Al Fresco Art Club Challenge: Paint an Album Cover

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My watercolor version of the album art for Vince Guaraldi’s Essential Standards, 2009

Toay’s art club challenge was to look for inspiration in album cover art. I happened to see an impressive black and white photograph on the cover of Vince Guarldi’s Essential Standards (2009). I was impressed with the upward-looking perspective that make his hand and sleeve look gigantic. Guarldi’s marvelous mustache is always charming.

For paint I used Holbein Irodori watercolors. These paints are all semi-opaque, but they don’t hide the ink lines, except for the black, which is almost like India ink.

Digitally colored with Clip Studio Paint

Al Fresco Art Club, Aug 9, 2020: The New Media Challenge

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Today my challenge was to use a new medium. I chose Holbein Irodori Antique watercolors, which I happened to have in my art supply pantry. I’ve had these watercolors for years but never tried them. I was under the impression that they lacked transparency, but I was wrong. When used as a light wash they’re just fine.

In this picture you can see my Pomeranian confronting one of the bucks that roam the streets of Ashland. Look at that guy: big antlers, camoflage pants, wifebeater undershirt, open container, and a really big knife. But Chico was a fearless 8-pound gladiator. Check out that crazy look in his eye.