Work In Progress

The Black Vintage Vase

Still Life

29 x 21 cm

Watercolour on Arches

300gsm

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I'm totaly out of my comfort zone here.

My first WIP here.

I'm absolutely petrified!

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I must make mention

In class last week ...

I was blown away by a still life that one of the students had completed,

astounding in its photo realism!

I thought I must try and set a still life up at home.

I must thank Jean, as she has motivated me to explore this side of watercolour.

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Jean

you are an inspiration to us all, your work is just

incredible in detail, as well as inspirational!

We are privileged having you in our class.

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Thanking you for making me strive a little harder

and to dive into

'unknown waters!'

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Thanking the members of WC for their feedback and replies.

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hpthecat
A WetCanvas! Minion!
Puyallup, Washinton. USA

Re: The Black Vintage Vase - WIP
Just think of it as a feminine nude vase and you'll do fine. Sort of ...a pear shaped woman in an elaborate robe.

That is just a gentle tease Perugina, truthfully I do believe you have talent but I'm glad to see you get "Out Of Your Comfort Zone." Leaving the comfort zone is the beginning of growth.

Now, it seems we missed the very beginning of this---so tell us about the size, materials, colors. Did you start your backround wet in wet?

Did you set up this still life or do you have a reference photo?

Tell Tell....

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PERUGINA
Veteran Member
30 minutes from the CBD of beautiful Sydney

Re: The Black Vintage Vase - WIP

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hpthecat... Very cute! 'A pear shaped woman in an elaborate robe.

'I started this yesterday, and I have been working hard at it, as i am not very familiar with what everyone expects of a WIP...

I have started it with my first progress shot after getting stuck into the background, you get so excited that you forget to stop and take a photo.

The size was specified in the first post...as was paper.

'The background' done wet in wet with the following colours;

All paints are ART SPECTRUM

Yellow Ochre

Ultramarine Violet

Permanent Red

Indigo Blue

I set up a still life on the dining table with a very strong halogen light on the left hand side... hence the strong cast shadow of the vase on the right...

I thought this was dramatic as this small little vase has quite a presence and is dramatic in colour per se.

A reference photo was taken as well.'

'The Vase'...

Predominantly Indigo Blue for the body.

Touches of Phthalo Blue for the lighter areas to give the appearance of shine/gloss.

Burnt Sienna for the dinning table reflection as it is brown.

The table this was set on is a very deep brown and because the 'Black Vintage Vase is very glossy, it picks up on all the colours that surround it.

'The Floral Design'...

Yellow Ochre

Burnt Umber for the line work.

It seems as though there is no rhyme or reason in the way i work all over the place... and it probably draws gasps of breath from those of you that are so much more expereinced than me.

Hope i have satsified you with the information so far, not sure what else to include.

If there are any more questions i would be happy to answer these.

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Brian Barnes...good to have you along.

No... I am not comfortable at all... infact i have the 'rexona' working double time!

I have set a goal for myself in that i want to try and paint something that resemble real objects rather than my fantasy ladies that i make up.

I have always been able to draw realistically i feel in graphite, but when it comes to using colour... i am lost!

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Brian Barnes
Immortalized
Kelowna, BC

Re: The Black Vintage Vase - WIP
This is progressing very nicely.

Looks to me that you are quite comfortable with the process.

Lovely vase very realistic and the table top well done too.

I'm curious to know what the other objects are .......... so will be watching with interest.

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painterbear
Moderator
Oakwood, Ohio, near Dayton.

Re: The Black Vintage Vase - WIP
Perugina,Thanks for inviting us along on your exploration.

This is looking really good so far.

That is a lovely vase and you are doing it so well. I like how the red tones emerge from the darks where the light is hitting it.

Check out the lip of the vase toward the back on the right side, it seems to narrow quite a bit in width there compared to the other side.Looking forward to seeing the next stage.

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PERUGINA
Veteran Member
30 minutes from the CBD of beautiful Sydney

Re: The Black Vintage Vase - WIP

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painterbear...hi there Sylvia, nice of you to pop in.

This vase was a must when i decided to set up a still life here in my studio.

I'm glad the red tones appeal... as i mentioned earlier i'm not too good with colour, this exercise has taught me to really look at the colours, in the past i would have just said "the vase is black" having to utilize colour in this exercise has me "really looking!"

I know the lip on the vase is a little skewed to one side.This little vase is not perfectly glazed and the yellow ochre glaze is thicker on one side than the other, so instead of making perfect by altering it in my version i left it as it is IRL.Will post the next instalment tomorrow.

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painterbear
Moderator
Oakwood, Ohio, near Dayton.

Re: The Black Vintage Vase - WIP
Perugina, I learned to really look at what colors were present in an object on day in my art class.

I had a reference for a white flower or something like that and just saw what my mind knew it was. But my art teacher looked at it and said, "I see some brown here, and look at the blue there...." I was amazed because I hadn't noticed all the different colors that she saw and I saw when she pointed them out.

Now I look at things differently.

Try using a punch and make a hole in a piece of your painting paper or even an index card (without stripes).

Then you can move that little hole all over your reference photo or look through it at your subject.

That really concentrates your vision and helps you see better.

Ah, yes, I see about the lip of the vase. The vase is probably hand-made, so it wouldn't be perfect.

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PERUGINA
Veteran Member
30 minutes from the CBD of beautiful Sydney

Re: The Black Vintage Vase - WIP

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painterbear...Hi Sylvia, your information here is great and i am certainly going to try punching a "small hole into a bit of paper" to help me look at the colours in a concentrated area.

I have never heard about doing that, thanks for sharing that tip!

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HarvestMoon
A WC! Legend
Texas

Re: The Black Vintage Vase - WIP
this is simply fantastic!!! wow- blows all the rules about painting black out the window I would say...

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hpthecat
A WetCanvas! Minion!
Puyallup, Washinton. USA

Re: The Black Vintage Vase - WIP
Still following along...I know what you mean about not being able to sleep...I call it "painter's insomnia." The mind becomes so stimulated by the project or the possibilities...it's like...somebody slipped you caffiene pills or something...actually it's really awful because you wake up exhausted--and a "well rested you" is what is good for your painting.

Best Wishes for the finish.

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PERUGINA
Veteran Member
30 minutes from the CBD of beautiful Sydney

Re: The Black Vintage Vase - WIP
Hi there everyone,

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HarvestMoon...I don't know what the rules are for 'painting black!'

Indigo Blue is the predominant colour. I guess with the delicate pattern it makes the vase look light and not so black.

The vase IRL is highly glazed and this will be the challenge... to make it look thick, shiny and glossy... sounds like a hair commercial! Don't mind me I have had next to no sleep thinking about this one and am delirious... speaking of which...

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hpthecat... "painter's insomnia" ugh! Yeah... I got that alright! It's exactly as you have described... that's incredible!

I'm exhausted from thinking about it.

That pattern on the vase has burned onto my retinas!

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painterbear
Moderator
Oakwood, Ohio, near Dayton.

Re: The Black Vintage Vase - WIP
Wonderful finish, Perugina.

I loved when you put the reflection of the shell on the vase. That made such a difference.

This is a really interesting combination of the elements for the still life.

Will comment more on the Gallery post of your beautiful work.

Sylvia

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PERUGINA
Veteran Member
30 minutes from the CBD of beautiful Sydney

Re: The Black Vintage Vase - WIP

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painterbear... Gee Sylvia, thanking you so much for following this.

Yes the reflection I feel really does make the vase.

As for the interesting elements, i suppose you don't see too many vases and shells together... these were the objects i had on hand, the vase is a favourite and it just 'screamed' to be painted, i threw the shells in just because i happen to have lots around.

Thanking you again for your support and your enthusiastic feedback.

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Ted1937
Veteran Member
Newburgh, Lancashire, England

Re: The Black Vintage Vase - WIP
Having just seen this in the Gallery I had to pop over here and take a look and must say I am even more impressed. That mount really sets it off so well.

Wish I could have such control even when I am inside my comfort zone.

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PERUGINA
Veteran Member
30 minutes from the CBD of beautiful Sydney

Join Date: Jul 2007
Posts: 705
Re: The Black Vintage Vase - WIP
Wow Ted, these are compliments indeed... framed it this afternoon and took it to the small seasonal show judged tomorrow... just got it there in time. Control... i guess i took it slowly and really thought about the steps, that explains the sleepless night i had between starting and finishing this off.

Thanks for popping in.

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ARTFULKAY
Senior Member
Washington, DC

Re: The Black Vintage Vase - WIP
That is beautiful.

I have a collection of black Japanese vases that I have been reluctant to do because they are black.

You have inspired me to give it a whirl.

Kay

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PERUGINA
Veteran Member
30 minutes from the CBD of beautiful Sydney

Re: The Black Vintage Vase - WIP

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ARTFULKAY Wow, fancy me inspiring someone...

I am so happy that i have done this...

I will be anxiously waiting to see these beautiful black Japanese vases.

Thanks for stopping by.

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artastic
Lord of the Arts
Regina, Saskatchewan CANADA

Re: The Black Vintage Vase - WIP
I have to add , that this is absolutely marvelous, just found the WIP and enjoyed the process very much.

Very nicely done

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olliewood0702
WC! Guide
Beautiful Mid-Michigan

Re: The Black Vintage Vase - WIP
This is really beautiful!! That vase is very realistic.

Great WIP!!

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Srishti
Senior Member
Yakima, WA

Re: The Black Vintage Vase - WIP
OMG.. I did I miss this!!!

Wow this is wonderfully done Prugina!!!!

I love it!!!

Don't know what else to say! but you did a great job trying to paint something different than your usual!!!

And you came out with flying stars!

Congratulations!!!

Let us know about the judging!

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PERUGINA
Veteran Member
30 minutes from the CBD of beautiful Sydney

Re: The Black Vintage Vase - WIP

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artastic...Thanks for the positive reply, glad you had a read through.

WIP can be very interesting and informative, also makes the painter of the picture really think their process through.

For me painting is not something that i verbalise... having to write about the 'thinking process' is a learning experience also, as this was a valuable learning exercise for me.

Glad i shared it here.

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olliewood0702...thanking you for your positive reply, i'm happy that you find the vase to be 'realistic'

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Srishti...thanking you also for your enthusiastic reply, it was refreshingly challenging from what i normally do, and although exhausted from it, i was glad i stretched myself to explore this style in watercolours.

The whole process from setting up the still life here at home, to painting was an enjoyable one... on to the next... will keep you posted on the judging... i'm just happy that i finished it in time and that i can share it with my other fellow watercolourists in the class and Art Society.

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laudesan
A WC! Legend
Brisbane .. AUSTRALIA.....

Re: The Black Vintage Vase - WIP
I am enjoying watching this painting come together.JJ

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hpthecat
A WetCanvas! Minion!
Puyallup, Washinton. USA

Re: The Black Vintage Vase - WIP
BRAVO! ....a contest worthy piece of "traditional" fine art.

I suspect you will get many many responses to this.

Good luck with the show!!

PS---I like the left flush posting too...a little less formal, more what we have grown acustomed to around here.
Just Paint!

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PERUGINA
Veteran Member
30 minutes from the CBD of beautiful Sydney

Re: The Black Vintage Vase - WIP

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laudesan...happy that you enjoyed it enough to stop by and reply.

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hpthecat...Thanks for your well wishes and high praise.

Comment noted about the 'left flush posting!'

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yayamama
Senior Member
Spanish Fort, Alabama


Re: The Black Vintage Vase - WIP
WOW!! This is absolutly beautiful. A beginner, I think not. You have done such a beautiful job on this painting. You go girl!!!

Marilyn

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PERUGINA
Veteran Member
30 minutes from the CBD of beautiful Sydney

Re: The Black Vintage Vase - WIP
yayamama...Marilyn, thanking you so much for your positive response, you are very kind!

A beginner in many ways and compared to some here, very much out of my deapth.

I live in hope.

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painterbear
Moderator
Oakwood, Ohio, near Dayton.

Re: The Black Vintage Vase
I enjoyed seeing your WIP thread in the Studio on painting this beautiful still life.There are so many lovely elements in it and it adds up to a unified work so well.I really like the colors in the vase and the beautiful design on its surface, the reflection of the shell on both the vase and the table, the cast shadows, and the patterns on the shells.Lovely work.Sylvia

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PERUGINA
Veteran Member
30 minutes from the CBD of beautiful Sydney

Re: The Black Vintage Vase
painterbear... Sylvia, again let me start by thanking you for following my WIP and for your enthusiasm.

Appreciate your comments regarding the elements in this unusual still life.

Guess you don't see to many 'black vases combined with sea shells'... this truely was a challenge and for my preliminary skills in watercolour it was a great learning exercise both in colour and application.

I had fun stretching my self... I have one person to thank. Gene a student in our watercolour class...

Gene, you are an inspiration to us all, your work is justincredible in its detail, as well as inspirational!

Much success to you!

We are privileged having you in our Art Society and in our class.

Thank you for making me strive a little harder and to dive into 'unknown waters!'

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Ted1937
Veteran Member
Newburgh, Lancashire, England

Re: The Black Vintage Vase
Incredible detail and a truly beautiful still life. I am just of to look at the WIP.
Ted

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PERUGINA
Veteran Member
30 minutes from the CBD of beautiful Sydney

Re: The Black Vintage Vase
Thanks Ted1937... I'm glad you like it, so much so that you are off to see the WIP.

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Bob(2)
Immortalized
Central Florida

Re: The Black Vintage Vase
Interesting still life, great contrast and cool detail...

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aura
New Member
Dartmouth Nova Scotia

Re: The Black Vintage Vase
I love that reflection of the shell in the vase. . Thank for doing the WIP too, and take a bow cause you did great. Cheers

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mgthorvaldsen
A WetCanvas! Patron Saint
Long Island

Re: The Black Vintage Vase
HI! Perugina, interesting scale, beautiful vintage vase, like your use of colors for effects and reflections.

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RTi
Veteran Member
Maui

Re: The Black Vintage Vase
This is an interesting mix to paint and you've done a really good job, I really like that rich color in the left top corner.

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Southern Style
A Local Legend
Texas

Re: The Black Vintage Vase
Beautifully painted vase and I love the addition of the seashells!

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roseanna
Senior Member
Eastern, Ontario

Re: The Black Vintage Vase
love your table and background

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PERUGINA
Veteran Member
30 minutes from the CBD of beautiful Sydney

Re: The Black Vintage Vase

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Bob(2)... thanks for your positive comments.aura...thanks for your enthusiasm... as for that 'reflection'...it's probably what i like the best, as it's what makes the vase look shiny. The WIP was interesting by way of having to verbalise your painting steps. I'm glad i shared it.

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mgthorvaldsen...thanks for dropping in, the 'scale' is an interesting one, i played around with a small halogen light in and around the still life until i was happy with the shadows cast by the objects... this part of the process was creative and fun.

Thanks for the comments on 'colour' and 'reflections.'

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RTi...thanks for your positive comments regarding 'mix' of objects.

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Southern Style...thanks for popping in, your comments are appreciated.roseanna...thanks for your comments on the 'table' and 'background'

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HarvestMoon
A WC! Legend
Texas

Re: The Black Vintage Vase
I absolutely LOVE this- and it is so unusual to see someone paint anything black... it is a beautiful painting... it should sell quickly!!!
Linda

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PERUGINA
Veteran Member
30 minutes from the CBD of beautiful Sydney

Re: The Black Vintage Vase
HarvestMoon... thanks Linda for your reply... here's hoping!

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bchlvr
A Local Legend
Virginia

Re: The Black Vintage Vase
Very beautiful!

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PERUGINA
Veteran Member
30 minutes from the CBD of beautiful Sydney

Re: The Black Vintage Vase
bchlvr... thanks Linn for your response.

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mimitabby
A WetCanvas! Minion!
Seattle

Re: The Black Vintage Vase
the other day I couldn't SEE this... I'm back. Oh it's gorgeous!!!!

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T Christensen
A WetCanvas! Minion!
Seattle WA

Re: The Black Vintage Vase
Great job..looks like a tough one....TerryC

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PERUGINA
Veteran Member
30 minutes from the CBD of beautiful Sydney
Re: The Black Vintage Vase

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mimitabby...hi mimi, grazie, keep up your gorgeous work.T

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Christensen...thanks Terry, this one presented quite a few challenges for me, but was a great activity and learnt loads, thanks for the positive response... by the way adore those watercolours of yours!

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Reyma
Immortalized
Belgium

Re: The Black Vintage Vase
Another very beautiful work Perugina. Masterly done.

Marcel

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CWood
A WetCanvas! Minion!
Chesapeake Bay

Re: The Black Vintage Vase
This is a very fine painting all around.

Love it.

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stirling
A WetCanvas! Minion!

Re: The Black Vintage Vase
Really nicely done,love your style,love your paintings.

Thanks for sharing.

Best from mike.

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CharM
A WC! Legend
Chatham, Ontario

Re: The Black Vintage Vase
This is a beautiful still life, Perugina!

All your elements are beautifully done... and there's a quiet harmony about this piece...

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2l84me
Veteran Member
ND

Re: The Black Vintage Vase
Wonderful job on this. I think you deserve a lot of credit for your "stretching exercise"

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mhkeough
A WetCanvas! Minion!

Re: The Black Vintage Vase
Wow. What a joy this painting is, Perugina! I'm off to paint another squirrel, but I have bookmarked your studio thread and look forward to spending a good long time picking over minute details this afternoon. PS. I would seriously consider painting the shells solo. They are exquisite.

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Srishti
Senior Member
Yakima, WA

Re: The Black Vintage Vase
This is wonderful! I wish I could paint as good as you Perugina!

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mmcaloon
WC! Guide
Plano Texas

Re: The Black Vintage Vase
Beautifully done.

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PERUGINA
Veteran Member
30 minutes from the CBD of beautiful Sydney

Re: The Black Vintage Vase
OMG... I've just checked in and i can't believe how many wonderful replies i have received in response to my lastest work... I am so happy that it has prompted you all to stop and reply... thanking you all so very much, it is so encouraging and i appreciate the time you all take.

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Reyma...Marcel you are too kind in your praise.

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CWood...Thank you Carl

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stirling...Mike, hi there... a little out of the 'normal thing' i do, so thanking your for your comment.

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CharM... hi there Char, how've you been, thanks for dropping in. That's a lovely comment to make about having a "quiet harmony". 2l84me... i am so glad that Gene a student in our watercolour class inspired me to jump into these "unknown waters" ... exhausted from trying to "tread water" for i have not learnt to "swim yet!"

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mhkeough...Helene, hi there... thank you so much for having a look at this and taking the time to read through and "pick over the "minute details"... hope that 'lens' on the mircoscope isn't too powerful!... 'The shells are being photographed in all sorts of positions as we speak!' I adore shells and have them peppered throughout the house!Keep those adorable little 'critters' coming! Love them.

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Srishti... Thanking you for that lovely comment... We all improve every day we dip that brush into colour... just make sure you don't dip it into your coffee!

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mmcaloon...Thank you.