I was a bit stumped when I thought of creating this portrait of my friend Claire's adorable cats Pumpkin and Pieface. It is difficult to make black fur look as lustrous and lovely as it is in real life.
But then inspiration hit! The time was right to take a virgin flight with my Sumi-E Japanese watercolors. I am always looking for bright, vivid watercolors and I was so excited to find these! What is Sumi-E? I found out that "Sumi" means "black ink" and "e" means both "path" and "painting."
I also used a Japanese watercolor paper that is specifically for Sumi–e painting. This very absorbent paper is ideal for "freestyle" brush painting, a simple yet highly aesthetic drawing made of powerful, mostly chasing and rapidly executed lines.
One day I may well try Japanese painting although you need special brushes. In the meantime I just used a regular brush and put a bright background where the highlights of the cats' fur was and then when it was dry overlaid it with opaque black. My friend was delighted with it!
Have you ever tried Japanese watercolors and how did you like them? I was very pleased with their intense colors.
One day I may well try Japanese painting although you need special brushes. In the meantime I just used a regular brush and put a bright background where the highlights of the cats' fur was and then when it was dry overlaid it with opaque black. My friend was delighted with it!
Have you ever tried Japanese watercolors and how did you like them? I was very pleased with their intense colors.
Linking up with Pet Parade and Paint Party Friday
Stay warm and do check out my new Fine Art America store!!
Wow! this is impressive. I have never heard of Sumi watercolors although I believe my husband brought home from Japan once some black, dry ink called Sumi. I have no idea where it disappeared to. I love the bright colors you got in the cats' portrait. Very pretty. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you.
ReplyDeleteSimply beautiful! Valerie
ReplyDeleteWhat a delightful picture, you've really captured the way cats snuggle together. I could almost reach out and stroke their fur. How fascinating about these paints, I've never come across them.
ReplyDeleteI have never tried Japanese painting. It looks such a beautiful technique with those rich colours and unusual brushes. Black cats are so difficult. I have owned two and never successfully painted them. Your painting is wonderful. You are very talented Xxxx
ReplyDeleteWhat delightful kitties, just love the colour in them! I had some sumi watercolours years ago. Yes the colours were intense. Loved them. You have remindeded me that I have a roll of rice paper waitin g to be painted on.
ReplyDeleteI'm totally stuck on the names of the kitties - pumpkin and pieface - how cute is that! I love the painting of them are curled together. So sweet.
ReplyDeleteThe painting is stunning... I just spent ten minutes searching for where I can get some sumi watercolours here so i can try them... I love intense colours and these look amazing...xx
ReplyDeleteI think that idea is brilliant!!! It is completely gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteLove your kitty painting. I really like the colors, in a way better than the real black. Its refreshing...thanks for stopping by my blog and your nice comment.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderfully captured cat, beautiful water-colour painting, happy PPF!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful. Love the colors
ReplyDeleteI did not realize that Sumii E came in colors. Nor that Japanese paper might be the just right thing to use with them. Your black cat is captivating. I am partial to the expressive style you used.
ReplyDeleteI have not tried them, your painting looks so beautiful, makes the kitties look artistic hehehe
ReplyDeleteWow this is a terrific painting and a lot more interesting with all the colour!!
ReplyDeleteHugs Giggles
Fantastic artwork!
ReplyDelete-Barb
Clever! The thing about black cats is that they can be a kaleidoscope of colour if your look carefully. I love this x
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful piece!
ReplyDeleteGorgeous piece! I have never heard of it, but thank you! You have just given me the perfect (late) Christmas Gift for my niece!
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