Trying Bigger Things

Gosh, doing large scale watercolour pictures, like the one above, is tough. Lot of elements to go wrong. I usually just start in a spot and begin drawing things. Then apply colour wherever, according to an image I have in my head. Like writing a novel, the bigger the picture, the harder it is to keep in there. So, you need aids, such as a colour study (maybe a more limited palette), thumbnails, reference photos, practice and knowledge. Just winging it, for me, with my particular level of talent, doesn't always work.

And these things take a long time! Still, I call it a learning experience. I could do nothing from now on but cute pussy cats, and small drawings with black outlines, and be more technically successful and appealing. But I get bored doing just one thing. Want to branch out, try difficult things. Challenges. So, that means a lot of potential falling on one's face. What the heck. I wonder where I'd be if I went to an illustration school, or did only this, and not the writing? Despite a lot of self-criticism, I'm happy with the abilities I've got.

Here are what are to me more successful, and charming images: tough guys, and a horsie.