Middle-earth Journeys

We are talking about HAPPY accidents Iolanthe!!

Riv Res wrote:We are talking about HAPPY accidents Iolanthe!!

That's right - the kind where you leave everything to dry and then think "wow, that looks just like . . . I could . . . . " and end up with a painting completely different to the one you envisaged

I do like those kind of accidents. That's how I found my dragon .

Thank goodness I managed to disguise the ink disaster. Even I have trouble finding it when I look at the original, and I know where it is.

A lot of the fun for me is seeing where events take you. I think I've only ever torn up one painting, and that was because the masking fluid had taken off the surface of the paper It's amazing how often you rectify problems and find they've become opportunities . . . besides, even the paintings which turn out terrible usually teach you something - even if it's only how not to go about things!

Been working on this one...

© Riv Res

Oh! I love it! I particularly like the framework of ruined columns. And the shades of red seem just right to me.

It's lovely, Riv . I like the frame with the columns too (especially the 'ruined' effect at the top) and the tall trees gives it a mediterranean feel.

It's great to come up with landscapes that aren't usually represented .

I love this too, I particularly like your delicate touch with the vegetation, Riv. And the columns are a great choice for a frame!

Iolanthe wrote:I like the frame with the columns too (especially the 'ruined' effect at the top) and the tall trees gives it a mediterranean feel.

It's great to come up with landscapes that aren't usually represented .

Remember...the Gardens of Ithilien were in South Ithilien where Faramir and Eowyn took up residence when he was made Prince of Ithilien by Elessar. I thought a more southernly look might work.

This is the first painting I have done where the sponge was my predominent tool.

I wondered why it has a different look, RR. I think it is a successful technique for plants. It looks like there are some chives in the border--perfect for Ithilien. (The chives have been the first thing to come up in my garden this spring!)

Hey, I just had an idea! You could add a little rabbit somewhere: it would remind people of 'Herbs and Stewed Rabbit' as well as RRA!

This is just lovely, Riv.

Have you considered doing the gardens of the Houses of Healing? They sound so wonderful in the Professor's book -- a place for rest and recuperation, as well as a source of fresh medicinal herbs for the healers.

Lindariel wrote:Have you considered doing the gardens of the Houses of Healing? They sound so wonderful in the Professor's book -- a place for rest and recuperation, as well as a source of fresh medicinal herbs for the healers.

Yes...that is on my list.

Riv Res wrote:This is the first painting I have done where the sponge was my predominent tool.

Is this a technique from your latest watercolour class, Riv?

Not really, Iolanthe. The technique was taught early on last year, but I never tried it wholesale before...only dabbled in it. Our instructor brought a piece (landscape) that she had done where she used a lot of it and the results were good. So, with this one I decided to use it extensively. Even the flowers and leaves on the pillars are done with sponge and outlined with ink.

It works really well, Riv. Interesting to see how paint can be added using a sponge (I generally use them for taking out rather than putting in!!). Did you use the same technique for putting the shrubs and foliage in at the back of the picture? I love the effect!