Bourbon St. by Michelle Christina in Dover, New Hampshire.
Christina captured Bourbon St. in New Orleans with this “quick watercolor study” in a very fun way. I appreciate that she decided to show the reference photo directly next to her work.
This piece is interesting to me because there are very big differences between her painting and the reference photo – but that it doesn’t matter. Sometimes when I’m using a reference photo I rely on it too much instead of relying on what feels right for the piece. You’ll notice some of the signs are missing. Others are added. The buildings on the left side of the street do not look the same as those in the photo. But all of that is OK. The painting is weighted well, it is interesting – and, of course, this is only a study.
This reminds me to let go a little and just have fun. Getting everything exactly right isn’t nearly as important as just painting.
Reblogged from michellechristina.