There are times, as an artist, it is easy to have a razor-sharp focus when detailing a particular subject. Like when I was working on this watercolor and ink of a Zebra. I was caught up with the Zebra having enough contrast and depth while still maintaining a sense of crispness and clean lines. It would have been easy to completely forget the background and leave the heavy off-white cold press paper blank. But, it would have been a mistake!
The background of this painting tells a story that is equally important to the viewer. While perhaps the colors are dark enough to recede and the Zebra stands out… a closer inspection shows that the background serves to both emphasize the main subject and to provide additional “story” to the piece.
YEP, BACKGROUNDS MATTER!!!
This background in particular is a collage of blues, greens, and purples that when further inspected and zoomed in appears like a topographical map. This is not a “happy accident,” like Bob Ross might say. This is a purposeful plan to draw your attention to further reflection… on color, form, and shape. Intentionally meant for you to get “lost in it” so to speak. The most enjoyable part for me to paint (and to appreciate) is the area where the colors meet the Zebra’s mane. They almost appear to melt or blend into the mane.
I hope you enjoy viewing this work. Don’t forget to check out the background too!!
