Weeds- the value of values

Weeds   Watercolor   21 x 13

I am a value painter above all.  For me, values tell the story and lead the eye around the painring.  Yes, I use color....but I am aware that color further complicates the work, especially when one is married to the scene or the reference before you.  As I enjoy a limited palette and a careful evaluation of color harmony, it seems that those works require much much much more time and thought. 

Values get to the nitty gritty of what I am trying to say  A warm brown does the trick, as it has a dark innate value and the dilution of the pigment can create a multitude of values.  Of course, in order to pursue this aim, it is necessary for the reference or the scene before you to have a wide range of values, including the most important sparkling whites.  (In fact, I often push the value scale up to the lights in order to create more lights)  This reference photo was taken when the sunlight was strong....before 10 in the morning.

This work tells my story of pulling weeds so very completely.  I am pleased.

Cottontail - what's not to love?

Cottontail   oil/canvas   12 x 12 x .5

 Our grandchildren frequently ask about our favorite animals. (along with colors, and flavors of ice cream). For some unknown reason, W., age 3 has loved giraffes for seemingly years and can frequently be seen  wearing a giraffe costume.  R., age 5, will tell you that her recent favorite creature is axoloti, the Mexican walking fish.  

Mine is, and always has been, the rabbit.  Come spring, when I see rabbits in our yard, I feel that all is right with the world.  They represent new beginnings and the rebirth of nature.  I have painted them a few times.

Below is the one from last year.  

Cottontail is available at Hudson Fine Art and Framing in Hudson, Ohio.