Monday 4 April 2011

A lesson in gouache from Martin


I've been the recipient of a wonderful example from Martin of how to work outside in gouache despite adverse weather conditions. I follow Martin's Blog regularly in the hope of learning more about using this medium. Seeing his working process step by step there and reading about his struggles to get his wet works home when the rain is still pouring is a great source of inspiration. Knowing that, I'm amazed at the quality of this postcard - and also that it travelled all the way from Germany uncovered and unscathed.

I love the expressive limited palette which creates the atmosphere and the composition Martin has chosen. Thank you for this Martin. I'm going to learn a lot by having it on my wall as a reminder of how gouache can be used whatever the weather.

I love the reverse of Martin's card too with it's paint spatters!

13 comments:

Robyn Sinclair said...

Not surprised you are so happy, Bridget - this is gorgeous. Martin always manages to make his gouache look so organic. The subtle colours and the beautiful muted depth of this painting are something I could spend hours studying, if had been the lucky person to receive this postcard.

vivien said...

oh gorgeous! so moody, you are lucky!

Cathy Gatland said...

Full of atmosphere and weather, Martin is fearless agaist the elements - love the evidence of a busy studio on the reverse side!

Charlene Brown said...

The effects created here by Martin, the weather, and the medium itself are even more intriguing (and a little less ominous) in the enlarged version. Thank you Bridget for showing us the equaling appealing 'business' side of the card.

Elva Paulson said...

ARt is at its best when it captures the mood of the moment. This is a wonderful example!

Papierflieger said...

Actually the sketch is in Schmincke water colours and some other brand paynes grey. I did it on etching paper from Crown point press and glued that piece to a gouache and wall paint covered piece of card board. I have experimented on the backside with some spray to fixate the water soluble gouache and found out that the smell was like an ordinary silicon shoe spray!

In future I will not buy expensive fixativ sprays anymore;).

Albrecht Rissler said...

Again, Martin has made ​​a very atmospheric postcard.
When I see his work, I always think of a very well illustrated book.
This watercolor suggests a mysterious story behind it.
Congratulations to the happy owner. Super Martin!
Now I know what I'll do with the many spray bottles in the shoe closet.

Desiree's Designs said...

Another card so full of atmosphere and darkness. There is such a gothic feel to your paintings as though they should be on the cover of a murder mystery or advertising a haunted house. I love the mystery that seems to surround them! Awesome

Africantapestry and Myfrenchkitchen said...

great posting of MArtin's postcard Bridget.
A wonderful, atmospheric gouache painting with such a limited palette...beautifu MArtin!
Ronelle

Pat said...

Beautiful and masterful watercolor. I agree that it does tell a story of mystery and intrigue.

Alison Staite said...

Great composition Martin and i like the slight dribbles running down along the bottom..... could almost be blood.....! :o)

Making A Mark said...

I love the way Martin's postcards always look like they're now ready to be mounted and displayed in an exhibition!

Felicity Grace said...

A very atmospheric card, really strong and bold! I love the back too, it seems to have captured the atmosphere and industry of the artist's studio!