Fantastic Mr. Fox Watercolor piece | Version 1 & Version 2 | KM

Maile McCarthy · 10 Aug 2015, 23:39

Eek. I hate to say this, but I really prefer #1 as well.

There's lot I like in #2. It certainly feels more finished. I like the vibrant colors and the way the texture of the paper really shows up in your scan. The story you tell inside the tree is lovely. Lots of sweet moments happening.

But dang, I love the bad guys. I love the way they relate to each other and to the rest of the image. And I really like the off-set tree. The more centered tree of #2 just doesn't feel as engaging to me.

Either way, there's lots of great stuff going on in both images. I look forward to seeing more of your work.

Leontine · 11 Aug 2015, 14:48

@Kendra Minadeo maybe you can update nr two by adding the bad guys from no 1?

Rob Smith · 11 Aug 2015, 17:05

I like number 1 as well yet there are items in version number 2 that are great as well. The coloring/palette in number 1 is terrific. I feel like there is more of a story in number 1.

Kendra Minadeo · 15 Aug 2015, 01:20

Thank you everyone! All very valid and helpful points! Since the show is tomorrow and the prints are done no changes can be made. Each piece is a lesson learned.

Once again, REALLY appreciate the feedback and will post WIPs sooner to in order to incorporate notes before the paint hits the paper.

Kendra Minadeo · 15 Aug 2015, 01:31

@Steve-Young Glad you like the piece. I'm getting some positive responses on social media so I think it might do well. No one else has really seen the first one so they won't know its "missing" the bad guys.

In terms of the usefulness of computers - I'm moving towards a workflow of:

Doing my concept sketches and color tests digitally
Then printing the finished drawing on watercolor paper
and finally, painting and inking

This alone would save me TONS of time while I hash out all the important points of the drawing and color palette before I introduce the actual paint and ink. Can't wait.

Kimberli Johnson · 15 Aug 2015, 03:02

both are really nice, the colors seem a bit more bold in the second version, but I love the movement of the tree in the first!

They are lovely! I am a sucker for ink and watercolors!

Steve Young · 15 Aug 2015, 03:22

Once you start painting completely digital, you be able to work x5 quick at least. Its worth the effort to try it.

Kendra Minadeo · 15 Aug 2015, 06:41

@Steve-Young I am a bit attached to having an "original painting" for my gallery work, and making prints from that. Though I think I'm game to move to digital for book illustration and painting. But who knows, perhaps I'll get the digital bug and throw out all my paints.

Kimberli Johnson · 15 Aug 2015, 07:06

I went digital for several years and now I have gone back to traditional. The process is more rewarding for me when I work traditionaly but I think knowing how to paint digitally is invaluable these days!

But it is very nice to have an original and at least for me working in water colors is far quicker. but every one is different.

Steve Young · 15 Aug 2015, 15:26

I agree, I love traditional, though digital is so much more productive.

Carey Bowden · 15 Aug 2015, 15:51

@Kendra-Minadeo said:

In terms of the usefulness of computers - I'm moving towards a workflow of:

Doing my concept sketches and color tests digitally

Then printing the finished drawing on watercolor paper

and finally, painting and inking

YES! I've been looking into this, too! I just don't know which printer to get - I know it has to have pigment-based ink to be waterproof, and have a straight-feed to handle heavy paper. I would also want to get one that is wide-format. The issue I'm running into, though, is that if I invest in a nice printer, it should also be able to make prints... and so I keep researching and researching because they are so expensive! This fantastic artist always prints her line work, which does save a lot of time.

Back on topic, though: I love your illustration(s)! What size paper do you use? You have so many great details that show up really nicely. I have a hard time getting detailed on cold-press sometimes.

Maile McCarthy · 18 Aug 2015, 20:22

@Kendra-Minadeo said:

I am a bit attached to having an "original painting" for my gallery work, and making prints from that. Though I think I'm game to move to digital for book illustration and painting. But who knows, perhaps I'll get the digital bug and throw out all my paints.

Do you have access to the SVS classes? There's a really great section in the Painting in Photoshop class with Brooke Boynton. She paints almost entirely traditionally then tweaks things a bit in photoshop. I really enjoyed hearing her perspective, as she paints digitally with a very traditional mindset.

I think you might appreciate her perspective if you ever do decide to move to digital for your illustration work.

Reid Smith · 19 Aug 2015, 01:34

Totally agree with Maile about taking the photoshop class. There are several classes that help from beginner to advanced.

Kendra Minadeo · 22 Aug 2015, 20:32

@Carey-Bowden I bought this printer not long ago on the recommendation from a friend who also does his own prints. I use Epson's Hot Press archival paper for prints and cut down Strathmore 190lb watercolor paper for the originals (OGs). http://www.amazon.com/Epson-Stylus-Inkjet-Printer-CA61201-VM/dp/B002PLQ7LI It was $1100 when I got it. Which turns out to be around .80c a print if I'm doing 5x5s, and $1 for 8x10s. (both are printed on 8.5x11 then cut down)

In terms of details on the OG's I think the crow quill pen and ink really brings them out. I do a lot of little splatters that show up as small dots of color all over the page and that seems to give the piece an organic feel with lots of little details. Give it a try. It's fun.

I tend to work on 5x5s alot but I've been expanding into larger pieces like 8x10s and 11x17 or 11x14.
Hope that helps!

Kendra Minadeo · 22 Aug 2015, 20:34

@Maile-McCarthy Thanks I look forward to her class!