Daffodil II

Daffodil II - 5 x 7

I hope you had a wonderful weekend.

Daffodils

Daffodils - 5x7

I sprinkled a little salt to vary the background.

Happy Friday

Summer Sunflower I - original watercolor, 5 x 7.

Monday - Tiger Lily

Tiger Lily - Happy Monday - I have been working on some flowers over the weekend. Tiger lilies always make me think of warm weather and sunshine. I am so ready for spring.

The Lighthouse

The Lighthouse is framed and ready to hang in the gallery this weekend. Yeah! I had fun working on the rocks. First, I painted little dark triangles. Second, I joined the triangles to make circles or ovals. Then I added shading to make them look more rock like. Joye Moon explains the technique in her book Exploring Textures in Watercolor.




The other picture that I'm showing is an abstract flower. I like the colors.

Garden Gate

The take-out containers for salad dressing are great for pouring masking fluid into. It will keep for 3-4 weeks. Yes, I have became my mother and recycle little containers!


In Garden's Gate the whites were saved by painting on masking fluid. I then started adding variegated washes (three - I wasn't happy with the color). In the last wash I added water bursts to the blue to make it look distant. I wish I would have made the fence go out farther on the left side. Oops! too late. I guess I will add a lot of foliage and flowers to disguise if I can.

WIP - Practice Negative Painting

Today we were out of school for President's Day! So I had time to "play." I usually try to do 3 or 4 pieces at a time. So.....while the lighthouse and spring trees are drying I practice different techniques. Sometimes they turn out and sometimes not so much. I am practicing painting negative space. I will probably add one or two more layers of trees. As I add more trees the background becomes darker. It's really good practice for beginners like me.

WIP - Spring is in the Air

Wow! What a strange beginning! This painting uses several different types of watercolor techniques. The top (trees) is gauze, the middle (rocks) wax paper and the bottom (water) uses plastic wrap. These techniques require patience because it really needs to dry overnight for the best results. No peeking, the toughest part for me.




Everything is off and it's ready for details. I have started adding some trees and rocks. Some tree leaves have been added by flicking paint from a stiff brush.


I added more details to the rocks and trees. I wish I had tomorrow off so I would have more time to work on it.

WIP - Lighthouse

I'm getting close to finishing this one. I still have some details and shading to add, especially around the windows. Details need to be added to the rocks and land. I would still like it to "pop" and it's not there yet. The finishing details are what I need to work on the most in my paintings.


The Lighthouse - a work in progress. I've used mask to save my whites. I decided to leave the sky really light blue (almost white). In a book I have been studying she uses contact paper to save the white sky. I was a little "chicken" so I made it as light as possible. Maybe if this turns out well I will try the contact paper.

Art Sync Gallery

I'm getting ready for the monthly opening at the art gallery (Art Sync) that I am a member of. Art Sync is a cooperative art gallery owned by the artist of our art association (Polk County Art Association). We had our first opening in January 2010. The gallery will have an opening presenting themed shows, special events, and featured artist the third Friday of each month. So.... my goal is to have at least two or three new pieces each month. This month I am working on Spring is in the Air and a Lighthouse.

Welcome to My Blog!

Today is the first posting to my art blog. Watercolor is a fun and relaxing way to express my creativity. It is a perfect medium for my busy lifestyle. Watercolor painting can be spontaneous and enjoyed for a few minutes and not take up an entire evening, day or weekend. But, once I get into the watercolor painting, time flies!

Art is my passion and colors my life with joy. It has brought me friendship, admiration, comfort, and a sense of accomplishment. I am hoping to take anyone who reads this blog along with me on my adventure into becoming a better artist. So...let's get started.