30/30 January Challenge #7

When you are working for some time with the same technique it is easy to get a rhythm going and to pick it up quickly again when you have to stop for a while (to cook dinner for instance).

#985 - Two Tulips - 5 x 7 watercolour

For this piece I used a painting that I did a few years ago as a reference. Of course, no two paintings are ever the same because I always change things; the angle of a flower or the number and shape of the leaves.

I was asked on Facebook if it is harder to paint in black and white than in colour. My response was that in one way it is easier because the colour doesn't distract you but you have to look for the sometimes subtle tonal changes.

Around 1,000 artists have joined this 30 Paintings in 30 Days Challenge. Although not all of them post their work on Leslie's 30/30 page , it is always interesting to pop over and see what those that do post, create.

30/30 January Challenge #6

I was up early this morning so I could finish today's painting before we went off hunting and gathering (shopping) for the day.

#984 - Iris - 5 x 7 watercolour

Another monochrome to go with the B & W mats that I have. This is from a photo I took in a friend's garden so I don't know the name of the iris. I had a look on-line and only saw one that was similar - a Japanese Iris, so maybe that is what this is called.

A day shopping always tuckers me out so, once this is posted, I will spend the evening in slothful ease.

Make sure you check out some of the artists on Leslie's 30/30 page

30/30 January Challenge #5

I just never know where my art will take me. The other day, while searching for a mat for 'Train Coming', I found some precut mats that I scored from a frame shop that was going out of business. I decided I might as well use them during this challenge but they didn't fit with anything I had planned to paint, so I had to come up with some different ideas.

#983 - Oriental Poppy 5 x 7 watercolour

I think that flowers work well in an oval mat and the extra black line rectangle helps make it all pop. I had planned to do this in ink with nib and brush but I found that the only inks I have are blue and brown and they don't work well with a black and white mat. So, I mixed a black with my watercolours and it worked much the same way.

I have three more of these mats so guess what I will be doing for the next few days.

I'll get this posted on Leslie's 30/30 page and then I have to get ready for a new student who is coming this afternoon.

30/30 January Challenge #4

Another cold day but the air is crisp and clear; it would be a great day to get some good winter photos if, of course, I took good photos and wanted to go out in the cold - lol.

I did the basic drawing for my fourth piece early this morning then started on the painting at Art Club.

#982 - Beyond the Walls - 5 x 7 watercolour

I finished the painting this afternoon and I have to say that the bricks got a little boring. However, I like the concept of this piece; that beyond the walls, whether physical or mental, lies a wonderful world.

Now I just have to add my link to Leslie's 30/30 page - don't forget to check it out!

30/30 January Challenge #3

Brr, it is cold out today! A perfect day to stay inside and paint, except that our furnace is making horrible noises and we are afraid it will stop working before the part we ordered to fix it gets here - keeping our fingers crossed.

I have two pieces finished but I am going to keep one in reserve to use if I get behind.

#981 - Train Coming - 5 x 7 watercolour

When I was putting yesterday's reference photo away in my 'miscellaneous' file, I noticed a magazine clipping of this scene. I believe it was an ad for a technology company in one of Bob's computer magazines. Don't ask me how a train in a tunnel relates to technology but I liked the subject and filed it away.

I have filed away so many clippings and photos for reference that I have decided to use my Miscellaneous file while I do the challenge. So far I like what I have done and am going to go and look for tomorrow's subject.

Have a great day and don't forget to check out the other artists on Leslie's 30/30 page

30/30 January Challenge - Post #2

I enjoyed doing today's painting!

#979 - Weathered - 5 x 7 watercolour

I have had the reference photo for this for a few years; don't know where I got it but, as I didn't 'copy', it doesn't matter. I started with a piece of watercolour paper that had a grey paint streak and did the whole thing free-hand. I have painted wood lots of times but never peeling paint and am quite pleased with how this turned out.

Now that I am in the mood, I might just go and work on a painting for tomorrow.

Don't forget to check out some of the other paintings at Leslie's 30/30 Challenge

30/30 January Challenge 2017 - Post #1

Well, I did it again - signed up for Leslie's Painting Challenge.

What was I thinking of? There never seems to be enough time and my house is already full to bursting with paintings, but oh no, I have to sign on to do 30 paintings in 30 days. I think I need help!

Here is my piece for the first day of the 2017 challenge.

#978 - Yellow-rumped Warbler with Wisteria

I did a card for a Christmas card exchange and liked it so much I decided to do one a bit bigger and frame it. This is a combination of watercolour and paper quilling framed to 6 x 12.

Now I just have to post this and then it is back to housework - no rest for me on this first day of the new year. Oh well, better busy than bored!