Adventures in Art

Studying Values

2012-01-12T17:32:00.004-06:00

I tend to have a lot of middle values in my paintings. Something that I have been trying to work on is adding more contrast in values at my center of interest. I have taken a picture of my painting and edited it in Picasa. Looking at it in black and white will hopefully help me finish this painting up. What do I see???? Mostly middle values.... I need to add some dark values near the shoreline. I think I will leave the light values for the sailboat and the boathouse. The distant trees look a little dark, maybe if I lighten them a bit they will look more distant. Advice and comments are always welcome. :)

Adding the Water

2012-01-05T18:38:00.006-06:00

I've started adding the water and reflections. I used a mixture of phthalo blue, dioxazine violet and sap green for the reflections of the trees in the water. A more intense mixture of the violet and ultramarine blue were added in the middle and I lifted out some whites in the water.

To show a contrast between the trees and buildings I decided to use a complementary color. I've added a dark red roof to the buildings and a red canopy to one of the boats.

Background and Middle Ground Trees

2012-01-03T18:04:00.003-06:00

I've added some background tree using dioxazine purple and sap green. The middle ground trees are a combination of quinacridone gold and sap green. It's starting to take shape.

Happy New Year!!! A New Painting a Week.

2012-01-02T16:18:00.030-06:00

Wow, where did 2011 go?

I can't believe it's been almost a year since I've blogged. It has been a hectic year! Tearing down our old house, living with my sister for six months, building a new house.

Whew! It has been well worth it...a place for my art.

I've been thinking a lot about goals and resolutions... What to do??? Something I can accomplish. Something I enjoy. A goal that makes me grow as an artist. So with much thought and consideration.

I'm going to try a painting a week!!!

So.... here goes.....

Sailboats at Stockton Lake

Red Sailboat
I like how the red reflects in the water.

Red Sailboat 2
I like how this sailboat is in a cove and the trees behind it.

Blue Sailboat
I like the line of this sailboat,
and I can see some of the details of the boat.

Sketching and Planning
I'm going to do more planning and sketching before I paint.

Masking Fluid Tip: I always use an inexpensive brush when I apply masking fluid. (Yes, I have ruined many brushes, but this process makes a brush last longer.) Before I start using the masking fluid, I always use this process to make the brush last longer. First dip your brush in water, then in liquid hand soap, and finally in the masking fluid. Keep up this process until you are finished using the masking fluid. Before putting the brush aside clean off any remaining masking fluid and wash with soap and water.

I usually start with the sky and work down the painting. For the sky I used a wash of ultramarine blue and phthalo blue. I lifted out some clouds with a crumpled up kleenex.

Magnolia Blossom

2011-01-22T14:28:00.005-06:00

Magnolia Blossom
5 x 7

It has snowed here all week. I'm ready for spring colors.

I'm participating in Laura Trevey's painting a day challenge.
I missed a few days, but hopefully I'm back on track.

Day 16 - Falling Leaves

2011-01-17T17:43:00.005-06:00

Falling Leaves

Note Card

Not much time to paint today, just a little note card.

Laura Trevey is hosting A Painting a Day Challenge at her watercolor website.

Day 16 - Winter Barn

2011-01-16T16:17:00.006-06:00

Winter Barn

5 x 7

Snow is forecasted again this week.
The birds have been eating like crazy today.

Laura Trevey is hosting A Painting a Day Challenge on her watercolor blog Watercolors by Laura Trevey.

Day 15 - Winter Tree

2011-01-15T15:59:00.005-06:00

Winter Tree
5 x 7

The winter tree and branches were painted using a combination of quinacridone rust and ultramarine blue.

Laura Trevey is hosting A Painting a Day Challenge on her blog, Watercolors by Laura Trevey.

Day 14 - Daisies

2011-01-14T17:22:00.003-06:00

Daisies

5 x 7

I'm participating in Laura Trevey's January Painting a Day Challenge.

Day 13 - Winter Blues

2011-01-13T15:57:00.003-06:00

Winter Blues
4 x 6

Everything is white in my world mixed in with below zero temperatures. It has been since Monday. I have a touch of the winter blues....

Day 12- Starfish

2011-01-12T15:05:00.004-06:00

Starfish

5 x7

This starfish was made with just two colors; Burnt Sienna and Payne's Gray. The texture was achieved with sea salt and masking fluid.

Day 11 - Watermelon Slice

2011-01-11T16:12:00.002-06:00

Watermelon Slice

Note Card

I've been working on a simple project today, a little note card to add to my stash.

Day 10 - Lupine

2011-01-10T18:37:00.006-06:00

Lupine I
5 x 7

Lupine II

5 x 7

When it's cold and snowy I think of flowers!

Day 9 - Pears

2011-01-09T14:45:00.004-06:00

Pears
5 x 7

I've been experimenting with a couple of new colors,

quinacridone gold and quinacridone rust.

Day 8 - Pink Peony

2011-01-08T20:16:00.006-06:00

Pink Peony

5 x 7

An attempt at a peony for the painting a day challenge.

Day 7 - Negative Leaf Painting

2011-01-07T18:53:00.003-06:00

Note Card
4 x 6

It's been a very busy week and I'm ready for the weekend! This is just a simple note card painting the negative space and using salt for a fun effect.

Day 6 - Watercolor Leaf Print

2011-01-06T17:44:00.004-06:00

Watercolor Leaf Print

5 x 7

I have been playing with a technique that is new to me, leaf printing with watercolors. I have a larger painting in my mind, but want to practice before I put it to paper. I think this will make a neat note card.

Day 5: Pond Reflections

2011-01-05T20:09:00.002-06:00

Pond Reflections

11 x 15

This is a painting of a pond close to where I live.

Day 4 - Yellow Flower

2011-01-04T17:41:00.007-06:00

Yellow Flower

ACEO

Only time for a simple little flower today.

Day 3 - Sunflowers

2011-01-03T18:11:00.005-06:00

Sunflowers in the Garden
5 x 7
(watercolor and pen and ink)

It is cold here, but the sun was shining. Made me think of the sunflowers my niece plants every summer.

Local Color and Cast Shadows

2011-01-02T15:12:00.005-06:00

Local Color and Cast Shadow Practice

Lesson 3&4 was about local color and cast shadows. Local Color - the actual color of an object being painted, unmodified by light or shadow. Cast Shadow - the dark area that results when the source light has been intercepted by an object. I've enjoyed reviewing some of the basics. Hopefully this practice will help my paintings.

Happy New Year - Painting and Posting Again

2011-01-01T15:26:00.015-06:00

Wow! What a year! I have really enjoyed my Adventures in Arts. Except I'm not sure where the last few months have went... vacation to Florida, planning for school to start, school starting, the holidays. Suddenly it's New Years Day. There hasn't been a lot of time for art the last few months, just a few Christmas cards.

Well, I'm changing that... I'm taking Laura Trevey's painting a day challenge. I am going to try to paint everyday!

One of my Christmas presents was a watercolor painting DVD set, Charles Reid's 10 Lesson Course. It is very interesting. I've just completed lessons 1 and 2, reviewing supplies and paint to water ratio. In critiquing my paint swatches, I have been using too much water and dabbing my brush.

Paint Swatches

Swirls of Paint

(I had to keep telling myself to stop dabbing my brush.)

I tried painting something outside my art room window. The windsock was blowing happily in the breeze. (Actually it's quite chilly outside today).

Windsock I

Windsock II

Windsock III

Anyway I tried to paint the windsock without dabbing my brush and with more paint and less water. I felt like I found some success. Hmmmm.... what to paint tomorrow!

ACEO - Exchange

2010-06-24T14:25:00.004-05:00

ACEO Exchange

Amanda of Ulixis Crafts has organized an ACEO Exchange.
This is for my contribution for the ACEO Exchange.
I wonder what card I will get!

Down the Road

2010-06-14T09:30:00.002-05:00

Down the Road
original watercolor painting
5 x 7

Take a nice relaxing stroll "Down the Road."

Chinese Brush Painting

2010-06-13T13:19:00.003-05:00

Purple Butterfly

ACEO

I love to read art books! It is a fun way to experiment and learn some new techniques. One little fun book I have been reading is Art of Chinese Brush Painting by Lucy Wang. It shows some different brush strokes and exercises. With some practice this little purple butterfly appeared. It was great fun to create!

New ACEO

2010-06-11T12:49:00.004-05:00

Swans
ACEO

My little swan found a new friend!

Hide and Seek

2010-06-10T09:22:00.005-05:00

Come play hide and seek and win a wonderful prize. Easy and fun to play!

Just click here!

Good Luck!!!

Contest - We Need a Winner

2010-06-09T11:11:00.007-05:00

I am a member of the Dirt Road Artist Team at Etsy and we are having a contest!!!

Please join us in finding our lost team member. All you need to do is go to our website, look in our shops and fill out a entry form.

This is who you are looking for.....

Here is the website!!!!!! Simple to play and lots of fun looking through the shops!

Have a wonderful adventure!

Spring in the Ozarks

2010-06-08T15:01:00.004-05:00

Spring in the Ozarks
original watercolor
11 x 15

I have been practicing using different combinations to make green. This time I used phthalo blue and transparent yellow. It made a beautiful light green. To darken it I used a little Burnt Sienna. I think I will use these combinations again.

Anchored

2010-06-07T17:46:00.004-05:00

Anchored
original watercolor
5 x 7

Hoping you can put your anchor in a peaceful harbor this Monday.

ACEO - Swan

2010-06-06T11:37:00.004-05:00

ACEO - Swan
3 1/2 x 2 1/2

This little ACEO would love to swim to you!
All my ACEO's are available at my Etsy Shop.

New ACEO's

2010-05-31T16:50:00.006-05:00

ACEO - Fuchsia Butterfly
3 1/2" x 2 1/2"

ACEO Dragonfly Landing
3 1/2" x 2 1/2"

I have two new ACEO's in my shop!

I've Got the Blues - Blues Sax

2010-05-28T10:15:00.007-05:00

Blues Sax

Original Pastel
9 1/2 x 13

The theme for this weeks challenge at Inspiration Avenue is "I've Got the Blues". Blues Sax is my entry. It is a pastel on Fabriano Tiziano Pastel Paper with Rembrandt pastels. Check out the other listings they are always so unique and interesting.

Pond Reflections

2010-05-25T20:18:00.009-05:00

Pond Reflection I
original watercolor
5 x 7

I have been doing a study on reflection of the sky on water. The first layer is warm made with alizarin crimson and cadmium red. Then I added cool colors of cerulean blue and ultramarine blue.

Pond Reflections II
original watercolor
5 x 7

Pond Reflections III
original watercolor
5 x 7

Reflections in the Pond

original watercolor
5 x 7

Sea Porcupine

2010-05-23T17:23:00.005-05:00

Sea Porcupine
original watercolor
9 1/2 x 7 1/2

This is Sea Porcupine was painted just for fun and to practice some watercolor techniques. More fun with gauze. (see previous post: Tip - Using Gauze). I also tried out some new to me watercolors by M. Graham: Red Quinacridone and Violet Quinacridone. They are quite bold colors! Very fun to play with.

Papa's Barn

2010-05-19T20:39:00.007-05:00

When Time Stood Still
original watercolor
15 x 11

"When Time Stood Still" is a painting of my Papa's farm in the early 1980's. All of the grand kids have wonderful memories of time spent of this farm.

Papa was a small, wiry thin man. He always wore a hat. He used to milk cows at 10 o"clock in the morning and after the 10 pm news. He would usually come in around midnight and wake everyone in the house. Of course, the grand kids would giggle and my grandma would holler and say "Ray, don't wake those kid!" Wonderful, cherished memories.

The second painting of the barn is how it looks now, thirty years later. Weathered but still standing.

Still Standing

original watercolor
11 x 15

Thanks for letting me share a little trip down memory lane.

Charcoal Portrait - SR a Real Cowboy

2010-05-16T13:15:00.005-05:00

Charcoal Portrait - SR a Real Cowboy

I do very few portraits, they make me nervous. I think I feel judged more. Does it look like them? Is the nose, eyes, ears, etc. right?... The list goes on on on. Anyway, this is a surprise for a teacher who is retiring. She has helped me so much in the last three years. This is a portrait of her son, who is a real cowboy.

Calm Seas

2010-05-13T19:41:00.003-05:00

Calm Seas
Original Watercolor
5 x 7

The Stormy Skies have passed to reveal Calm Seas.

Stormy Skies

2010-05-12T18:44:00.003-05:00

Stormy Skies
Original Watercolor Painting

5 x 7

Stormy Skies is one of those painting that was a mistake and then it worked out. I usually do the sky first and then work on the water. Well...when I added the water it was too dark. So I went back and made the sky really dark. Then I just kept repeating the dark blues and purples in the grass.

I need to remember this painting next time things don't follow my plans. Things usually work out if I just relax and go with the flow.

My First Feature - May Flowers

2010-05-10T17:34:00.007-05:00

Passion's Picks - May Flowers

I am so excited to be featured on Passion For Beads. Miss Passion has found some unique flowers for May. Take a look and enjoy the parade of May's flowers.

ACEO - Seahorse

2010-05-10T16:29:00.003-05:00

ACEO Seahorse

This ACEO was created on smooth bristol paper with watercolor and pen and ink.

Did you know? ... Seahorses are named for their equine profile. Although they are a bony fish, they do not have scales, but rather a thin skin stretched over a series of bony plates arranged in rings throughout their body. Seahorses swim upright. (A little factoid just-in-case you are ever on Jeopardy or Are You Smarter Than a ...., etc.) :)

ACEO - Orange Poppy

2010-05-09T15:45:00.005-05:00

ACEO - Orange Poppy

I am very pleased with this happy little Orange Poppy ACEO Original Watercolor painting. ACEO stands for Art Cards Editions and Originals. Collected and trade around the world, they're a unique and affordable way to start your own art collection.

First Friday Art Walk on Etsy

2010-05-07T12:23:00.006-05:00

First Friday Art Walk on Etsy.

Have you ever wanted to go on a Friday Art Walk but were too tired by the time Friday evening rolled around? Well set back, prop up your feet, get a nice beverage and stroll through the Etsy Shops.

First Friday Art Walk on Etsy was established in June 2009, and is an ongoing event, taking place on the first Friday of every month, across the entire globe. How exciting is that!

Just go to Esty and search for "firstfridayartwalk" and enjoy strolling through the different shops!

Come join me on my first art walk.

Picasa Pictures

2010-05-04T19:14:00.004-05:00

At the blog party on Inspiration Avenue this weekend Pics by Shel posted tips on how to use Picasa. I use this free program to edit by pictures but wasn't aware of these features. Check out her tips! They were very easy and have tons of applications.

Daisies in the Field

2010-05-03T19:02:00.003-05:00

Daisies in the Field

Original Watercolor

11 x 15

Inspiration Avenue had a wonderful blog party over the weekend. This is just the first of many new skills and tips I learned. This one is from Marlene at Marlene's Musing. She taught us how to use saran wrap for the background. Her instruction were very easy to follow. Check out her blog and Inspiration Avenue for more interesting tips. Keep checking my blog for more of my adventures.....

Blog Party - Inspiration Avenue - Tip Using Gauze

2010-05-02T17:52:00.015-05:00

Using Gauze in Watercolors

Gauze can make an interesting texture when added to a watercolor painting.

There are two kinds of cotton gauze: non-elastic surgical gauze and elastic surgical gauze. The non-elastic surgical gauze stretches out more and takes the watercolor better. It is hard to find the non-elastic stuff. You need to look closely at the package.

Put your design on the paper. I used masking fluid to save my whites. I find a simple design works best. The paper is arches 140 cold pressed, 5 x 7 taped on a gaterboard.

Cut the gauze to fit where you want the texture on your paper. Unfold the gauze so it is one thin layer. You can stretch and manipulate the gauze.

Wet the area with clear water thoroughly where you want the texture to be. Lay the gauze down on top of the wet paper. Wet the gauze to hold it in place. Note I got excited about adding the color before I snapped a picture. The blue is watercolor.

Fill a large brush with enough pigment to saturate the area and drop the color in. Having the area already with water allows the pigment to disperse more freely.

Wait for the gauze and paper to completely dry. Don't be temped to lift the gauze to peek until it is completly dry. Letting it dry overnight is best. Don't peek. Note: I used a hairdryer to speed the process this afternoon and it seemed to workout okay.

Remove the gauze and masking fluid. The final step is to fill in the details.

I have tried this process a few time. It seems to work better each time. Have fun experimenting.

ACEO - Blue Dragonfly

2010-04-29T09:59:00.005-05:00

ACEO - Blue Dragonfly

watercolor original

ACEO's are miniature pieces of art that measure 2-1/2" x 3-1/2". If a small piece of art has a different measurements than this, it does not qualify as an ACEO.

The acronym "ACEO" stands for Art Cards, Editions and Originals. They can be original art, print editions or photographs.

Purple Dragonfly - 7 Card Draw

2010-04-28T19:49:00.005-05:00

Purple Dragonfly

ACEO 3 1/2 x 2 1/2
original watercolor

I was browsing around ETSY and found this fun "little" challenge. You can visit the thread and participate here: http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=6481735 By visiting you have a chance to win up to 7 ACEO's each month. How fun is that?

To see other ACEO's that have been created for this challenge and that are for sale just search "7 Card Draw". Make sure you include the quotation marks in the search engine on the ETSY site.

This is a fun challenge for the collector and artist, lots of great artwork to view. Go by and visit, leave a comment and maybe you will win.

Seahorse in the Seagrass

2010-04-25T18:34:00.004-05:00

Seahorse in the Seagrass
5" x 7" Original Watercolor

Seahorses are members of the pipefish family. They are usually found in the shallow, warm water among the seagrass beds.

Sunset

2010-04-23T22:10:00.003-05:00

Sunset, 5" x 7" Original Watercolor

TGIF - hope you have a relaxing and wonderful weekend!

Tequila Sunrise

2010-04-20T21:08:00.005-05:00

"Tequila Sunrise"
5" x 7" Original Watercolor

It's just another tequila sunrise startin' slowly across the sky ...

This is just the first in a series where I'm working on adding the sun to the sky.

Orange Spice

2010-04-19T20:08:00.005-05:00

Cup of Tea - Orange Spice
7 1/2" x 9 1/2" Original Watercolor

"Cup of Tea - Orange Spice" A cup of tea soothes the soul and warms the heart. A cup of tea can take you to another place. I love to ponder my thoughts with a cup of tea in one hand.

Junonia - Seashell

2010-04-17T19:48:00.003-05:00

"Junonia - Seashell", 5" x 7" Original Watercolor

Junonia seashells are usually found off shore by divers or shrimp boats. Occasionally the gems wash up on the shore.

Sunbright Sunflower

2010-04-15T10:00:00.005-05:00

Sunbright Sunflower
5" x 7" Original Watercolor

"Sunbright Sunflower" is in bloom. Sunflowers always face the sun and make you feel that all is right with the world.

Entangled

2010-04-14T08:10:00.003-05:00

Entangled, original watercolor 11 x 15

It's mesmerizing and amusing to become Entangled in purple trees.

Fruit - Window Pane

2010-04-11T21:50:00.004-05:00

"Fruit - Window Pane", original watercolor, 5" x 7"

An addition to the series of watercolors using a window pane technique. This would look great with the "Pear - Windowpane" or the "Orange- Window Pane".

Oranges - Window Pane

2010-04-09T09:49:00.003-05:00

"Oranges" Window Pane, original watercolor, 5" x 7"

A new addition to the series of watercolors using a window pane technique. This would look great with the "Pear Windowpane".

Pear - Window Pane

2010-04-08T21:59:00.003-05:00

"Pear - Window Pane" watercolor, 5" x 7"

More in my series of watercolors using a window pane technique.

Inspiration Avenue - Fish

2010-04-08T09:07:00.004-05:00

Rainbow Trout - Window Pane, original watercolor 5" x 7"

"Rainbow Trout" Window Pane technique. The subject is divided into four equal sections. It looks as if you are looking through a window pane. These have been really fun to paint and I am very excited about them.

ACEO - The Red Tree

2010-04-07T19:19:00.005-05:00

ACEO - The Red Tree

This little original watercolor painting is on 140 lb. watercolor paper. It measures 3 1/2" wide and 2 1/2" tall. ACEO’s are fun to collect in a bright fun album to make your own coffee table art book. Trade them with other collectors, pop them in greeting cards or letters, frame them or use them as a gorgeous little bookmark.

Check out the Custom Art Framing shop on Etsy for a great deal on mats for your ACEO's.

ACEO's

2010-04-06T19:17:00.010-05:00

Violet Passion

Get lost in a field of violet blooms.

ACEO 3 1/2" x 2 1/2"
Original Watercolor

A Day at the Beach

2010-04-06T10:23:00.003-05:00

"A Day at the Beach" original watercolor, 11 x 15"
Enjoy a day at the beach and feel warm sun and cool ocean breeze.

You can find "A Day at the Beach" in my Etsy shop.

Spring Adirondack

2010-04-05T20:33:00.004-05:00

Spring Adirondack, original watercolor 11 x 15

The spring weather is wonderful here! Warm and breezy.
Everything is starting to bloom and turn green.

ACEO - Pink Tulip

2010-04-01T18:39:00.007-05:00

ACEO - Pink Tulip 3 1/2 x 2 1/2

I just completed this new original watercolor ACEO. Spring has finally arrived to the Midwest. It was very nice here today with lots of sun and in the 80's.

You can find it in my Etsy shop!

Hydrangea Explosion

2010-03-31T19:34:00.003-05:00

Hydrangea Explosion, watercolor 7 1/1 x 9 1/2

This is my version of a hydrangea. It was mainly done by painting the negative space. First I painted a swirl of colors and then tried to find some sort of shape. Somehow my mind found hydrangeas....

Garden Gate

2010-03-28T15:09:00.007-05:00

Garden Gate
Original Watercolor
11 x 15

This poem by Amber A Whitman was an inspiration for the painting of this original watercolor. Enjoy a walk in the garden.

The Garden Gate

Open the garden gate
Butterflies float gently on the breeze as they flutter by
Emerald tones of grass blanket the ground.
Rose's trail and twist on the broken trellis.
Petals glisten and radiate rainbow blooms
Tiny birds flit across your path
The sun warms your face.
This is utopia
Open the garden gate

by

Amber A Whitman

Tulips

2010-03-27T20:58:00.002-05:00

Tulips! I just love it when the spring flowers start to bloom.

A Walk on the Beach

2010-03-23T21:42:00.002-05:00

A Walk on the Beach

5 x 7

My second beach scene. It was warm and sunny here today.
It made me want to take a morning walk on the beach.

Sea Breeze

2010-03-22T18:53:00.004-05:00

Sea Breeze, original watercolor 7 1/2 x 9 1/2

My first beach picture!

I love to go on vacation in the Florida panhandle.
This takes me to the wonderful white sugar sands of the Gulf Coast.

Cup of Tea

2010-03-14T20:28:00.004-05:00

Cup of Tea, watercolor 7 1/2 x 9 1/2

Daylight savings times always makes me feel a little out of kilter. There is nothing nothing like a cup of tea and a nap to put life back in balance.

Blue Flowers II

2010-03-13T17:51:00.003-06:00

Blue Flowers II - 5 x7 watercolor

A little touch of spring in a chilly, overcast day. Happy Saturday!

Blue Flowers

2010-03-09T17:20:00.003-06:00

Blue flowers, original watercolor 5 x 7

Happy Tuesday!

My first ACEO's

2010-03-08T17:39:00.004-06:00

Pink Rose, original ACEO, 2 1/2 x 3 1/2

Daisy, original ACEO, 2 1/2 x 3 1/2

These are my first ACEO's. They were a lot of fun.

Entangled

2010-03-04T17:56:00.002-06:00

Entangled, original watercolor 11 x 15

This watercolor painting was so fun to paint. I painted the negative space. It is very relaxing to paint the negative space. Plus purple is one of my favorite colors.

Spring is in the Air

2010-03-01T19:30:00.004-06:00

Spring is in the Air, original watercolor 11 x 15

I finally finished this piece. I really struggled with the foreground, middleground and background. I feel that middleground looks to much like the background. The background looks like the middleground. The more I tried to fix it the worse it got. So. . . I finally quit and let it be.

Daffodil II

2010-02-28T21:35:00.002-06:00

Daffodil II - 5 x 7

I hope you had a wonderful weekend.

Daffodils

2010-02-27T19:43:00.002-06:00

Daffodils - 5x7

I sprinkled a little salt to vary the background.

Happy Friday

2010-02-26T19:33:00.004-06:00

Summer Sunflower I - original watercolor, 5 x 7.

Monday - Tiger Lily

2010-02-22T18:19:00.006-06:00

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

2010-02-17T20:17:00.009-06:00

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

2010-02-15T21:27:00.006-06:00

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

2010-02-15T21:13:00.005-06:00

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

2010-02-15T20:40:00.006-06:00

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

2010-02-15T20:13:00.009-06:00

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

2010-02-14T18:56:00.000-06:00

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!

2010-02-14T18:33:00.001-06:00

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.