Lets take it from the top. These are all 5 x 7 in., on Meeden pure cotton Watercolor Paper, 140 lb. Day 13, A Peruvian Apple cactus. These can grow up to 30 feet tall in the wild. They are twisty, and the spines are along the edges. They are sometimes used as a living fence. They have pretty reddish “apples”, and night blooming flowers. For the spines, I created stars in Photoshop, giving me groups of multiple spines to place.
Day 14, Abstract, mixed media with paint pen, marker and Caran D ‘Ache neocolor. I worked on two pieces that day, but I hit a wall on each. I saw a video, “How to get unstuck”, and it suggested to just play. That’s what I did. Just doodles really. Doodles and done!
Day 15. Ladybugs. Ok, yes. I have been on Youtube a lot this month. Watching gouache artists, and taking in all the information I can. A title on Ladybugs caught my eye. That inspired me to paint them. To be honest, this small painting took two days. Near the end, I was just ready to have it done, I was a day behind again. For that reason, I omitted their legs. My story is, their legs are curled up underneath. I’m sticking to it. 😄
Day 16. Another mixed media abstract. I tried to be loose, but it just looks stiff and frankly, messy to me. I started a series of four. But honestly, they all might end up looking completely different. I should have gone bigger over all. I used a Canson spiral bound sketchbook, taped off for four pieces. I was inspired by Betty Franks. I have been for years. Her style is loose, playful and very organic. I will try again!
Day 17. Ranunculus. Just having fun here.
Day 18. I’ve been trying to get ahead all month. So I don’t have to stress when my day keeps me from painting. But somehow, I have consistently posted late at night, and often, a day behind. This is a faux plant in a favorite vase. The paper scanned a soft, parchment tone, which I really like. A nice surprise, the paper looks bright white on the pad.
Day 19, Floral. I learned a trick. (From one of those many videos.) You might already know. I think it is very cool. If you squeeze a paint tube just above the pointed ends, It draws the paint back into the tube. Less chance of wasting paint and gunking up the cap. How cool is that? I wish I had learned that years ago. 😄
I am enjoying gouache. More experience will equal more enjoyment. I still struggle with the water/paint ratio. I often think I have it right. Then when I apply the paint, it is not fully opaque. Which means I have it too thin.
And now it is time for more painting practice.
Thanks so much for visiting!
Have an awesome weekend friends!
Beautiful to see them all.and read about each. Good work congratulations. On to week 4.
On to week 4! Thanks, Christine! 🙂
You are having an awesome month!
Happy painting to you! xoxo
Such bright colours! I am obviously a day or so behind on checking the albums. You have been doing some really nice work this month – good for you!
Thanks so much, Val. 🙂 I do love the bright gouache colors.
I have to tried to mute some of them, but I h=need more practice with that. 🙂
I love the work you have posted this month. Stunning! I love that you are using them for cards.
Happy creating, Val! Stay warm! xoxo
Woo hoo! Week three! I always so enjoy seeing what you’ve been up to in your studio, Sheila!
Day 13—thanks for the dip into background info about Peruvian Apple cacti, about which I knew absolutely nothing. Thanks also for info about your use of Photoshop for the spines; your use of Photoshop is fascinating. This piece looks like it could be the shop sign for a southwest boutique shop of some sort. It has a fun ‘neon’ feel to it.
Day 14—Abstract pieces can be tremendously challenging, don’tcha think??? I so appreciate your telling your challenge stories and posting your “doodles and done” pieces. I never tire of learning about the learning process of others, so I value your generosity in that regard.
Day 15—Ladybugs! I love the clean crisp feel to this piece. It makes me think of a simple wooden puzzle for young children, or maybe some kind of toy with magnetic leaves and ladybugs that a young child could arrange creatively in any way they wish on a metal tray, perhaps narrating a story as they move pieces around.
Day 16—A second abstract! Fun that your playing with these, and fun that you have Betty Franks as inspo. I haven’t looked at her work in a couple of years now.
Day 17—Ranunculus! (Ranunculi, plural?). Simple bold shapes with contrasting splatters and very fine background details. Good contrasts.
Day 18—Oh, I know that feeling of trying to “get ahead!” Love the soft parchment tone here; it is appealing in its own right, and it offers a soothing calm tone that masks your down-to-the-wire late-at-night efforts : )
Day 19—A sweet, unflustered, orderly, simple floral arrangement. My breathing deepens just looking at it. Love the pinch-the-paint-tube tip you shared. I think I learned that years ago through lived experience, maybe with a tube of toothpaste or the like.
Once again, I celebrate your creative adventures, Sheila!
Hi Dotty!
~ Yes, the colors in the apple cactus did go a bit neon. They wake you up for sure. LOL.
~ The first abstract was difficult. Many time this month I have found my self working on multiple pieces,
before coming up with something to post. I wasn’t entirely happy with that one, but the work/play counts.
And I did enjoy the process.
~ I love your ladybugs ideas! That would be so fun. On that I learned more about layers. Well, I practiced more with layers.
I still have the tendency to put on too much paint, too early. And still I often end up with less opacity.
But, I will happily continue the practice. 🙂
~ I have admired Betty for years. Not just her style, but her method. Her ability to be loose and to build layers.
And I look to Denise Love for abstract inspiration. Her work is always, festive. Bright and cheerful.
~ On Ranunculus, I thought in terms of a fabric pattern. I added small details to fill in the negative space. 🙂
~ The final two were fun to work on, but made me realize. Well I have been reminded all month that I can no longer
work on small details as easily. LOL. I had to pull out my magnifying glasses a few times. I was happy to paint
some simple, fun flowers. It was relaxing that night. 🙂
I figured I was late learning the tube trick. That just wowed me! Hahaha.
Thanks so much, Dotty! For taking the time to comment on each piece. I love hearing from you, always.
And I finally caught up with your fabulous words and work! I always sit with your poetry, take a moment to
sit with it, and/or reread it. Your posts are always inspiring, & uplifting! xoxo