Watercolor Bliss: Just Paint A Group Of Gestures

I took my brush and quickly added some loosely formed shapes.

I was using leftover paint and applying it to the back of a mixed media wall art piece.  I usually finish my backs with a painting, collage or something else creative.

I had not planned this painting, but since the backs are just practice and generally will not be seen, I played around.

Notice how with just a few, simple shapes you can suggest persons in various poses?  Notice the lack of detail in the necks, hands and feet?

If you think about it you will realize that you are assuming what their precise gestures are based on my crude shapes.

Some of my most satisfying work is that which is done with abandon, freedom and inhibition.  I wouldn't be surprised if the person who buys this piece displays this back side from time to time.

Watercolor Bliss: Painting People

Just think about the fact that when we observe people from a distance, we don't see their necks.  The eye fills them in.
We also generally don't see ankles or socks at the end of the pant leg or long skirt.  The eye fills them in too.

It's similar to the eye combining two colors that are adjacent, and causing you to see the third or tertiary color.

The most realistic watercolor painting of people is done when relatively shapeless spots of color are combined to suggest a gesture.

Keep these simple tips in mind and you will paint pictures that feature people similar to the two in my detail above...and not like my detail below.

I've been studying my watercolor books for a long time and I've come a long way in my handling of this crisp, vibrant medium.  So can you.

When I understood, my skill increased.  I lightly scraped off this little glorified stick fellow and insinuated the couple.

I love watercolors.  They are transparent, crisp and lively.