Coloring between the lines
I decided, what the heck, starting a new technique requires a little boldness. what’s the worst that could happen? Maybe it would end up in the circular file, but I’ve finally realized that that is okay. If nothing ever ends up there, you aren’t growing in the work.
According to the teaching video I watched, you are supposed to be able to spritz the picture lightly to fix the lines that weren’t touched when the initial water brushwork was done. Somehow, I couldn’t manage it properly and the inked lines still flowed. I ended up just going with it, coloring between the lines, almost like in a coloring book. I didn’t get too freaked out when I inevitably went too close and the ink ran, but I did try to minimize it and then remove what extra flow I could.
I like it and I don’t. I’m just going to have to let it sit for a while and decide later. It does have a little bit of the feel of a coloring book, but not necessarily in a bad way. I probably just need to experiment more and not get myself stuck.
Ruth's Artwork 
Jun 26, 2015 @ 13:34:25
I like it. It’s coming alive now. Risky business, though, I can understand your hesitance. 🙂
Jun 26, 2015 @ 15:21:32
Thanks. It does feel incredibly risky since I have never done it before. Still, without taking risks, it’s always the same ol’ same ol’. I think this technique it going to take a lot of exploring to find out its possibilities. I already have the next photo picked out.
Jun 26, 2015 @ 13:37:49
I think it’s lovely with the color. Gives it depth.
Jun 26, 2015 @ 15:22:15
Yes, it is more subtle when you look at the real thing instead of the photo.
Jun 27, 2015 @ 14:22:42
Really nice! Definitely a new style for you and a very successful result!
Jun 27, 2015 @ 17:53:40
Thanks. I need to really experiment with it , though.
Jun 27, 2015 @ 20:56:14
I still love it! I think it would have been fun to have some of the lines bleed into the sky too. I especially like the foliage going up the right side.
I look forward to more experiments. 🙂
Jun 27, 2015 @ 21:39:27
I debated on the sky myself. I wasn’t bold enough to try it on this one.
Jul 05, 2015 @ 12:17:54
I figure this is going take some time to get comfortable with, especially the continued bleeding. We will get better over time with the spritzing, Ruth. I think the key might be economy of line combined with brilliant and somewhat impressionistic use of color. Excellent!
Jul 05, 2015 @ 16:29:50
I think you are right. I hem an haw over putting in sky values, but I’m not quite bold enough to risk the whole drawing yet. I’m too happy with the first one turned out like. Maybe one where I’m less invested, so it feels less risky. LOL