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!