A little color

After trimming some of the unwanted lines from the block this morning I started in earnest to use watercolors to add color to the lotus woodblock print. At first I used a very light wash as the base. I found however my thoughts leaned towards a much bolder outcome. Perhaps it was because the black ink was so stark with the lighter wash I had added that I knew the print could take much louder colorations.

For my first attempt I don't think it came out all that bad. I'm not totally convinced it is completed though I am always hesitant to go to far and over the top. You know the secret of knowing when to stop I suppose when you are more proficient an artist.

The beauty of woodblocks is you can produce more than one of them. While working today I thought I'd try another medium with this particular block tomorrow. Bold pastels may look like a good contrast to the black lines too. The blending colors would be most effective on this piece.