Fearless Friday, “Jewel”

Today we’re going to paint a “jewel”
the final prompt for World Watercolor Month July 2021

The most important lesson you can learn
is that when you are drawing or painting,
break down your subject into shapes,
pick a start point and interpret the subject shape by shape
This makes a complicated subject much less scary!

This is the inspiration photo I used from Pixabay
For complex subjects I start with a light pencil sketch
I applied frisket {liquid masking} to the areas I wanted to keep white
I began with the gold casing, using a light yellow
and then light and slightly dark yellow orchre washes

Next dark brown


I began filling in the rest with Quinicridone Gold washes
I highly recommend this color, it is so versatile,
it ranges from a beautiful yellow to a rich brown
depending on how much water is added

I smeared some by accident on the lower left corner
so I used a fat brush and water to lift out as much as I could
and turn the remaining into a shadow

For the blue jewel I painted in the lightest areas first,
using the reference photo to guide me

Next came the darker blues

I removed the frisket and painted the top middle square with pale yellow

I decided to detail this diamond encrusted area with a fine liner pen
and then proceeded to outline the rest of the painting
“Jewel” 5″ x “6 watercolor and ink on 140 cold press

The final week of the July watercolor challenge:
“Weathered” “Lost” in Paradise

“Focused” “Camouflage”
“Instrument” “Carefree”

“Feathered” “Jewel”
I enjoyed the challenge, but it’s hard to keep up!
I had fun trying new things,
but I am going to take a break,
play, and not be on a schedule!

Have fun and Be Fearless!
I will be joining these fabulous parties and blogs:
Sundays on Silverado Love Your Creativity
Between Naps on the Porch, Celebrate Your Story,
All About Home/ Common Ground Follow the Yellow Brick Home
Tasty Tuesday Oh My Heartsie Girl Turn About Tuesday
Full Plate Thursday Centerpiece Wednesday Creative Crafts
Jenna, the blue jewel (blue topaz??) is beautiful. I love all of your July watercolors, such fun to see your process. Happy Friday!
Thank you Pam, stay cool this weekend if you can!
That’s a beautiful piece of jewel! Blue and gold are really nice together.
Thank you Angie!
I love following your painting. This one is amazing. I can greatly appreciate your art even though I don’t draw or paint.
Thanks so much Nancy, much appreciated 💕
“Titanic” immediately came to mind!😁 Like Rose did, though, we won’t toss this one overboard! Beautiful!!!! Your talent is just WILD!!!!!!!!!! I can barely sign my name without a misstep, but you just get in there and create gorgeousness from top to bottom! Have a great weekend!
Thanks so much Alycia!
What a whirlwind challenge! Not only are the finished products extraordinary, but I LOVE your interpretation choices for the individual projects. I would never have thought to interpret “focused” with the precise pouring of a precious teapot into a cup! You are amazing, Jenna. Thank you for sharing your imagination and talent. It’s been a real joy
Rosie, you are always so sweet! Interpreting the prompts was a challenge, but that was part of the fun…I really appreciate you taking the time to look, notice and comment!
You nailed it! Well done on the challenge!
Thanks Jeanie!
Beautiful, Jenna!! I agree, quin gold is a wonderful color. Great job with the World Watercolor challenge.
Thanks so much Patty Anne!
Looks very real, great job Jenna! I loved Blue Topaz. 😉
Thank you Cyndi!
Absolutely gorgeous! You really captured the uniqueness of this jewel. I had to smile at the beachball, reminds me so much of our family playing at the beach. Jeanna, enjoy your down time with no schedule, you deserve it………
Thanks Emily, I’m not exactly overworked 😂 but the daily challenge was harder than it sounds!
Love it Jenna! I bet you are ready for a break though. 😉
Thanks Mary!
Jenna, you are the jewel 🙂
Hugs,
RR