Over the Hill and Far Away, Mark III

Very detailed view and take on the landscape Robert

There's something about properly stretched paper isn't there? It's a joy to work on. I've started using 535 gsm which obviously doesn't need stretching but it doesn't feel quite the same to paint on. Plus, don't you just love that cracking sound when you cut it off the board. lol. Super sky and colour here Robert and I see the little rodent I think!

Ha ha have spotted the rattling in this one. first off I decided I prefer your "Portrait" one with all the odd angles , then had a good look at this....yup, its a winner.

I must need new glasses. I can't find the rat. However, I like the feel in this one. ... just over the hill ....

Look in the foreground, Gudrun. It's the tail that gives him away. I do like to hide him out of sight as much as possible - there are those who wouldn't care to see a prominently displayed furry fiend; can't think why..... What, after all, could be nicer?

Oh, and Louise - yes: there is indeed something about stretched paper... I think I shall be using it a lot more in future: the Fabriano seems a lot easier to stretch than some papers, as well.

An intriguing view, Robert, and it works very well indeed. I like the repetition of undulating shapes throughout the painting, which moves the viewer's eye around.

Robert, forgive my prying into your forum chat ref; 'Rodolfo', try the backwards spelling 'Oflodor', I think it's something to do with an art community...maybe? I don't know cigarsam's I.D. to contact directly. Hope this helps.

Hi Robert [ well I hope this is the right Robert Jones - being a Jones myself I know how many of us are out there!] Just a line to say thank you for introducing me to the fabulous Lupe Velez, never heard of her before but spent an hour with her last night, what a gel and what a sad end, wasn't a heart attack but suicide apparently. Not quite sure how I missed your super gallery, time perhaps [lack off] or Multiple Posters[ too many of those!] anyway I've seen hills like these and I love them - well being Welsh I would !

As you had made a comment on FB that made me laugh I thought that I would browse through your folder. Many excellent works it has to be said, well impressed, figurative, yes it is in the main but the step to abstraction is an easy one to make if you so desired. I love the Fabriano Artistico paper, I always use the 300lb stuff, no stretching of course, and the surface is superb for multiple washes.<br /><br />Love the composition on this one, it would make a good semi-abstract or impressionist work.<br /><br />I&#39;m keeping a low profile at present, I&#39;ve done enough damage with the Tony pic! Great to see your constructive and intelligent comments though, well thought out. Alan

Hallo Alan - well, I wouldn&#39;t say you&#39;d done any damage with your comment: stirring the pot can often be productive!<br /><br />I keep changing my mind about this paper, (Fabriano 140lbs): it&#39;s got very good qualities, it takes well to scrubbing out, lifting out, scratching out: what I&#39;ve got a problem with is actually applying the paint, and trying to counter its very strong tendency to buckle. I ought to take watercolour a bit more seriously than I do - most of mine are one-off experiments rather than thought-out and planned, so I get into a pickle and then throw the kitchen-sink at trying to resolve the problems I&#39;ve lumbered myself with.

Thanks Robert, your work is genuinely very creative and I have just enjoyed looking over some of it. Any paper that is less than 300lb in weight will probably buckle with a decent wash applied, I never use anything else. Arches is another favourite of mine but I detest Bockingford, it&#39;s like blotting paper and lifeless.<br /><br />Just read your Forum blog, excellent, I&#39;ve just posted a two-liner about &#39;The Painter&#39;s Online Mutual Admiration Society&#39;, that won&#39;t go down well with one or two of the ladies...