Lunar Eclipse
These two paintings are from a series I made showing phases of the lunar eclipse.
For impact they rely upon the contrast between transparent and opaque washes and also the contrast between strong and delicate tones. Technically they were difficult to make: to build up this degree of gradated colour in watercolour demands that several washes should be superimposed upon one another. So to avoid disturbing the paint it is important to choose pigments which stain the paper most permanently. Careful study of the manufacturers colour chart will tell you which pigments stain and with plenty of drying time between washes and with the softest brush and the lightest touch you can flood wash upon wash without the first layers lifting.
Many ancient stones circles were built in alignment to the moon and I love the idea that when we look at a view such as this we are sharing with our ancestors in what is perhaps one of the few unchanged experiences.
October 2nd, 2007 at 12:11 pm
I had the pleasure of seeing these wonderful paintings at the Museum of the History of Science. I was impressed by the powerful depth of colour you have created in your night skies, Rebecca. Your description here gives a real insight into how difficult that process of layering washes really is, and how impressive your recent show really was. As an amateur watercolourist myself, I often end up with chewy lumps of paper ruining my paintings when I try to do superimposed washes like yours!
Thanks!
October 11th, 2007 at 3:23 pm
Really enjoyed the Moonscope exhibition and how the paintings related to the objects in the musuem’s collection, that was fascinating. Also the intensity of the colour in the paintings was really sumptuous and quite surprising (given the medium). The depth of colour contrasted with the luminosity of the moons was beautiful.
October 12th, 2007 at 4:45 pm
I’ve always been a bit obsessed with the moon and its iconography and so I was delighted to be able to visit the Moonscope exhibition in Oxford. I thought the contrast between Russell’s attention to the lunar surface and your rendering of it’s moon’s light and glow was really interesting; the wonderful range of different lunar appearances in your selection of paintings made the show feel very comprehensive. Above all, it did justice to the strangeness of the moon, how bewitching it can be.
I also found the video of your practice really fascinating - and very well made indeed - and so I’ve been interested to your post about watercolour technique.
October 29th, 2007 at 12:22 am
Rebecca’s Moonscape exhibition was inspiring in an artistic and informative way for me. Having the show in the context of the Museum and first Moon drawing was a delight, and added to the magical, majestic, powerful, and enchanting nature of her water-colour’s. The works have left a strong impression in my mind and increased my curiosity of the Moon and Space.
The video at the end was particularly interesting to watch as a way of understanding Rebecca’s approach but also as a beautiful portrait of Rebecca.
June 22nd, 2009 at 1:48 pm
If I can learn how to paint the Eclipse, and that one painting only, I’ll be the happiest old woman in the world.
It’s so gorgeous. Thank you.
nga