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Art Day—Grand Cayon Revisited

Last fall, Husband and I took an impromptu trip to the Grand Canyon, and while there, I took this photo of the canyon just as the sun was setting:

This week, I took another look at the photo for watercolor inspiration, and this is what happened:

I'm not wild about the idea of painting from photographs, especially since watercolors lend themselves to depicting surreal views of the world. Without looking at the photo but still having the general color palate in mind (and mixed in front of me), I threw together this 5x7 version of what I recall seeing while standing on the canyon edge:

I think I like the throw-together versions better—ideas more than actual images. What do you prefer?

Comments

savannah said…
the throw together version! i like the idea of a scene as remembered. the photograph is the exact moment! xoxoxo
I love the photo and the watercolor! That is beautiful work -- on both counts. Thanks for sharing this.
Robyn Martins said…
Savannah, as things are remembered is always better.

Thanks, Sean. I'm still learning, but then who isn't.
savannah said…
have to leave a comment vw: boxers have a great weekend, sugar! xoxo
dive said…
Savannah - as always - is spot on, Robyn. You really caught the moment.
Madame DeFarge said…
I like the photo and the thrown together equally for different reasons, but much along the lines Savannah has said.

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