The Girl Who Is Called Kulay Kahoy
A painting
Watercolor is one of my favorite medium since 2015. I used student grade watercolors such as Marie's, Sakura Koi, Pebeo, Studio, Prang and even the cheapest watercolor for my practice and exhibit pieces. So far, Marie's watercolor and 200gsm Canson watercolor paper is the best duo for me. I haven't tried the Artists grade watercolor yet but I'm dreaming to have one.
What is Kulay Kahoy?
Kulay Kahoy is a Filipino translation of Wood Color, in other words, brown or any color that represents a log, trunk or wood. It has many variation. For a Filipina, having a Kulay Kahoy or Morena skin is very common. But, it's not what most of the people love, they wanted fairer skin, so people with darker skin often get bullied. This is the effect of the colonial mentality in the Philippines.
But now, as a Filipina grows mature, the more she appreciate the complexion she has. More and more people began to appreciate and embrace this wonderful complexion.
Who is that girl called Kulay Kahoy?
That's me ✨
And I love my color. Like I blend well with nature. I have been called Negra, several times. Uling (charcoal) and many more. But that was then, when I was still a child.
At first I didn't want thisthis color because of the words I heard. But since it became my pagkakakilanlan (identification) I used it as my psuedo name in some of my art especially in Photography.
Materials:
- Watercolor
- Pointed brush
- Water
- Pencil
- Bristol board
Process
Step 1:
I prepared all the materials so that I can easily get them. Using a pencil, I outlined the subject, a girl's face.
Step 2:
Using shades of brown and flesh, I painted the first layer of the painting. At first layer, it might be seen as the ugly art of the process, but that's okay, you just need some patience and time. And let it dry.
Step 3:
After the first layer has dried, add the details for the eyes. This time I used burnt umber for the darker part of the eyes
Step 5:
Add more details using darker color. I saturate the color by adding just small amount of water to the pigment. Then I let the layer dry before adding another layer of colors.
Step 6:
Add details. I painted a diluted crimson pink on her cheeks to give it a bit rosey effect.
Step 7:
Continue to add details to the face. I finally painted the remaining eye and tried to make it complement with the other side.
I repeated the process of adding crimson red to the cheek.
Step 8:
This is where I think I made a mistake.
I added green color to paint random leaves and shape because I wanted this painting to blended with nature.
And this is the end of the progression of the painting. I hope you all like it. Thank you for dropping by.
toggle night mode to see the stars
Looks really good, the watercolor is coming along nice.
Thank you for the compliment. :) yes the watercolor went nicely with the board
It is really nice painting of yourself, and the message that you brought with it, and the fact that you are proud of what you are, these are all awesome stuff :D.
Congratulations for your curie vote ^_^.
Thank you so much for the nice comment :) this makes me want to make more.
Good art!
I believe that your post is undervalued and deserves a reward.
I added it to the list of underappreciated posts.
Thank you so much
Oh wow...so you painted yourself? Well, I'd also be painting myself if I'd look that damn good hahah :D
Woooooow!!! I toggled night mode and those start really appeared!! Thaaat's huuge!! Was it your idea? Or did you get that footer pic from someone? These some name on it but I'm not sure if it's you or what does it mean hah :D
Hello, thank you for a that compliment :)
For me everyone looks good and beautiful ✨
So I think if you paint yourself you'll see your beauty much deeper.
Regarding my footer, thanks ! I made it :)
That star constellation is my zodiac sign: Sagittarius.
Since steemit has this feature, I used the toggle mode so I can surprise people visiting my posts.
The name on it, Genesis A. Aala is my real name.
"MARAMING SALAMAT PO" means thank you so much in Filipino.
Congratulations!
Thank you po
You're welcome!
What a nice face you have achieved in your watercolor @, I must say that in Venezuela unfortunately there is the same problem as in your land, we inherited the same imposition of the Spanish and their racism, in Venezuela is common not only people with that exquisite test moreno also there are more blacks, in fact my girlfriend is a beautiful black mixed with white, Indian and black.
but returning to your drawing is fabulously well developed and skin tones with their clear and perfect osuros, I like the large eyelashes and the depth that transmit their eyes osuros.
The detail of the leaves gives it a touch of voyeurism and mysticism.
thank you for sharing your creation friend.
peace and love, greetings
Thank you so much for the nice comment.
I wished everyone will just nourish and love their own color. It will surely make everyone happier than what they are expecting.
I love all colors and really look high on the people who appreciate their own.
More love to you and your girlfriend
I think the addition of this vibrant leaves did compliment the look, not a mistake in my opinion...😀
I can't believe you were called Uling back then! It baffles me how people set these standards, wanting all of us to look same, really. It does happen here to, its not so strange to find a "light skinned" girl making a "darker skinned" one feel less (even though most of us are "black"). I don't know who brought the idea that a certain color id the best, really. I love that we are waking up and embracing this color we all have been blessed with. You are beautiful! And you painting too is, simple yet elegant looks like that of a brave and strong woman.
Thank you so much, from what you have said, I think i will continue on adding leaves onto this painting :)
You are beautiful too! The colors on the people they are born with are naturally beautiful on them and is really for them. All we have to do is to embrace and appreciate our color.
Yeah, you should!
That is so true, it fits us perfectly but we just need to learn to embrace it and turn a deaf ear to the negative things society want to make us believe about it.
You have been featured on @artzone.
Courtesy of @gbija
Thank you
Very nice post, I like the way you build up your post, started with the description what Kulay Kahoy means and telling about the cultural features. The photograph is very artistic, I presume that is yourself on picture, you are very pretty and the picture done in a great settings. I like the painting tutorial, it is always good to know how other artists work and what are their preferences. Thank you for sharing your beautiful artwork :)
Thank you so much @stef1. Yes that's me on the picture. Thank you for the appreciation
You are very talented with water colors! Even your "mistake" doesn't look like much of a mistake to me. I'm in awe of how you get that detail in the eyes with water colors! I use to paint as a kid and when I was in college and water colors were always so difficult for me. You've done a fantastic job!
I have several friends who are Filipino and I've heard this same thing about how people are treated differently because of their skin tones and such. It's such a strange concept to me. You're absolutely gorgeous! I know it is sometimes easier said than done but you have nothing to worry about when it comes to the color of your skin. It's crazy to me that it even has to be said! You are very beautiful.
Thanks again for sharing your workflow! I enjoy seeing everything it takes from start to finish with artwork. It gives such a better insight into all the work you do. And I'm glad you shared a photo of yourself. I love seeing the artist behind the art.
Cheers!
Thank you so much. I really love watercolor like it's my first love in arts.
I think you can still paint and explore this medium. I wanted to see different artworks from different people <3
Thank you for the compliment. Yeah everyone is beautiful
You're very welcome! Keep water coloring, you've got a great talent for it.
The painting is cool. I like it. The green colour in the final image like the footnote is good. I looks like am innocent girl hiding in the bush from danger lurking around somewhere close. Good work @aalagenesis
Thank you so much. I like your interpretation.
I am thinking of continuing and innovating this painting soon
That is a beautiful self portrait! Thank you for sharing it thus standing by and "promoting" our color. I like the effect of the leaves. The green color looks like a very good match with the brown one. Harmony of nature!
How big is your painting? Maybe you would want to have a bigger version that includes the whole face?
Thank you so much @macoolette (What a cool and witty username) . I really love out color and tone so much <3
Thank you for the compliment on the leaves too.
The painting is 8x10 inches. I'll try to make a bigger one for you :D
Hehehe... I thought of using my real name but was already taken so I thought of something else.
Wow, thank you for considering my thoughts. It does not really have to be bigger canvass but just a wider perspective on the same size. 😊
Really perfect...
Thank you
Hi aalagenesis,
Visit curiesteem.com or join the Curie Discord community to learn more.
Thank you @curie for another surprise
Amazing artwork! Lovely to read more of the meaning too!
This post was shared in the Curation Collective Discord community for curators, and upvoted and resteemed by the @c-squared community account after manual review.
@c-squared runs a community witness. Please consider using one of your witness votes on us here
Thank you :)
Dear Artzonian, thanks for using the #ArtzOne hashtag. Your work is valuable to the @ArtzOne community. Quote of the week: Art, freedom and creativity will change society faster than politics. -Victor Pinchuk
Thank you so much ArtZone
Dear Artist @aalagenesis ! This post has been resteemed and upvoted from FineArtNow community account. See you soon !
Thank you so much
Beautiful, @aalagenesis.... You have such a gorgeous way that capture expression on eyes so wonderfully <3 I love it !
Congrats for curie, too :D
Thank you @veryspider
Beautiful portrait of a beautiful girl! Well done girl!
This world is all upside down. Here in Europe everyone wants to be darker because this is considered pretty. People go sunbathing for so long that it becomes dangerous for their health. My color is fair - I would call it white. And I love it. I was given this color and I'm not aiming to change. This year I was traveling a lot and got a bit darker but then the color changed and now I have dark spots on my skin that I have never had before. I hope this will disappear and I will be more careful with sun.
My in laws are from Indonesia but their origins are in the Netherlands. They had some Indos in their families so they are a little bit darker. They moved to the Netherlands after independence of Indonesia and consider themselves Indos even though they are not. What I'm trying to say is that we all want what we don't have and it is sad. It would be much easier if we would accept who we are and simply be happy about it.
I'm so glad that you are proud of your color and girl, you do look stunning!!
Thank you for your painting and your story :)
Thank you so much @delishtreats
I think it's because people see other people that are beautiful in their color and vice versa, the concept of beauty is not the same for everyone right? But deeper than this, the concept of beauty must come from within and appreciating one's selves. It's good to appreciate others too, but bringing their quality on one's self is too extreme, that's why people are not contented.
Great work here @aalagenesis
I think I've seen the same photo before on some other post? must be de javu. Your posts are great and I think they deserve more exposure and potential rewards. If ever you're looking for a community to add to your tags for art, consider dropping by and check out @artisteem's platform. Too lengthy to explain but it's a platform where you can promote your works just like elegance.
Thank you so much. which photo have you seen?
Maybe you saw my photo on my other posts :)
But the watercolor photos are just posted on this blog.
Thank you so much for your nice words.
I will check the artisteem ! must be a great platform
Hey @aalagenesis, I love your eyes and you are beautiful! And you know what, from your painting, I think you would look really cool with white hair. The green leaves are pretty too :) Congratulations on another curie vote :)
Thank you so much :)
I had a white hair once :D last year.
And and thank you so much again i'll add more leaves to this painting
You did? Cooolll! Hehe.. Did you have to bleach the whole hair? Yes, yes, the leaves add a different dimension to the painting.
Yes :)
Thank you :) I'm adding more leaves now :)
Ooo you look very cool :) You are very stylish you know? And you look great in both black or white hair :) your hair look so soft. I have gray hair since I was 9 but too bad it is not fully gray. Else I think I would just leave it gray instead of having to dye each time. Looking forward to your next post :) Happy weekend there @aalagenesis!
Posted using Partiko iOS
Oh thank you <3
I wanted to see your gray hair !
I feel happy every time I know the meaning of new words like "Kulay Kahoy". Your watercolor painting looks very good, it's simple but beautiful. And you also used a few materials that is the best.
Thank you so much :) it's a pleasure to add something to your vocabulary of other language.
This post was upvoted and resteemed by @thethreehugs.
Thank you
You are welcome
Wow I had seen the painting and I did not imagine that you were you .. super spectacular what you painted, I love what artists can do with watercolors, they obtain wonderful results, it is a super interesting technique ..
I also loved your introduction and the way you explained the step by step.. A big hug @aalagenesis
Thank you so much @naideth !
Your technique on ink is very awesome too ! I have no patience on inks so I really look high up on people who can handle and finish their work with this medium.
Great post. The painting is excellent, I love the blending of colors that watercolors allow. On the other part of your post, I know a bit about being bullied. It usually stems from their own imperfections and self-consciousness. They try to make you feel small so they can feel big. From the photo, you have nothing to worry about, you have a beautiful complexion and skin tone. It may be a colonial mentality there, but much of the rest of the world would like to have your skin color.... Here in the US people would be jealous, many spend a lot of money on tanning and creams etc., just to look like you....
Have a great day.
Thank you so much, I love seeing patches and transparency on watercolor so I tried to maximize it.
Thank you for the appreciation.
Most people on earth are not contented on their own which makes me so sad. But the truth is everybody is beautiful on their own