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So there is an old adage in painting, if you want a better painting, get better at drawing. Also in drawing, if you want to get better at shading, shade spheres. So here is my attempt at developing better drawing skills so far. I can already see improvements to the proportion, perspective and composition. Sometimes taking a step forward, looks like a step back, but is not.

Watercolor Pencils 101

A short video introducing watercolor pencils and information about a basic color palette for botanicals.

My birds felt the need to contribute to this video. Sorry,,, I am moving them out of the studio,,, today!!!! Well this is a test,,, new web cam,,, and new tech for me,,,, any feedback, positive or negative is greatly appreciated!!

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So I bought a tube of Daniel Smith Quin Gold. What is this paint you speak of you ask. Well,,,, in the Botanical Watercolor world,,,, it is THE paint to get the most realistic botanical greens. What is this magical and mystery pigment you ask ( I know, I know only the art nutz care:D)? Quinacridone Pigment code PO 49. It was used extensively in the auto industry, with only one manufacturer recently,,, remember those fab gold station wagons in the 80’s? Quin Gold. I guess since that color is no longer very popular, it has discontinued,,, and the only watercolor paint company with foresight? Daniel Smith, even long lived, venerable Windsor & Newton has ran out. So, I have a tube,,,, and today I am doing color study on using it to make these mythical magical botanical greens everyone is so up in arms about:D Also, I am using my new webcam, so videos shall be forthcoming!

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Well, as I add better quality, and more expensive brushes, I started to worry about keeping them nice as I often grab and go to paint outside the studio. I looked around for a brush case or book that I like and that would fit in my painting on the go kit. Long story short, I didn’t like any I found, too big, too ugly, awkward,,,, and so on. My solution, I found an inexpensive ereader/tablet cover and glued / sewed up one that fit my needs. It also will stand on its own, so that will make it convenient to use as well. And it is pretty!

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Playing with different papers. Rough or smooth, 90# to 140#,,, the only things that impact the final painting as much is the paint or brushes used. I often do the same sketch several times, on different papers. From there, I choose the ones I like best for jewelry making, or art prints,,, often they are different paintings of the same subject. Left is 140# HP Fabriano Artistico on the right is 90# CP Artist Loft. Both done with W&N Artist or Cotman (oh and DS Quin Gold) Paint with Utrecht Kolinsky Sable or Red Sable Brushes.

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Experimenting with a textured paper, only 90 #,,, taped to a foam board due to warping of paper,,,, not sure if this is going to work out,,, but full steam ahead!

Color Charts Make Me Smile

I love color charts. It is the very first thing I do with a new paint set. First it helps you to see the variations in color your set can achieve. Secondly, they are just so bright and cheerful! As a side, it is also an almost meditative process, fantastic is you are having ‘painters block’!

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So I added a new category to my store (see right hand side of my blog for the link) Wire Wrap Jewelry! I love this little ceramic bead,,,, but the original necklace it was on ,,,, well, not so much:D It seems much brighter and happier in its new setting as a ring.

And the Lily of the Valley is finished

I love these little bulb flowers. My great grandmother had her front walk lined with them.

Southern Field Peas O’Brien

 

Southern Field Peas O’Brien. Oh, this, a pot of spicy greens and some sweet cornbread,,,,,, cooler weather is making me want some serious comfort food!