Monochrome Portraits in watercolours

From Isle of Man comes this monochrome self portrait by Brenda. There is a lot of resemblance with today's Brenda - ok, her hair is blonde now and of course she added a couple of years, but the mild smile,  the friendly expression - they are still exactly the same! The shirt is so well done too!

Last week's Aquarellista Challenge was 'paint a monochrome portrait and I have received stunning paintings - as well as paintings that show it is really difficult, and worth more exploration. So we will do that in the near future. Anyway - I am happy to present you the results, plus some Pikes and other Fun Fish, and more!  

For those who know Sandra I don't have to mention that this is a self-portrait. I am a bit emotional about it, it is so strong and so wise and deep. The sky is reflected in her eyes (which will also be a subject in the coming weeks - telepathy, happens a lot in our group 😊) Anyway - fantastic Sandra! Keep 'em coming...

 

Rosemarie created this fabulous portrait of her grandson a couple of years ago (when he was not yet 2 meters long). It is so beautiful and her love for him shines through - as does his little-boys-seriousness. Below a portrait of a Jewish man who escaped Latvia. All different, except for the look.  Love them both content and technique are good work Rosemarie!!

 

 

Ingrid sent -from Switzerland- this wonderful, sensitive and at the same time streetwise young man. The monochrome sepia has worked out so well, the flow of the colours  is perfect.

 

Michele created this sketch before her painting and I am happy she did because it is so good!  I am pretty sure the sketch is quick and without any pressure and the spontaneity is making it very strong. Which doesn't mean that the painted monochrome portrait is any less, it has a wonderful light and sexy expression! 

 

From the UK, Barbara sends these monochrome and very spontaneous portraits. She was not too happy with them, but I see lots potential here! Especially with the wild Einstein... Just continue, or use as inspiration for other paintings...

 

Work in Progress or WIP - by Randi. The flowy background and jeans jacket are fine and the face just has not yet been done. And just know, also for yourselves, that that is a difficult stage, with the teeth taking too much attention. But I know for sure that this will be very good in the next stage! Stay brave!

 

The amazing loose-style-Sue (UK) is at it again and look at this wonderful portrait of her daughter, with fabulous light and those eyes!!! I am a fan. Well done Sue!

And last but not least - another WIP! By Jutta this time. Recognise the subject?  It is so very promising, and I look forward to seeing the finished painting...

 

 In the meantime...

 

The Pike and fish-related paintings still came in - not everyone likes it but some loved it, like Barbara who created a whole series of funny fish!!

 

A truly beautiful pike, painted by Sonya, with a beautiful background and a (more or less) friendly expression. I think she has done such a good job on the typical motionless-ness of these fish. Everything works to make that impression stronger. Cool stuff!

 

Ingrid also painted a friendly pike - completely different interpretation, this one is moving towards its goal and is painted in a fantastic balance of lights, darks, ups downs and colours. Very much in her personal style, which always makes me happy!

 

Talking about personal style - Anna Karin finished her pike - with her big brush, and awesome feeling for depth and composition. It is truly a work of art AK! Fantastic. And she somehow made him look non-scary, despite the fact that he is clearly diving toward something. 

And below, there's  an Iris she painted for her neighbour who just gave birth to a baby (called Iris). What a lucky family to get this gift! it is so beautiful.

 

 

  

Judith continues her search for paintings that are just there to behold, they make you calm, make your eyes slowly move and they 'are'. Here's another successful version.

 

 

 And last but not least, Marie's work. She is diligently doing the exercises from the 'Second Hangar Watercolour Book' and executes them to perfection! Above the finished 'washing & giving volume' exercise and below the 'layers & stars' (without masking fluid) exercise. 

Well done all of you! I am proud and happy to see how talented you all are!

Stay safe and until soon.