Thank you for your report!
We have received your report and it is currently under investigation by a forum moderator.
Pearlescent horse - mark making
Welcome to the forum.
Here you can discuss all things art with like-minded artists, join regular painting challenges, ask questions, buy and sell art materials and much more.
Make sure you sign in or register to join the discussions.
Hang on Studio Wall
This is a Studio member-only feature!
Join our Studio membership and save your favourite Painters Online content, from gallery artwork to step-by-step guides, to your own online mood boards. Create your go-to place for inspiration and learning. Plus, members can also enjoy a range of exciting features including monthly art videos and a digital magazine library.
If you are already a Studio member, simply login to your account.
Not a Studio member? Why not try our free 30-day trial - no commitment, no credit card required
Message
Posted
I'm working on this A3 piece using pearlescent watercolour paints. Because it's a head shot and I have large areas of space to fill, I'm trying to concentrate on mark making. I apply the paints very thickly to maintain opacity so layering is limited.
Hopefully you can see that I've layered the top half of the piece but have only done the base layer on the bottom half of the painted section.
Would love to hear your thoughts on mark making with watercolour. 
Posted
Well we generally see more subtle blended washes than actual mark making in watercolour.
I’m predominantly an oil painter and I love to see all forms of mark making, from bold brush strokes to painting knife marks.
But this horses head is looking good, plenty of strong features showing through.
I’m never sure why some artists leave areas untouched, filling in separate sections rather than working on the whole painting, or head in this case!
But it’s obviously working well for you here.
Posted
Thanks Alan, your comments are appreciated :).
It's definitely an unusual approach i'm taking but these paints are unusual in themselves although they are watercolour. I find that they don't have the same effect when doing softer washes. It's also partly why I've done it in sections- it's just easier because of the way the base layer of paint is applied.
Thinking about it (as you raise a very interesting point) another reason is just because for me, I just like seeing finished sections as opposed to a whole piece painted with just a base layer. I cover the whole piece if I'm working in acrylics but that's because I find it works better for the acrylics.
I also find that working in sections helps me to progress the detail and proportions better. Some people do detailed base drawings but I find even then I still change the piece as I go along. It's harder to change the painting in watercolour whereas with oils and acrylics as you will know you can layer and change.
Posted
I'm often amazed at the variety of work, or styles, that can be made with watercolour. I haven't tried pearlescent watercolour but it sounds a very interesting addition to the medium. Many artists I admire work in the manner you have here, bringing sections of the painting 'almost' to a finish before moving on to other areas. I guess there's no 'one way' to paint, and it's down to personal choice. I shall watch your progress with interest, it's looking very good at the moment.