Experimenting...

I have been experimenting with some new supplies. Yupo synthetic watercolor paper is a slick plastic type paper. Watercolor slides around and sits on top of it. I found it to be interesting, and a challenge! Here are a few of my first paintings.
I found that smaller is better when trying something new! I will keep working to see what new textures and how color is effected when layered. I used watercolor crayon in addition to the Yupo. I like some things, and dislike other aspects of this combination. I think I'll keep working on expanding my techniques. Never say never.... Keep painting! Nancy

Watercolor of "Avi"

I have to start this blog by explaining that my life is constantly an adventure! I have a son who is a herptologist/biology major and raises and rescues everything!!
Last year he rescued a baby bird from the tarmac at the local airport. Together he and I hand raised this little guy and then attempted to set him free only to find that he thinks he is part of the family!
This is my first painting of "Avi" (short for aviator) ! I'm sure there will be more!
It began as a sketch from photos I had taken. It then took shape quickly with multiple washes and some detail to finish his feathers! Let me know what you think! :) Nancy

Catching up!!

Last month seemed to creep by! We have had so much cold weather and snow that I have been wishing that the last piles would melt! ( I hate to admit it but I'm a kid when it snows! LOVE to walk in it and play, however I have had enough!!)
During February I was distracted and painted only a little.
The one painting that I finished was something that had been sticking in my mind, so it felt really good to finish it. I'll add the picture of it finished and in the beginning stages. The picture to the right is with the first washes on the painting. The finished painting is above * after multiple washes and lots of hours! I haven't given it a title yet... still thinking.

Trying to get started!

Hello friends and fellow artists! Ever have a hard time getting a painting started? Not the literal act of stretching the paper and sketching the image, but the getting ready to paint mentally. Maybe I am strange, but I have to have things "in order" around me, and at peace to paint. But lately it seems that "everything" in everyday life just keeps getting in the way! You know, that darn Christmas tree and all the decorations that keep sitting there waiting to be carefully boxed and put back in the attic.... The laundry that seems to multiply! The dishes that keep re-appearing in the sink every time my back is turned... shopping that has to be done- (well we have to eat!)
Well I finally made it! The tree is gone and everything is back in the attic! Food in the fridge, clothes MOSTLY done! YEAH!!! It feels so good! Don't get me wrong, I LOVE the holidays and spending time with my family, but... there is something about getting all of that behind me that excites me! It is the clean slate approach- it excites and paralyses at the same time! You know, now what?!?
Now comes the really hard part! Deciding WHAT I want to paint FIRST!!
I don't know about you, but I usually have several ideas that just won't let go of my brain until I get them on paper. I'm not sure which will win out for the number one spot, but one of my new goals this year is to have at least two paintings going at all times! I hope this will help catapult my work, and keep me moving when I am "thinking or living with a painting". At least something productive will be happening! -(That is, that someone other than me can see!) Any way this is where I am at the moment, I'll let you know soon what I will be working on! Happy painting! Nancy

Jan. 4-2010

Today starts some firsts for 2010.