Through The Fog

I have tried watercolor off and on through out the years, with out much success. I invested in a few instructional books, but something just didn’t click. In February of 2010 a friend offered 2 basic classes online, with a few short videos and email feedback. I purchased the paper, brushes and paints, followed the videos, completed the 1st painting, with positive feedback. I went on to the next video class, after several emails and a repaint, I was finally happy the outcome and hooked.

Watercolor has become an interesting journey. Full of interesting challenges in subject, technique and simply learning how to manage the paint and water. I feel fortunate to have been invited to joined Painting Friends Forum (http://paintingfriends.com/forums/index.php) in September of 2010. The Challenges and WIP’s (Work In Progress) postings and positive feedback have been a great inspiration.

So here’s the Challenge - FOG - , humm, way out of my comfort zone. Time to experiment and learn. Fortunately I had some fresh reference photos from the Smokey Mt.s of North Carolina. I actually enjoyed “playing” with this one, learning to loosen up, so much I did 2 different paintings. I will however say that I did the first one 3 times, but it was worth it. Hope you enjoy following my journey!

I have been following my Muse, and she has inspired me to paint everyday. Come back soon to see where she has taken me.

“Deb’s Delight”

My adventure in watercolor has brought me to a new challenge, Glass. Well at least an “Appletini” challenge for now. Up until now any attempts at glass were as sketches or ink drawings, I usually get as far as the outline and basic shadows. Oh and did I say only in my private sketch pads where no one else would see. Something about glass just didn’t click.

Painting and drawing glass that is realistic and believable is a challenge. I’m a “jump feet first and learn as you go” kinda person for most things. I usually pick up pretty quick. So why is glass giving me such a problem? And then I read a response to a post that I made. Something I have heard over and over through the years as a child is school art classes. But it was the second half of the statement that really woke me up. “Draw what you see, Not what you think you see.”

So, now I am challenging myself and I have committed to painting something that I have always had difficulty with and “Not what you think you see” ringing in my ears.

The results!! I’ll let you be the judge!!

The future is ‘foggy”, but mountains of fun! When the fog clears, inspiration follows!!

Back To Painting!

Sometimes life just gets in the way of creativity, so I've been away for a little while. Long story short, I lost my painting space for a short time.  Although the definition of short comes into question when it comes to creativity. My painting space is back and it's time to create.

I used the time to fight frustration and search for inspiration. Won't give away the places I visited, you will have to wait for the paintings!! My table in place, palette filled, brushes on the ready, photos and thumbnail sketches prepared. What next?

Before jumping into my inspirations, I joined Painting Friends in a Demo by Mollie Jones. While I regret being unable to travel to the event, I was able to see the demo virtually. Through Mollie's demo, words of encouragement and trial and error, I'm learning new techniques on how to "loosen up" my painting.

This is something I will definitely try again soon. Guess I need to look for more inspirations! In the meantime, the next challenge to explore is glass. Watch for my next post, I'll be back soon!