Continuing with my practice ... I've tried to take some of my recent attempts at looseness and blending to a more detailed rose (sketch practice). Though I find the blue a bit harsh, and will be working to find a similiar value in a different hue, I sort of like this application of theory.
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
Tree Practice
Using a general 'non-specific tree type' outline, this is continued practice of watercolor methods. I'm afraid I added too much dark paint in too similiar areas, but the practice was really very helpful. I find thinking in negative shapes to be a most difficult method used in watercolor. I have to work my mind around what I am SEEING to imagine what I'm NOT seeing.
I'll be practicing MORE of these to be sure!
I'll be practicing MORE of these to be sure!
Roses - My Favorite
After dozens (oh yes, dozens!) of roses, I think this is my favorite. I just love the bit of light on the petals and the way the colors blend ....
Roses - Again
A generous, kind friend is helping me with my watercolor techniques and methods, and I'm devoting much of my time to learning these well.
I've been interested for a long time, too, to learn how to 'loosen up' my watercolors, and this practice is moving me in that direction as well. Having fresh eyes and experience reviewing my methods and attempts will help me to eliminate bad habits before they've become too ingrained. You cannot imagine my gratitude for this gift. I hope to show my appreciation for this effort and time by devoting much, much time to practice and learning -- well.
Here are some simple roses, done with a limited pallete. They use a graded wash -- probably something I should have been practicing when I started watercolor 15 months ago -- but somehow didn't find or take the time to do OR learn well enough.
Funny thing ... I have been truly drooling over these kinds of paintings for lo, 15 months!! and they look so so simple ... and in my misconception of that simplicity, thought I could just randomly splash some paint on paper and then add a bit more and achieve that wonderful variation/blend that says "loose" to me. HA! What did I think I knew?? LOL
What I am learning now, is that often the most simple of watercolor paintings are often from the most experienced and learned hands, AFTER many months and years of that darn "P" word -- PRACTICE! Oh yes -- another "P" word -- PATIENCE!
And my admiration for these wise, talented, dedicated souls who pull this off painting after painting, time after time -- is even more amplified.
All from a simple rose and the generosity of a friend.
I've been interested for a long time, too, to learn how to 'loosen up' my watercolors, and this practice is moving me in that direction as well. Having fresh eyes and experience reviewing my methods and attempts will help me to eliminate bad habits before they've become too ingrained. You cannot imagine my gratitude for this gift. I hope to show my appreciation for this effort and time by devoting much, much time to practice and learning -- well.
Here are some simple roses, done with a limited pallete. They use a graded wash -- probably something I should have been practicing when I started watercolor 15 months ago -- but somehow didn't find or take the time to do OR learn well enough.
Funny thing ... I have been truly drooling over these kinds of paintings for lo, 15 months!! and they look so so simple ... and in my misconception of that simplicity, thought I could just randomly splash some paint on paper and then add a bit more and achieve that wonderful variation/blend that says "loose" to me. HA! What did I think I knew?? LOL
What I am learning now, is that often the most simple of watercolor paintings are often from the most experienced and learned hands, AFTER many months and years of that darn "P" word -- PRACTICE! Oh yes -- another "P" word -- PATIENCE!
And my admiration for these wise, talented, dedicated souls who pull this off painting after painting, time after time -- is even more amplified.
All from a simple rose and the generosity of a friend.
Monday, January 22, 2007
EDM 102 Power Plug
We carried this European Adaptor Plug to Sicily with us to help convert our 110 cord plug into a 220 socket -- it worked so well!
Sunday, January 21, 2007
Rose
Though lacking in depth, I really liked the color blend so I thought I'd post it nonetheless. I'm still practicing my roses! and find that sketching various ones keeps me on my toes.
I'm going to give this rose a makeover later today to see if I can get it closer to reality.
I'm going to give this rose a makeover later today to see if I can get it closer to reality.
Table Fern
I'm finally finished with my two conferences and half of the class I teach on Saturdays -- YAHOO!! Now to relax and catch up with artwork (and of course, chores!!) LOL
With little time between conference sessions, and interactive activities for the sessions, sketching time was at a premium.
I managed to sketch this table fern just before the sessions began.
With little time between conference sessions, and interactive activities for the sessions, sketching time was at a premium.
I managed to sketch this table fern just before the sessions began.
Saturday, January 20, 2007
Window at Camp Caraway, NC
I'm back from my first conference, teaching all day today, and then another conference this afternoon ...
But here is a glimpse at the fantastic window that led from the main room at the Conference Center to the porch. Since it was so cold and the snow was still on the trees, most folks remained in the warmth of the room in the small amount of time we had between sessions.
But here is a glimpse at the fantastic window that led from the main room at the Conference Center to the porch. Since it was so cold and the snow was still on the trees, most folks remained in the warmth of the room in the small amount of time we had between sessions.
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
A peek behind the petal
I wanted to sketch one more tulip before I had to leave for my conference. When I sat in front of the vase of tulips, this rather 'immodest' blossom was right before my eyes! I just had to sketch it!
There is something so provocative about flowers -- and tulips in particular: smooth petals, sensual curves, and here, this seemingly Georgia O'Keeffe-ish perspective!
I'm halfway to the conference -- it's snowing -- things are delayed ... egads!
Single Tulip
I am so enjoying this vase of tulips and will do one more sketch before I leave for a three day conference and a Saturday work-day. I'll be scarce until Sunday unless the conference site has Internet access.
But I'll be sketching daily ... and look forward to seeing everyone's work when I get back.
Meanwhile -- stay warm! The temperatures are dropping.
But I'll be sketching daily ... and look forward to seeing everyone's work when I get back.
Meanwhile -- stay warm! The temperatures are dropping.
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
Three Tulips
I am so enamored with ink and wash ... and I'll keep practicing it myself until I can render it the way I imagine in my mind.
On the way back from the park Sunday, we stopped and picked up a small cluster of tulips for my "sketch subject" ...
(These look so much better in my sketchbook than on the screen!!)
On the way back from the park Sunday, we stopped and picked up a small cluster of tulips for my "sketch subject" ...
(These look so much better in my sketchbook than on the screen!!)
Monday, January 15, 2007
Eno River 1 17 07
It was an absolutely glorious day yesterday, and rather than spend yet another day in the house, C and I headed down the road for a walk at our favorite park. We took the trail we ususally walk on New Year's Day--one of our New Year's Day traditions, but didn't get to this year for all our company.
The path was a bit damp from all the rain, and muddy, slick with fallen, yet to be decomposed leaves, but we went slowly over the rocks and roots and rested at the river's edge.
I've attempted these particular rocks and water before
http://viewfromtheoak.blogspot.com/2006/01/hike-at-west-point-on-eno.html but attempting it THIS time, with a playful attitude (and oh yes, a full year of daily sketching practice) CERTAINLY made a huge difference! LOL
I'm not sure the shadows work -- but I really like the rocks!
Some folks use a portrait done year after year to gauge their progress ....perhaps this scene will be my yardstick ...
The path was a bit damp from all the rain, and muddy, slick with fallen, yet to be decomposed leaves, but we went slowly over the rocks and roots and rested at the river's edge.
I've attempted these particular rocks and water before
http://viewfromtheoak.blogspot.com/2006/01/hike-at-west-point-on-eno.html but attempting it THIS time, with a playful attitude (and oh yes, a full year of daily sketching practice) CERTAINLY made a huge difference! LOL
I'm not sure the shadows work -- but I really like the rocks!
Some folks use a portrait done year after year to gauge their progress ....perhaps this scene will be my yardstick ...
Sunday, January 14, 2007
Rose with Waterbrush
My typical method of applying paint - using a waterbrush. Again, I think the pinks need a bit of darkening for greater contrast.
These exercises sure have me admiring those folks who product glorious watercolors with SEEMINGLY little effort ... WOW! Maybe some day ....
These exercises sure have me admiring those folks who product glorious watercolors with SEEMINGLY little effort ... WOW! Maybe some day ....
Rose with Brush
Another value study of this rose. I used a synthetic brush -- something I ususally use when I'm at home and not on the road -- and mostly for linework. I need to get used to this tool much more than I am. Comparing this rose to the one in which I really concentrated on values -- I need to darken the pinks for greater contrast. I want to do this without messing up the delicate light throughout ... This alone will be another lesson! LOL
Rose Value Studies
A dear, generous friend is helping me with my watercolors. We're focusing on value studies at the moment. I've chosen roses to practice since I also need the sketching practice, and roses can be a challenge, though after doing and redoing this one rose, I think I should be able to sketch this one in my sleep!! lOL
I scanned and check the values of paint and compared them to the photo reference I was using ... I've begun to realize that my images have a predominance of mid-tones and could really use (in my opinion) a bit of darker values for spunk. So after this comparison, I used the paints to come closer to the image of my intent.
I really like this -- to me, the colors pop -- I realize the painting is overworked since I did and redid and redit to focus on the colors. But it sure was a good lesson!
I scanned and check the values of paint and compared them to the photo reference I was using ... I've begun to realize that my images have a predominance of mid-tones and could really use (in my opinion) a bit of darker values for spunk. So after this comparison, I used the paints to come closer to the image of my intent.
I really like this -- to me, the colors pop -- I realize the painting is overworked since I did and redid and redit to focus on the colors. But it sure was a good lesson!
Nick's Birthday Party
Saturday, January 13, 2007
Rebeccas Early Spring Bouqet
Rebecca's table vases always reflect what is blooming in her wonderful garden. Here, she's unconsciously showed the unusual weather we've been experiencing with the juxtaposition of early spring daffodils against the winter red-berries of Nandina! She's added two red hearts in preparation of Valentine's Day.
I like the loose, playful feeling of this sketch ...
I like the loose, playful feeling of this sketch ...
Friday, January 12, 2007
Trying for a wet in wet rose
The top rose I sketched back in December -- and came close to getting the highlights correct ...
The purple/pink rose is my attempt last night for wet-in-wet ... but again, I need to pay more attention to highlights -- though the values are closer. I went back in to darken a few areas ...
The purple/pink rose is my attempt last night for wet-in-wet ... but again, I need to pay more attention to highlights -- though the values are closer. I went back in to darken a few areas ...
Rose for Mom
Yesterday was my mom's 84th birthday -- HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM! The rose is her favorite flower ....
I remember growing up how she'd have so many rose bushes all around our home -- and how their scent filled each room ....
(My attempt at wet-in-wet -- but I needed to pay more attention to values here ....)
I remember growing up how she'd have so many rose bushes all around our home -- and how their scent filled each room ....
(My attempt at wet-in-wet -- but I needed to pay more attention to values here ....)
Thursday, January 11, 2007
Calla
Last night I sketched callas for my dear daughter and her husband who leaves today for several months of training before he leaves for Iraq. My heart breaks for this absence, especially because HER daughter is a mere nine months old, and my dd works a demanding, full-time, stress-filled job. She (and he) will be facing multiple challenges in the next year, and so I painted callas (her favorite flower) and said prayers with each pencil line, and more with each stroke of paint.
God-speed, my dear son-in-law .... may angels rest on your family's shoulders......
God-speed, my dear son-in-law .... may angels rest on your family's shoulders......
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
Daffodils
It's mighty early for these to be in bloom, but in Rebecca's garden in those warmer spots protected by most winds, daffodils are blooming madly. They add a bit of sunshiney yellow to a cool ground of umbers and brows -- a tease of spring .....
EDM 101 Soap
The EDM challenge this week is to sketch a bar of soap. I've been creating my own gylcerine soap with scents I prefer for over six years. My family uses ONLY my hand-made soap!!
This bar uses one of my favorite flower molds.
Tuesday, January 09, 2007
Tulips
It was such a grey rainy morning yesterday, so I sketched some loose tulips to bright up the grey day.
Monday, January 08, 2007
Nick Turns Two
A few images of Nick's birthday -- the cupcakes I baked, the 'candies' on top -- which he and Emily LOVED -- and his candle.
I cannot believe how fast the year has flown!
I cannot believe how fast the year has flown!
Sunday, January 07, 2007
Nick Turns Two
Nick turned two today !!!
I baked him some cupcakes and C and I went to visit him with his gifts. Both he and Emily enjoyed the cupcakes AND the new markers and coloring books. The markers are Crayola's MAGIC markers -- they only make a mark on the special coloring book .. YEAH!
A few photos of the birthday boy and the artists at work!
Deco
I'm participating in a Deco round robin. This is my two-page spread for my friend, Bobbie's, deco. Her booklet is a "Laughter" theme. I used two of the photos she provided, tissue paper, stickers, bits of decorative napkins, skeleton leaves, metal charm, dictionary page.
Landscape, EDM 100
It was a gorgeous day yesterday -- in the 70sF! And I finally had a chance to get outdoors!
My friend Lorraine had given me a FABULOUS artseat for Christmas, so I packed that with my set of watercolors, pencil and sketchpad and walked my property searching for a 'landscape' view.
I stopped near the front entrance where the path begins around one section of the property. I sat in the warm sunshine, birds aflutter, and sketched the scene.
The coloring is a bit brighter in the scan than in my journal - but the trees, shrubs, ornamental grasses, and emerging plants are all there! (I did eliminate the weeds -- which were difficult to ignore! My choice was to weed or sketch -- I decided to sketch!)
I find landscapes a bit of a challenge - so much to decide - what to leave in, what to leave out, shadows, textures, perspectives. I'll probably do more of these for the practice I need!
Flora (L to R): Single-trunk birch (peeling like crazy!), emerging daylilies, red cedar, yellow mops, pines, several varieties of ornamental grasses, bare sweetgum. WN Watercolors in Raffine sketchbook.
My friend Lorraine had given me a FABULOUS artseat for Christmas, so I packed that with my set of watercolors, pencil and sketchpad and walked my property searching for a 'landscape' view.
I stopped near the front entrance where the path begins around one section of the property. I sat in the warm sunshine, birds aflutter, and sketched the scene.
The coloring is a bit brighter in the scan than in my journal - but the trees, shrubs, ornamental grasses, and emerging plants are all there! (I did eliminate the weeds -- which were difficult to ignore! My choice was to weed or sketch -- I decided to sketch!)
I find landscapes a bit of a challenge - so much to decide - what to leave in, what to leave out, shadows, textures, perspectives. I'll probably do more of these for the practice I need!
Flora (L to R): Single-trunk birch (peeling like crazy!), emerging daylilies, red cedar, yellow mops, pines, several varieties of ornamental grasses, bare sweetgum. WN Watercolors in Raffine sketchbook.
Saturday, January 06, 2007
Jonathans Gift
One of my students brought me these flowers from a landscaping job he was installing -- camellia and two dark red carnations. We've had ten days of abnormally high temperatures in the 60s and 70sF ... and the flowers were still abloom.
I sketched and painted this while waiting additional students to register for the spring semester.
I sketched and painted this while waiting additional students to register for the spring semester.
boredom 2
Still bored during this meeting, I attempt my most difficult subject -- people. This attempt was exacerbated by my sitting among the art instructors who, bored too, were enjoying my attempts! GEEZ!
boredom 1
I spent most of yesterday at a "professional development" workshop (mandatory) that for the first presenters was, unfortunately, so BORING that it was sadly embarrassing for them and painful for us. All I had with me was a pen and steno pad -- the pen scratchy and skipping on the slickish paper ... but I used to time to sketch what was in front of me -- crackers, cup, paper holder, pen.
When I finally did make it home, that 'everyone's got it' stomach virus knocked me off my feet and it's been a sleepless, painful night.
When I finally did make it home, that 'everyone's got it' stomach virus knocked me off my feet and it's been a sleepless, painful night.
Friday, January 05, 2007
Rebecca's Creamer
Rebecca has the most incredible odds and ends around her pretty bed and breakfast.
Here is the creamer from a delicate set her son brought back from his trip to Sweden. I just LOVE the ceramic iris on the handle!
Here is the creamer from a delicate set her son brought back from his trip to Sweden. I just LOVE the ceramic iris on the handle!
Thursday, January 04, 2007
Raisins
I was hungry for something sweet after all the holiday cookies, so I went to the local coffee shop for a couple of biscotti. I bought myself two -- one to eat and one to sketch. When I got back to my desk, though, I began to feel guilty so I decided to eat these raisins while I sketched the box, leaving the biscotti to sketch today.
But then,
The biscotti just seemed to CALL ME, and well, there won't be a sketch of it --- because I just HAD to eat it!
Mercy!
But then,
The biscotti just seemed to CALL ME, and well, there won't be a sketch of it --- because I just HAD to eat it!
Mercy!
Wednesday, January 03, 2007
Breath of Spring
It's January, but you'd never know it by the 60F degree weather we've been enjoying.
I've returned to work and the B&B -- and Rebecca's bouquets. In honor of the warm weather and early blooming plants, she's placed sprigs of Sweet Breath of Spring between the green leaves and red berries of Nandina.
This sketch took far longer than I expected since Rebecca and I spent most of the time chatting and catching up from the holidays!
I've returned to work and the B&B -- and Rebecca's bouquets. In honor of the warm weather and early blooming plants, she's placed sprigs of Sweet Breath of Spring between the green leaves and red berries of Nandina.
This sketch took far longer than I expected since Rebecca and I spent most of the time chatting and catching up from the holidays!
Tuesday, January 02, 2007
Wassail
In honor of the New Year -- Wassail -- a spiced wine beverage --
Here we come a-wassailing
Among the leaves so green.
Here we come a-wassailing
So far to be seen.
Love and joy come to you
And to your wassail too.
And God bless you
And send you a happy New Year,
And God send you a Happy New Year!
And a bit from an article I wrote about the Natural History of the New Year:
Celebrating the New Year is practiced the world over with special foods, ceremonies, parties, proverbs, and resolution-making. The wassail bowl, from the Middle English words, waes haeil, means “to thou well” or “to your health,” and was a long ago custom in which participants drank to one another’s well-being. A mixture of ale, sugar, nutmeg and roasted apples was prepared, and the merry-makers would toast one another just after midnight on New Year’s Eve.
“Wassailing,” another old custom, had the well-wishers going from house to house with their wassail bowl of cheer. In exchange for a toast of the beverage and perhaps a chorus or two of the carol above, they would receive New Year’s gifts of fruit and nuts. In addition to the wassail bowl, the New Year’s visitors would make their calls, carrying sprays of evergreen hung with apples, oranges and ribbons.
And while I wish I could carry good wishes to everyone door-to-door, please let this painting suffice --
HAPPY 2007 EVERYONE!
Here we come a-wassailing
Among the leaves so green.
Here we come a-wassailing
So far to be seen.
Love and joy come to you
And to your wassail too.
And God bless you
And send you a happy New Year,
And God send you a Happy New Year!
And a bit from an article I wrote about the Natural History of the New Year:
Celebrating the New Year is practiced the world over with special foods, ceremonies, parties, proverbs, and resolution-making. The wassail bowl, from the Middle English words, waes haeil, means “to thou well” or “to your health,” and was a long ago custom in which participants drank to one another’s well-being. A mixture of ale, sugar, nutmeg and roasted apples was prepared, and the merry-makers would toast one another just after midnight on New Year’s Eve.
“Wassailing,” another old custom, had the well-wishers going from house to house with their wassail bowl of cheer. In exchange for a toast of the beverage and perhaps a chorus or two of the carol above, they would receive New Year’s gifts of fruit and nuts. In addition to the wassail bowl, the New Year’s visitors would make their calls, carrying sprays of evergreen hung with apples, oranges and ribbons.
And while I wish I could carry good wishes to everyone door-to-door, please let this painting suffice --
HAPPY 2007 EVERYONE!
Monday, January 01, 2007
Yellow Rose
I've been using roses to practice 'seeing,' sketching and value painting. In this attempt, I have finally achieved that balance (in my mind) of looseness and detail. I'll continue trying to achieve this with more ease and more frequency!
In the meantime, on the first day of January, a day and month of beginnings and new starts, I post this rose as a symbol of renewal ... may we enter this year with renewed spirit, commitment and joy!
And take time to smell those roses!!
In the meantime, on the first day of January, a day and month of beginnings and new starts, I post this rose as a symbol of renewal ... may we enter this year with renewed spirit, commitment and joy!
And take time to smell those roses!!
EDM 99 2007 Art Goals
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!
I started to review my sketches from when I began sketching 1 1/2 years ago - and am amazed to see such differences! and also amazed at what hasn't changed! But in doing so, there are some accomplishments I have made:
* I sketched every day -- no matter what
* I completed all the EDM challenges
* I've begun to loosen up a bit
* My lines are surer
* My perspective has improved
* I've taken a sketch class and a watercolor class from Kate Johnson and learned quite a bit
* I attended "Art in the Carolinas" and took a class from Karlyn Holman which helped me attempt more 'wet-in-wet' methods
* I've encouraged my fellow artists in their work, and have been exceedingly rewarded by their friendship and support
* I've met the most wonderful group of inspirational and generous folks.
In 2006 I set a few modest goals:
* Sketch more and write more on the same page!
* Learn to make my sketches more relaxed, loose and joy-filled instead of stiffly perfection-seeking
* Sketch more of nature
* Sketch more quickly
AND PRACTICE PRACTICE PRACTICE!
In 2007 my goals continue to be modest - but I believe attainable with my intense work schedule and grandchildren and family:
* Sketch/paint daily
* Practice more faces and figures
* Sketch more scenes from daily life
* Sketch the everyday - recognizing the extraordinariness of life
* Work through the many art books on my sheleves
* Practice more values and perspective
* LOOSEN UP!!
* Increase my economy of line and sketching speed
* Use richer colors - but keep them transparent
* Sketch more things of meaning
* Increase my journal entries - especially more writing
* Improve page compositions
and as always:
PRACTICE! PRACTICE! PRACTICE!
May 2007 be blessed, joyous, abundant and creative for all of us. And a humble, heartfelt thank YOU for your encouragement. It truly helps me pick up my pencil and continue the journey.
Thank YOU for sharing your life with me -- and allowing me to share mine with you.
A MOST HAPPY 2007!
I started to review my sketches from when I began sketching 1 1/2 years ago - and am amazed to see such differences! and also amazed at what hasn't changed! But in doing so, there are some accomplishments I have made:
* I sketched every day -- no matter what
* I completed all the EDM challenges
* I've begun to loosen up a bit
* My lines are surer
* My perspective has improved
* I've taken a sketch class and a watercolor class from Kate Johnson and learned quite a bit
* I attended "Art in the Carolinas" and took a class from Karlyn Holman which helped me attempt more 'wet-in-wet' methods
* I've encouraged my fellow artists in their work, and have been exceedingly rewarded by their friendship and support
* I've met the most wonderful group of inspirational and generous folks.
In 2006 I set a few modest goals:
* Sketch more and write more on the same page!
* Learn to make my sketches more relaxed, loose and joy-filled instead of stiffly perfection-seeking
* Sketch more of nature
* Sketch more quickly
AND PRACTICE PRACTICE PRACTICE!
In 2007 my goals continue to be modest - but I believe attainable with my intense work schedule and grandchildren and family:
* Sketch/paint daily
* Practice more faces and figures
* Sketch more scenes from daily life
* Sketch the everyday - recognizing the extraordinariness of life
* Work through the many art books on my sheleves
* Practice more values and perspective
* LOOSEN UP!!
* Increase my economy of line and sketching speed
* Use richer colors - but keep them transparent
* Sketch more things of meaning
* Increase my journal entries - especially more writing
* Improve page compositions
and as always:
PRACTICE! PRACTICE! PRACTICE!
May 2007 be blessed, joyous, abundant and creative for all of us. And a humble, heartfelt thank YOU for your encouragement. It truly helps me pick up my pencil and continue the journey.
Thank YOU for sharing your life with me -- and allowing me to share mine with you.
A MOST HAPPY 2007!
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