Color versus Black&White

They say the watercolors are all about water and colors so I painted this Autumn woodland with water and all colors of the rainbow. The scene is a place from my imagination. 

I like vibrant colors - they make me happy. On the other hand I can feel that this picture is too colorful and because of that not real. What is the point of painting real images? We can see them all around. Lately I'm asking myself a question which road should I go - realism or abstract? Is it possible to jump back and forth these two roads? 

Immediately after paining "crazy colors" I have to draw black & white. Simple drawings calm my state of being. It is right what they say about "art" that it is all about emotions. 

Frosty Birches

I think my little kitty is buying this one.
This simple watercolor sketch was done with two colors only. Ultramarine blue and yellow ocher. 

Tree BranchTriptych

This is my latest project - simple oil/latex painting

If you'd like to create similar painting this is the list of materials I used:

BEHR "Mushroom Bisque" latex paint for the wall

and 3 canvas 24" x 48"

Background colors:

"Crumb Cookie" Olympic latex  (or you can use any white paint)

"Caruso" Olympic latex (or any light beige you've got)

"Cellini Gold" BEHR latex (or pale yellow)

"Mushroom Bisque" BEHR latex (the same paint that I used for the wall)

2" flat brush

For the background you can try your own combination of colors. Lowes and Home Depot have a nice selection of sample colors in small containers. Try to keep your background light and muted so the branch stands out.

Branch:

Van Dyke brown - I used Bob Ross oil paint but you can use any dark brown paint

Midnight Black - Bob Ross oil paint but again you can use any black for brunch shady parts

"Cellini Gold" BEHR latex for highlights

Paint thinner

1.5" and 0.5" flat brushes

YouTube speed painting

Winter Charm

Mmmm, the cake looks so tasty that I can eat it. 

Morning Light