Sliding Back Into Watercolors

Red Bud   watercolor   13.5 x 10

is a daunting task.  This painting was one of the first watercolors of the season.  As I have little patience for perfectly arranged bouquets, I stuck some red bud branches into a jar, along with some vinca vine for interest. Floral paintings can easily become a story about the vase, which doesn't do much for me.  Simple stories do. The palette was limited.  Detail was kept to a minimum.  Both sides of the paper were lightly misted with water, as the transition from wet to dryer is one that both appeals and excites. The bottom background shape was painted with a light wash from the mixing well of the palette, combining all of the previously used colors to create a harmonic neutral.  And, of course, brown (a reddish tone) in the top background.  I have found that I like to offset the sweet floral hues with an earthy brown which, for me, keeps the floral paintings from reading too sweetly.

After years and years of painting both from life, and from reference photos out of necessity, I have found that I much prefer the imperfect boldness that occurs when I paint from life. 

I am still trying to define what, for me, makes a good painting.  It is always so elusive.

I am ready to  move one.

Boys and Creeks

Boys and Creeks  oil/canvas   30 x 20 c 1.5

My husband loves poking around in creeks.  Our three sons loved poking around in creeks.  And now, our grandchildren are following suit.  There is an exciting world living just beneath the surface.....crawdads, fossils, and interesting rocks and minerals beckon.  Wet feet?  No worries.  Dirty hands?  A momentary inconvenience.  Muddy boots?  They can be cleaned.

During the virus, our family has kept in touch more than ever as we share photos from across the country.  Seeing these daily activities, as well as coping activities, has provided us with such pleasure.  From the seaside beaches of California to the shallows of Ohio's rivers and streams, we are united in the passion of exploration. 

This painting was referenced from such a photo. I am in awe of their resilience and their spirit.