Watercolor & Graphite

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The days are flying by! I am working on some oil paint studies, some are working, some not so much. But, I am learning and gaining experience. This is such a busy time of year with the holidays…I find that setting up for oil painting is a little harder to manage.

The great thing about watercolor pencils and graphite is they easily go anywhere. I have been doing the water color grounds first and then drawing on top. Sitting in the living room in a cozy chair with my journal and pencil allows me to visit with folks coming in and out of the house.

After tomorrow I have a few days off, hope to get back to oil painting.

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Second in a series

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Single Daffodil. 5x7 cradled panel.

Single Daffodil. 5×7 cradled panel.

Sketch to painting. Imaginary color. Water-soluble crayon over absorbent ground–not sure about that choice. The background laid down very nice, but this is a difficult choice of medium. I think that I will try this one again with Casein. I like the softer background of the tulip, I think prefer a little less chaotic. But, all in all, an interesting experiment. I am working on achieving a series of paintings that will all work together–regardless of the medium chosen.

Fountain pen sketch for painting

Fountain pen sketch for painting

Thinking Spring

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Opaque watercolor and colored pencil

Opaque watercolor and colored pencil

I actually saw a robin in the yard today! Spring can’t be too far away. I think I am going to take a break from the daffodil’s now. I won’t see my own blooming for at least another 6 weeks, I will get back to them once I see them in my own yard. Trying to keep the tulips simple, just a little color and a little ink brush pen. Looking forward to filling up my flower only journal with nice variety. of flowers drawn from life.

Inktense and small brush pitt pen

Inktense and small brush pitt pen

We had snow this Easter Sunday! No accumulation, but some heavy snow squalls.

quick Easter bunny sketch: ink only journal

quick Easter bunny sketch: ink only journal

Daffodil’s

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Opaque watercolor and colored pencil

Opaque watercolor and colored pencil

I have to admit, I love daffodil’s. However, I find them one of the most challenging flowers to draw. From the front, from the back, from the side, it doesn’t matter…they are hard to capture. Easier to paint than to draw I think. I am working on daffodil’s only because a friend mentioned that these were truly her favorite flower. I was happy to give her the tulip drawing, but after hearing her story of why she loves daffodil’s I felt I had to try the daffodil’s. It may be awhile before I feel like I am doing them justice. A good challenge.

Daffodil Shadows: opaque watercolor and colored pencil

Daffodil Shadows: opaque watercolor and colored pencil

Happy Spring!

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Water-soluble pen and crayon

Water-soluble pen and crayon

It’s hard to believe that it’s the first day of spring. My walk this morning was kind of spring like…it was sunny and fairly warm, and you can hear the birds chirping away. But, there is a boat load of snow on the ground! And, we might even get some more snow tomorrow. Spring in Maine!

Here is my very first greeting card. I did this as a birthday card for my co-worker, seemed appropriate to “think spring”. We won’t be seeing any daffodil blooms in person for quite awhile. The first card I did didn’t turn out–it’s a little intimidating to do an original card–the paper seems so valuable! So, it’s good practice, just like the 75 days of ink only. I approached the card the same way, no guide lines, just drawn with ink and then colored in. I am looking forward to doing more cards and sending them out.

Think Spring!