Written by I’m participating in #DrawingAugust on Twitter so I needed a sketch for today. Since I still have France on the brain I opted for the Arc de Triomphe. I liked the quick sketch and so I posted it (you can see it here). I didn’t want to mess it up, but I was determined to doodlewash it and see what happened. This is what happened!
This particular monument is prettiest just as the sun sets and since I haven’t really tried a scene in the evening, I wanted to see if I could pull it off. I kind of liked the dramatic effect and got to really test out my new color – Quinacridone Gold. It’s my first of the higher end artists watercolours from Winsor and Newton. Not because I think I’m ready to upgrade, but because they just don’t have that color in my go to, value-priced Cotman collection.
I love Quinacridone Gold because it’s almost like having multiple colors in one from pale yellow, to brass, to reddish brown depending on how it is mixed and applied. Or at least, that’s what happens when I use it. No idea really if that’s supposed to happen or not, but it’s pretty cool!
Wow–congrats. That is stunning. Great variations of color on the arch itself. The sky–what a blend of blues and greens and others. I like how the arch seem so “in-focus” because of the way you’ve lit it. Great drawing.
Thanks do much Kirk!! I was sort of worried when I started because I hadn’t doing any night lighting before. Sooo glad you think it worked!! 🙂
Very nice! I’ve also been moving from cotman to w&n artists – mostly just the colours you can’t get in cotman but occasionally I treat myself to an artist version of a staple colour 🙂
Hehe…they say that each time you run out of a color, you should invest in the artists version to replace it. So it doesn’t seem as costly and then slowly you’ve upgraded. I forgot who “they” are, but anything that justifies our urges is always good advice! 😉
Stunning, I agree! Well done!! I’m going to suggest M Graham paint for a more vibrant, juicier, less expensive alternative. Love that stuff! Although in Europe, maybe WN is less expensive. It’s crazy over here. Anyway, love your painting, Charlie!
Thank you so much Laura!!!! I’ll check out M Graham, but won’t be able to spend money to buy more paints again until I run out. Hehe… unless you promise not to tell Philippe. 😉 Oh wait…he can see this…
LOL :))) I’m addicted to DickBlick.com, so I understand!
Love Dick Blick! Hehe… And it’s helpful that he is into this as well (Philippe, not Dick… don’t actually know him) and even more helpful that we have a Dick Blick store down the road from our house. 😉
Nice!! Bonus!!
C’est magnifique! Such a ‘wow’ factor, beautifully done. Quinacridone Gold is one of my favorites, a permanent fixture in my palette and often used in mixing colors, (though I use Daniel Smith’s version). I also use a variety of paints from different companies, including M.Graham who uses honey in their paints which helps to keep them juicy and long lasting, especially in warmer climates like my area. Cheap Joe’s is another art supplier with really good prices and some fantastic sales throughout the year. (Sorry, could not resist throwing in my two cents. lol)
Thanks Hainini!! We take all the cents we can get here at Doodlewash! Just starting out and wanting to learn everything!! Hehe That’s great info… Love Cheap Joe’s… the little travel palette I use is from there. I’m determined to slowly start upgrading my colors. It’s addictive when you get a new better one and realize the difference!! 😊
I’ve heard good things about Daniel Smith’s too! I bought one and haven’t yet used the color. I like a juicy, vibrant pigment. Quin gold is also a favorite. 💛
Okay…you two are going to get me into trouble. I’m now craving new paints!! I want them all!!! LOL
Lol! :))) Oh, I’m glad there are no Dick Blick’s near me……. hehe.
It’s both a blessing and a curse… 😉
Just the smell would be enough for me to empty my wallet….kinda like bookstores.
Everyone now and then I see a piece that makes me stop in wonder. This one is one of those! LOVE the colors, the lighting, the memories in invokes. Really wonderful, Charlie!
Aww thank you Deb so much!!!! What a wonderful thing to say! I’m missing Paris quite a lot these days… we haven’t been back in a year and a half. Trying to bring it back in my sketches. 😊
Great post! So beautiful- it makes me feel like I’m really there. Love your blog 🙂
Rachel
http://iridescentdays.wordpress.com/
Thanks Rachel!! Appreciate it! I can’t wait to go back. Just checked out your blog! Nice! 🙂
Thank you! 🙂
….I do love this one very much. It reminds me of the illustrations in the children’s books about ‘Madeline’ (from the 50s)
Thanks Lance!!! When I was a kid I always thought it would be cool to illustrate children’s books. 😉 Maybe one day still will!