Ripley and Shadows – Daily Painting

Now that spring is here, Ripley spends more time outside in her doghouse than under my feet in my studio. I miss the company but I can understand the call of fresh air, birdsong and the opportunity to bark at the gardeners when they visit our neighbor’s house.

I did this quick painting yesterday as an exercise in negative painting and patterning. My objective was to describe Ripley’s shape by using dark background shapes. My other objective was to use more linked shapes rather than painting separate things. For example, her chin blends into her collar and her flank color blends into her chest.

Ripley sez: Did you miss me?

Comments

1. 

   Casey
   April 3, 2007

   This really worked out beautifully!

2. 

   Jo Castillo
   April 3, 2007

   Karen,
   Good job. I like your connections.
   Jo

3. 

   Don West
   April 3, 2007

   Nice job Karen! Give Ripleya pat on the head for me and tell her yes, I do miss her.

4. 

   Don West
   April 3, 2007

   Nice job Karen! Give Ripley a pat on the head for me and tell her yes, I do miss her.

5. 

   mARTa
   April 3, 2007

   What a wonderful watercolor. With very little you said so much! I greatly admire your work!

6. 

   teric
   April 4, 2007

   I wondered where Ripley was. He’s been absent way too long. Great job on him!

7. 

   Annie
   April 4, 2007

   Yes, Ripley, I missed you!

   Negative spaces is still beyond me but I love the effects and hope to learn it– and all those shapes flowed together and sure enough look like our Ripley.

8. 

   Ronell
   April 4, 2007

   I hope I’m leaving the right comment with the right picture here..? This one is for the beauty, Ripley…I just love her…so beautifully done!!
   Well done, Karen.
   ronell

9. 

   Christeen
   April 4, 2007

   What a great excersize to challenge yourself- and what a great pooch! I just love it

10. 

    jules
    April 5, 2007

    Oh KAren, ripley is gorgeous. I love the bright, bright light in this.

11. 

    Emma Pod
    April 5, 2007

    The colors you used are really pretty and I love all the white space. It’s a great painting. And a nice dog too!

12. 

    Kate (Cathy) Johnson
    April 5, 2007

    Dear old Ripley–Y ES!!!

13. 

    Jana Bouc
    April 5, 2007

    Wonderful! I’m so glad you described your goals with this piece. I can see how they contribute to the success of the painting.

14. 

    Marilyn
    April 6, 2007

    Ripley is so lovable looking. I admire your talent, particulary with watercolors.