Autumn Garden Lady

  

A bit of imagination and play using the Tombow Brush Pen and watercolor.  As I look at this, I see some areas I could change exercising a bit more imagination.......like in the top part of the body.  Instead of a cloth like substance, use leaves to convey that area since everything else is composed of organic material.

Painting One's Emotions

Have you ever painted something straight from the heart and soul based on what you were feeling at a given moment?  This was done starting with the figure first reflecting how I was feeling at the time.  No plan mapped out with this.....just painted raw emotion and the composition came together on its own.  Everything about this represents something.......right down to the back ground images one can make out from shapes (at least to my own eyes) to the mangled looking fingers on the hands.

Riverbank Wet in Wet

Received a new brush the other day, which is the Sterling Edwards Blending Bristle flat brush (size 1").  What was intriguing about the brush was the size and shape of the handle plus the short bristles.

I've seen several of Sterling Edward's videos using these brushes inspiring me to try my hand wet in wet using primarily the bristle flat to paint my composition.  For me 1" is large.........comparably speaking with the size paper I normally paint on (5x7").

Pigments used are all Daniel Smith....Raw Sienna, Perm Aliz, Burnt Sienna, Burnt Umber, French Ultramarine, and Sap Green.

Also used a 3/8" angular flat for lifting (left trees as you view this) and #2 Rigger.  Other tool used was a letter opener to scratch out twiggy bits in and around the right clump of evergreen trees and in the distant tree line near the water.

My first go with the brush ........ I find it to be quite promising.

Watercolor Painting with Water Soluble Ink

This quick sketch was done by scribbling ink from a Tombow brush marker onto an acrylic surface and adding water as if mixing up a pool of watercolor pigment.  Water was added with a small sprayer bottle over the scribbling ink marks and mixed with a brush.  The pools of ink were then applied with brush on either dry or damp paper.  Tree canopy and taller grassy bits were using the Tombow markers directly on the paper.

Tombow markers are great to travel with and any non-absorbent slick surface (glass, plexiglass, plastic, etc.) can act as a palette (lid off of a small butter tub or coffee can as two examples).  Carry a small sprayer bottle, brush, and small pad or block of paper and you have yourself a nice little travel pack. 

As for what to carry these items in?  An old handbag can be used.  I've even carried painting gear in one of the plastic zipper cases sheet sets or curtains come packaged in.

Glass, Shadows, and Reflections

Painting glass to me is quite a challenge.  Add the challenge depicting shadows PLUS reflections and one can easily become intimidated. 

Should you find yourself daunted by the idea of painting reflective surfaces and shadows, try concentrating on shapes........one shape at a time.

Art of Journaling

It's only been within the last couple of years that I have been drawn to journaling.  It was through Flickr I came across a few people who do this on a daily basis (or near daily basis) and their examples enticed me into giving it a go.  I love it!  In fact I find myself wanting to do this more so than actual full scaled paintings.

Somewhat new to this, I haven't quite learned to be creative with page layout like some I've seen.  My pages are rather simple with cameo or illustration along with thoughts or comments.  Two people in particular have been great incentive for me...........vickylw and elizabeth smith on Flickr.  Hopefully in time that extra creative process will kick in for me and my pages take on an art form of their own.

This is just a sampling of pages in a Moleskine Watercolor Journal book I started this year.

Side Note - Wonder if people truly realize how they can influence others by posting or sharing on the internet....even if never acknowledged.   People do make a mark ....... positive and negative ......... in the lives of many people they don't even know.

Ideas for your Artwork

Years ago I used to paint the normal size other people paint for displaying on the wall.  After awhile, I found myself painting smaller and smaller.  Personally I like being different so I try to find unique or different ways of displaying and sharing my work other than the norm.

On average, I paint in the 5 x 7" range.  Sometimes 4 x 6" and sometimes 7 x 10 (mainly several cameos on this size)  It's easier to store this size and I maintain portfolios and/or journal books of all my work.

Here are some ideas other than wall hangings for sharing your artwork that I personally love:

Bookmarks make wonderful gifts.  

Books - These were created using Shutterfly Photo Service.  A Christmas gift idea for family.  Also a great way of putting together reference books for yourself.  I have several step by step tutorials and put the collection together in one of these books as a teaching reference for myself.

ATC size prints can be printed off and displayed as shown.  I watch for specials on Amazon for unique ways of displaying photos and notes that can be applied to miniature paintings.

I especially love this idea - Digital Photo Frame

This is one of my favorites but find it very difficult to find these photo wheels.  At one point I could get these and miniature photo wheels.  Made great gifts for my family!

Other Ideas not shown:

Note Cards - Always a wonderful way of sharing your work.

Magnetic Photo Pockets (I get mine at Walmart either in the 2.5 x 3.5 in size or the 5 x 7 in size)  - My filing cabinet in my office/studio is lined with prints of my paintings.  Great for displaying on refrigerators where family and friends can readily view when visiting.

Photo Brag Book - Instead of using a service like Shutterfly, one can print off their paintings and show off or present as a gift in the form of a brag book or scrap book with embellishments and whatnot.

Place Card Holders - There are many unique and beautiful place card holders one can use to display a single miniature painting.  These can be lined up on a shelf or mantle.

Slide show file (using Mac iphoto as just one means) of digital painting images with music and transitions that can be loaded onto iPhones and probably similar idea for other smart phones.  And for a simpler idea......just upload digital copies of your paintings to your phone for sharing when out and about.

I am sure there are many other ideas out there.  It's only limited to one's imagination in how to present and share with other people.

Fabric Angels in Watercolor

Years ago I used to sit and create various type fabric angels.  Some had magnets on the back while others had pins.  Started out for personal use and gifts for family and then created others with little note cards for Hospice Patients.

Thought I would try to capture in watercolor a couple of the angels I made years ago.  The idea came from my desire to choose "favorite things" to paint.  A theme I hope to use for my 2011 family calendars.

Before painting in watercolor, I first sketched each in pencil and then painted monochrome versions. 

My Son Fishing from his Kayak

This is a painting I did in watercolor using aquabord instead of paper.  Very different feel to it as you paint but wonderful results.  The interesting thing I found was the suggestion to spray a fixative on this surface (after painting) and it didn't affect the watercolor paint in any way.

One of our favorite spots for fishing is a Wildlife management area near Grafton, WV  A rather large pond off to itself that is quiet and perfect for lazy day kayaking and fishing.

Ink and Wash with Color - Door Sketch

This should be called something on the lines of Frowning or Unhappy Door.

Normally it isn't until after something is posted that unintentional faces seem to appear in some of our paintings and sketches. Most often that is seen in rock formations and tree textures.

Not sure if that's a positive or negative but then if you think about it........it creates a conversation piece so I guess it can't be all bad.

This is Pen and Wash with touch of watercolor.

Ink and Wash Pots

This was supposed to be a monthly photo challenge to be completed with watercolor but I chose to do it with ink instead with just a touch of watercolor. The photo is compliments of Clare Manners in the United Kingdom who is my forum co-administrator.

There's just something magic with how the ink bleeds and spreads that is most intriguing to me. I also love monochromes or those with just a hint of color for contrast. Something on the lines of black and white photography with a touch of color.

Ink and Wash Caricature

This caricature was accomplished using a Tombow brush pen and water brush. One of the first caricatures I've ever attempted.

What a fun style or subject matter for one to get into. Using the ink and wash technique makes this even more enjoyable. You just lightly sketch the main features and take the water brush or brush with water and run over the lines making the ink run and bleed shaping as you go.

Ink, Wash, and touch of Watercolor

Taking the water soluble ink/wash a step further, add a touch of watercolor.

Here color was added for interest while trying to maintain that ink wash look.

Sketches of this nature are relaxing and fun to do.

Watersoluble Ink and Wash

When I'm not in the mood or don't have time to devote to painting in watercolor, I love grabbing a black Tombow brush pen and water brush for wash effects.

This example was done using a lined writing pad, first sketching with the pen and taking the water brush and making the ink run.

Example using Daniel Smith Lunar Red Rock

A small sample or illustration using Daniel Smith Lunar Red Rock. On Langton 140lb Cold Press, this pigment didn't granulate like the other Lunar pigments. Might show more granulation on a larger scale or different paper. A very pleasant color.

Fruit and Vegetable Cameo Examples

This is a collection of fruit and vegetables using Daniel Smith pigments. Think my personal favorites are the pickles.

All done in my Moleskine Watercolor Journal book.

I'm not one to set up a still life but as mentioned in previous posts, I love painting illustrations.

Time Sure Flys

Can't believe how long it's been since I added anything here. Blogging is something I'm interested in but requires self discipline to keep it going. Part has to do with lack of motivation I suffer from time to time as we all go through slumps (me sometimes more often than I'd care to admit).  Inspiration has been at its all time low the last few months, which I'm sure doesn't help with my motivation. Hopefully I can get back into the swing of things and thought what better way to start.  I can pick back up where I left off and seriously get this going. 

Huckleberry Painting

Here is a sample of playing. I didn't have a model to look at nor did I work from a pre-sketched outline. I wanted to create berries and just tried to estimate where I wanted the main group to be and started working from there. As I painted the berries, I would stop and determine where I wanted to go from there. I was playing with wet in wet for the background letting pigment and water run and mingle.

My Growth

When I first started out, I followed Susan Scheewe Brown for the longest time. Louise Jackson is another favorite. Then I met Peter Saw.

Initially my goal was to paint near realism but not quite so real that it took on the look of a photograph. I primarily worked wet on dry just getting the pigment on paper taking on the look of the subject I was hoping to produce.

My preferences are changing and I have grown in the various styles people paint learning to appreciate what I might have years ago not cared for. One style is what is considered loose or suggestive. Now I am finding myself wanting to learn to paint more suggestively. There's a real feeling of freedom and spontaneity that comes from learning to work along with and not try to totally control watercolor. And I've changed more to painting wet in wet and mixing colors on paper rather than on the palette. That's where the real magic comes into play.

I honestly believe there is true magic in watercolor and the biggest part comes from allowing the pigment and water do their own thing with only a little guidance or coaxing on our part. Learning the pigment characteristics or even learning how to work with mishaps can turn out some of the neatest results. And many people believe watercolor is the most difficult to learn but I don't think any more so than any other medium out there. It's just learning to work with the supplies on hand. And watercolor can be corrected.....something many people have the misguided belief that it can't. A lot depends on choice of pigments and more so paper.

There IS a lot of learning involved in painting watercolor but that's at least half the fun!

Why did I start this Blog?

I'm sitting here asking myself why I started this Blog to begin with. In all honesty, I am really not sure.

I guess it's because with people I share my work with, the forums I participate and/or run, and hearing people marvel over my work and wish they could do something like this..........I thought I'd share the more personal side as a means of intrigue and encouragement.

It's with the hopes that anyone who should come across this Blog and read or follow along with what I might post, they might realize that anyone can do this. It just takes the willingness to learn and the perseverance through practice. And I don't proclaim to know all there is to know. I'm still learning. I still have trouble areas that my goal is to one day over come.

I love sharing with people and I love helping others via means of help and encouragement. It's amazing to watch someone who could never draw a stick figure produce beautiful paintings. The growing and learning process is amazing.

It is also my hopes that those reading realize that one doesn't have to have formal education in the Arts to be able to produce Art in some fashion. Nor do they have to attend classes or workshops if they can't afford or don't have the means to attend. I am self-taught by means of all the wonderful how-to books we have on the market. With today's technology, we now have videos and DVDs we can learn from as well. All one has to do is search online for the many tutorials both free and at a fair price. Amazon is great for books and if you don't mind purchasing a used book, one can build a library at a very lost cost.

YouTube and SAA in the UK have several good free videos one can sit and view and paint along if they wish to. Cheap Joes and Jerry's Artarama is also sharing free videos. Our resources are never ending.

To add to the list of where to obtain help, guidance, and encouragement, there are several wonderful art forums that are free to join. Talk about a wealth of information! To name just a few, there is Wetcanvas.com that covers all mediums. Paintdoodles.com for watercolour.....not to forget the unique Interactive Watercolour CD that Mr. Saw created and sells if one wishes to purchase learning by means of painting doodles and building up into full compositions. It's one full-packed CD of information too. Another great forum is Idrawandpaint.com. I could write a book on resources one easily has at the tip of their fingers and monitor.

So I guess this is why I started this Blog. To share and get word out to as many people as I can letting them know if they wish to learn.............they can.