johnson says, you can’t go wrong.

By: Ann

Ann — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 14:22:34 +0000

This is a really nice piece. I like the monochromatic palette with this subject. Beautiful!

By: Cathy (Kate) Johnson

Cathy (Kate) Johnson — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 14:05:31 +0000

Hi Jeff–NICELY done.

About your frustration with the watercolors–I think in part because it’s student grade paint. They’re just not as saturated, there’s less pigment-to-filler usually, and they may not even be the same basic pigments as artist-quality. Cotmans are usually pretty good, and I’ve got a little set with them, but…I don’t use it any more.

Pan paints are fine–you just need to rewet them before starting to paint, with clear water and a damp brush, mister, eyedropper or some such! Then they’re good to go, as intense as fresh-squeezed, generally speaking…