Bus Stop

Bus Stop   watercolor   27 x 19

"Bus Stop" was painted in class from a model who happened to be the daughter of one of the participating artists...I provided the fur coat for the session.  The pose, the glance, the hands encased in a muff-like position came from my own experiences in waiting for the bus on a cold, possibly rainy, winter's day.  I have always enjoyed this painting, despite its many drips and raw passages for the simple reason that it conveys my message without being over-painted.  And that, to which all watercolorists will attest, is the supreme hazard and downfall of many a painting.  Restraint.  Simplicity. Sometimes we need to be reminded of our goals.  Reminded.  And re-reminded.

Fox Fur

Bus Stop   watercolor   20 x 13

Drawing different textures is a wonderful way for we artists to learn about the nature of things. This time of year we have lots of wooly hats, scarves and gloves, as well as fur collars to whet our visual appetites. An artist once told me that in a college drawing class, they were asked to put piles of flour, sugar and salt on individual sheets of paper and to draw them...........wow, what a challenge! Such minute differences in weight, bulk and texture! This exercise is definitely on my "to do" list!