Tree Study #11

© Robin Edmundson, 'Tree Study #11', watercolor, 12 x 9 inches.

After spending a lot of time struggling with getting the feeling of Indiana spring on paper, I was relieved to take a break and do another tree study.   Diox violet, cobalt turq lt, quin bt orange, new gamboge.    The photo does not do justice to the dark areas in the leaves where the violet meets the bt orange and turquoise.   Gorgeous.

Tree Study #10

© Robin Edmundson, 'Tree Study #10', watercolor, 12 x 9 inches.

I took a break from the frustration of trying to paint Indiana spring woods to paint more of the tree studies.   Indigo, Winsor orange, permanent alizarin crimson, sap green.  I wasn't sure about this one at first, but it's growing on me.

Tree Study #9

© Robin Edmundson, 'Tree Study #9', watercolor, 12 x 9 inches

Another fun tree study!   Framed in a conservation quality white mat, white frame.  22 x 18 inches.  $150
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Tree Study #8

© Robin Edmundson, 'Tree Study #8', watercolor, 12 x 9 inches

I've done a few more color studies and I'm in love with the twisty trunk on this one.   Framed, 22 x 18 inches.    Conservation quality white mat in a white frame.   $150.

Tree Study #4

Another tree study.   I like this one.  It has character.

Colors:  Fr. ultramarine blue, viridian, new gamboge, quin magenta, quin bt orange.

Aside from the color harmony learning, I'm having fun exploring a more minimal technique of suggestion.  It's hard for me to keep a light hand, and I need more practice.

Tree Study #3

© Robin Edmundson, 'Color study: tree', watercolor, 12 x 9 inches

Another fun tree/color study.   This time it reminded me of spring cherry trees, so I put fallen flowers on the ground.

Colors:  viridian, hansa yellow, quin magenta, bt umber, cobalt.

Color Study Trees

I've been doing some of these color studies on tree forms and I have to tell you that I'm in love with the whole process.  

My color wheels live on my studio desk and the first thing I do is grab one and pull out a color shape - triad, square, rectangle... and do a sample card with the colors.  

Then I look at the tree and decide which color to use as my darkest value and which for my lightest and plan my shapes around that.

So. Much. Fun.

As I finish more I'll post.   The colors I used here are: quin burnt orange, viridian, French ultramarine blue, new gamboge.



If you're interested in color theory and want to learn more, I can help you out.   My calendar has a list of the color and dyeing classes I'm teaching this year.  I've got a 3-day color workshop in April and a half day color harmonies class in May.   You can register and pay right from my new website's shop.  There's a significant discount if you register early.   Email me if you have questions.