Playing with Watercolors

During an afternoon experimenting with watercolors, I took a post card sized piece of watercolor paper that I had painted streaks of blue on and added a heart design with Conte crayons.  I wrote a message on the back to my best friend, slapped on a stamp, and dropped it in the mail to her. 

I find even an hour spent with my brushes, colors and papers feels like a mini vacation from winter & daily stresses.

Salt added to a colorful wash creates a beautiful texture.

I painted this grassy scene and then covered the wet paper with plastic wrap to create additional texture.

Nature Journal: Signs of Spring

I got the opportunity to get out for a hike to Doak Field in Raccoon Creek State Park today while the weather was warm and mostly sunny.  The songs of Cardinals, Rufous-Sided Towhees and Song Sparrows brightened the world.  Down in the lowlands, Skunk Cabbage spikes have risen from the mud.  Spring is coming!

Paint Yourself Calm

I found a fabulous book of inspiration at the library recently, entitled Paint Yourself Calm by Jean Haines (Search Press, 2016).  In the book, she tells her own story of how painting has been a calming influence in her life.  And, she walks the reader through a variety of painting projects designed to help you relax.

Her watercolor activities are easy, take little time and no previous experience, and give you the chance to simply play with your art supplies. Yesterday, I tried the activity entitled "Simple Landscapes." When my landscape was dry, I propped my it up in my kitchen where I could see it as I passed by.  The colors caught my eye, and I could imagine the place I painted -- a quiet, sunny, natural space thriving with birds, blooming flowers & a lush distant woodland.  Just what I desire this time of year.

I particularly enjoyed Jean's outlook on the importance of finding time for your art.  She writes:

"It was only when I made the conscious decision to treat painting like eating, as part of my daily routine, that my life and art career changed. More importantly, the happy calm state I am in when painting helps me deal with other issues far more easily."

Figure Drawing Update

Last night I got to check off a personal art goal -- to draw a muscular man with sanguine Conté crayon in the style of the masters.  I offer my thanks to model David for the inspiration and professionalism he brought to the session.

Thrifted Art Supplies

On Valentine's Day, hubby and I went out to our favorite Goodwill Thrift Store, and in addition to finding a half-price scarlet sweater, I also turned up a box of brightly-colored chalks for $3.  I felt so excited about finding those vivid colors when I needed them the most -- in the depths of February!

As soon as we returned home (after dinner at our favorite Mexican restaurant), I busted into the box, and tried out my new chalks on some newsprint.  Luscious violet and magenta mingled with oceanic blue-green and cerulean.  Twenty-four of the most eye-popping colors were mine to play with.

In the morning, the sun rising through a clear sky inspired me to grab a piece of black mat board to capture the scene on.  Art is the most fun when we allow ourselves to play.

Figure Drawing Update

I recently had the opportunity to draw a lovely new model in my home studio.  Her curves and presence on the stand inspired me.

Figure Drawing Update

Yesterday morning at Gilberti Fine Art Gallery, I got the opportunity to draw model Alexx, a lovely young woman who brings inspiration and light to her work, and so to the artists' work.  Thank you, Alexx!

Figure Drawing Update

I had the opportunity today to draw a wonderful new model named Emily.  Her poses were lively and elegant.  Here are a few sketches.

5 minute pose

1 minute poses

2 minute pose

10 minute pose

2 minute pose

15 minute pose

Oyster Mushrooms

My friend was cutting wood, and snapped a photo of these Oyster Mushrooms growing out of one of the dead trees in the area.  I was working in town all day, and was happy for the opportunity to sketch & connect with nature while riding a city bus home.