Birthday Card for Mom

My Mom has a black cat and a white cat, hence the subject matter. Some day, I hope to paint her Yorkie.

Happy Birthday Mom!

Kaleidoscope Palette

This idea for a group exercise came from Susan Bronsak, of the Paint Doodles forum ( the original idea is from the book Art Escapes by Dory Kanter ). I have to say, it was the most fun I've ever had painting! No rules, no copying someone's demo, no pressure to be "up to par". The techniques used are dry brushing, washes, salt, masking, glazing, scraping, lifting and sponging. Talk about practice!

Paper is 140# Arches cold press, colors by W&N.

Thanks for looking!

Magnolia Tutorial

This is from Rod Webb's Tutorial.
The Paper is Arches 140# cold press, colors use are W&N FUB, Alizarin Crimson, Raw Sienna, Burnt Umber, Light Red, Paynes Gray and Sap Green. I was surprised that the FUB and Alizarin Crimson separated on me. Susan told me that FUB is a granulating pigment. Ah... I have much to learn.

What shall I do next????

Happy painting, y'all!

Stella Tut Complete

Yay! I finished my Stella. Here she is:



I used Arches 140# Cold pressed, W&N Aureolin, New Gamboge, Burnt Sienna, Olive Green and FUB.

This tutorial is from Susan's site, on the right. She explains everything very clearly. Great for beginners, like me!

Be Blessed!

Stella D'Oro Tutorial

This is a tutorial I've been working on from Susan Bronsak's site. Her directions are very clear and easy to follow. I wish there were more of these kinds of tutorials out there. So many say "for beginners", but really aren't. There are also several forums that seem to welcome beginners, but no one ever posts beginner looking stuff. I feel like my paintings are kindergarten stuff in comparison. Susan told me that I've gotta walk before I can run, and that's great advice. I just feel like everyone else never walked first.

I know, I'm whining. This is my private pity party, lol.

Watercolor Christmas

This has been the Christmas to satisfy the artist in me! Just look at all these watercolor goodies. Surely, I will learn something now!!!

New and Improved

Here's some more practice cards. I think they're looking better.







I used Arches 140# cold press this time, instead of the Strathmore card stock I had. What a difference it made as the paint went on! I think I might get addicted to Arches. No buckling! So now I might try a winter scene while my confidence is up.

Christmas Card

Well, this is my first attempt at painting a Christmas card. It is from the book Fresh and Easy Watercolor for Beginners by Bonnie Frederico. I definitely need more practice before it's ready to send!



I think I need to learn how to use my scanner, too!

A New Blog

Hi all! I've decided to start a blog dedicated to my newest passion, watercolor painting. Since I'm a beginner, I thought this would be a great way to chronical my progress. Please understand, it will be very difficult for me to post my stuff, because I don't like any of it, but I've been told that many painters feel that way. Seems we can be a self critical bunch!

I may post some of my photographs along the way, since I am a photographer.
So, to begin my new venture, here's my first paintings.

Tree Doodles from The Interactive CD


From Watercolor Techniques for the Beginner by Louise Jackson
.

From a reference book


another from the Louise Jackson book


this is copied from a Kathleen Denis print


and Mother's Day cards