Ohh, these were such fun to paint. I used my Schmincke palette to paint them. Yes, the warthogs were a little intricate to paint, layer upon layer, getting the shadows below the warts to show up. But they were ridiculously fun and who wouldn’t love to introduce a couple of warthogs??
How I painted those Warts
I mixed up a watery shadow color, making a kind of yellow ochre color that leaned a little toward a shadow green then started layering over and over. I was just slightly darkening every time. After the warts, it’s time for overall color since the shadows are done. I used a lemony for the highlight area, more new gamboge for the darker parts. The orange gourd is treated similarly with watery burnt sienna/orange colors. Notice that the shadows beneath the warthogs are shaded two different colors because of the reflection of each gourd in the shadow. Also, I used green shadows against the orange gourd just like the shadow under the yellow one. It’s all about REALLY SEEING your subject, shadows have colors every time.
Did you know you can still purchase my Schmincke palette??
I KNOW. I was surprised too. My friend Alice went trolling the internet to see if there was any vendor who still had some. She found them at Rooster Art Supply. I have no idea how many would be left. Don’t miss out now if you want one. If you’d like to read all about the palette, go here. I did a huge number of blog posts and paintings using the palette.
I’m using the rainbow tin now as my main palette and I’ve just filled it with Da Vinci paints, lol. Both kinds of paint are excellent but if you don’t buy Schmincke in a tin like this (that is encouraging beginners to try good artist grade paint- I love that!), then Schmincke is expensive. SO worth it but I also LOVE Da Vinci. They just paint out beautifully for me too and they’re so inexpensive. It’s too bad they’re not better known. Look for a new post all about my new palette coming soon.
The Paper I Used:
Oh, and I don’t want to forget. The Warthogs were done on Hahnemühle Harmony Rough paper. It’s alpha-cellulose based, natural white, 140lb and surface sized. I was thrilled at how it painted out. I actually loved the rough texture and was pleasantly surprised how good this paper functioned. It’s a great price too. Harmony is the only brand that comes in all three finishes (HP, CP & Rough) in a spiral pad. So if you want rough watercolor paper in a spiral pad, this is your paper!
I’ll be back soon with more art.
Jean Marmo
THese guys are just so cool. You really succeeded with the warts and shadows!
sandra strait
These are absolutely gorgeous, Jenn! You have such an eye for the fine gradations in value.
Tracy
I love the gourds! I had so much fun last fall picking out gourds at the grocery store – they are fun to do. I have to admit I avoided the WARTIEST ones though – a bit intimidating facing warts on warts on warts lol!
Little Wandering Wren
Love your warthogs!
Wren x
Dawn
I love your Warthogs! They are beautifully done!
Susan
So well done, Jenn! You are a master of shadows….. 😉
Jennifer Rose
love the colour and the bumpy texture is nicely done 🙂
Brenda Abbott
They look so awesome!
Linda Kunsman
this painting is amazing- so very real looking!!! I am in awe of your artistic skills Jenn.