Sunday 6 September 2009

My Sneaky Plan

I told you that I had a sneaky plan...this is the result.
I wanted to be able to make a painting of the lake and her reflections, in Trebah Gardens by the light of a silvery moon.
In order to do this I had quite a bit of planning to do, I needed a canoe, a clearing night and of course a full moon. A way to get into the gardens, which I wont divulge, and a bit of nerve. Well I did it, I was extremely careful not to cause any rumpus or damage. I did my memorising trick and made some sketches, got wet, and cold, a bit scared but I got this!

I think it is an accurate depiction of what it was like and having done a few night pictures now I am becoming a fan, there is nothing like not being able to see every detail to sharpen up ones senses.


I think also it has taught me a few lessons, about how to "look" and really observe and absorb what I am trying to paint. The biggest thing is not to make any assumptions, about colour, form, anything. Look as if you have never seen such a thing before and try to catch that, to describe that new thing as well as you can. This is what I shall try to hold true to as long as I paint.

Plus, I have decided, made my choice. For me it is watercolour that holds my heart.

11 comments:

Theresa Evans said...

Wow! These are beautiful! Amazingly atmospheric and a little creepy. I love the watery light of your moonlit sky. Glad you didn't get caught!

Making A Mark said...

Wow! Sneeeeakyyyy!

What a lovely result though - you're obviously going to be a dab hand at night paintings! :)

annie said...

What a beautiful, mysterious (and sneaky) adventure, Sarah. Ghostly flowers reflected in the murky water and, as Theresa says, "the watery light of your moonlit sky."
annie

Jeanette Jobson said...

You daredevil you! But wow...excellent results.

John said...

These are very beautiful. Lovely reflections.

Julie Dunion said...

I can't decide what more amazing the story of how you tackled this or the painting itself! The sky encompasses everything I love about watercolour - it's exquisite.

bettyfromtexas said...

How magnificent!! As I read your description, I actually "heard" your voice as a whisper! This result is a stunning tribute to your tenacity!!! AND, may I say, I am so glad that you have chosen watercolor!!!

vivien said...

fantastic! these are wonderful and you've caught the night so well. It's a fascinating subject and one I get hooked on too.

I sort of see you arriving, a guerilla artist in camouglage paint and gear, paddling silently under the guards eye :>D

Shanna said...

Really, really great work!

Lindsay said...

There is nothing like a little adventure...expecially under the cloak of darkness.

Craig and I snuck into a local botanical gardens by a watery way and got yelled at. (Luckily, not fined!) But I'm game to try it again much later in the day after closing time.

You are right about a canoe being the perfect stealth craft! You can even paddle silently, if you are careful!

RH Carpenter said...

These are absolutely stunning! The darkness pulls me into the painting. I'm never speechless, but these get me close to that feeling :) Makes me want to plan for the next full moon and painting at night.