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| Sketchbook study page for Ran's Net Project watercolour and watersoluble pencils ©2025LisaLeQuelenec |
pre-painting sketch...
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| Stage 1 - 4 for A Flick of the Tail 30x30cm mixed media ©2025LisaLeQuelenec |
Stage 1 - tissue paper, calico and a little acrylic medium...just making loose shapes and the gist of the composition.
Stage 2 - pale areas of colour in acrylic.
Stage 3 - building up tones and colours.
Stage 4 - adding more tone, refining edges, flinging and spattering paint. This was the ugly stage where I lived with the painting for a few days. I tried to sneak up on it and take it by surprise but would retreat muttering to myself. I think I had gotten too dark too soon and wanted to bring back some light, I couldn't decide if I needed to make it feel less solid and more gentle/fluid or keep the harsh solidity of stormy water.
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| A Flick of the Tail mixed media on canvas board 30x30cm ©2025LisaLeQuelenec |
I decided to warm things a little and remove some of the contrast. A little more spattering and texture in the paint - I wanted to capture a split second of time - a 'did I just see that?' moment... a playful teasing.
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| At the Brink mixed media 30x30cm ©2025LisaLeQuelenec |
In contrast this piece shows a slightly more feisty side...the literal net is out (fruit netting from a bag of plums adhered to the board with acrylic medium) and ready to capture what it may. This is no playful splash but the brink of something that could become more sinister. I wanted to show the pressure of water about to pound down and a net waiting to engulf and drag off in the back wash.
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| Snippet from a photo of the inside of a mussel shell ©2025LisaLeQuelenec |
The shapes, colours and textures from this little section of a mussel shell interior that has been sat on my desk quietly waited for me to notice it's connection to the painting. It too had been rolled around and most likely pounded by the sea.
A little softening of the contrasts and areas of the wave and the painting is now complete.
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| At the Brink mixed media on canvas board 30x30cm ©2025LisaLeQuelenec |
Working on these two pieces simultaneously allowed them to influence and speak to each other. By sharing base materials, format and palette I hope to portray their connection even though each is an extreme of disposition or emotion. I think this series is going to be a challenge, interesting but a challenge.
Both of these paintings are available in my Etsy store.
