I instagrammed the flowers pictured above 2 weeks ago (I can't believe it's been that long, I was thinking one week tops), and the top photo yesterday. Although I've had various other pulls and pushes on my time between the two, I've been exploring with watercolors when I can. Specifically watercolor painting in a loose, trying to get looser way. Trying to go more toward imagination vs. rendering or sketching something real.
On scraps from another project...
On half done pages in my art journal...
On papers found near me...basically anything I can, when I can. I'm having lots of fun. This flower fantasy fun started in earnest here, and it's really taken hold of my imagination, I'm constantly thinking of things I want to try "next time".
I mentioned on that post that I felt I was onto something, meaning something in my own artistic development. One of those times when it feels like one's universe is expanding in a new direction. I also said that in a strange way, I feel like all my interests are sort of melding in my head, like my voice is becoming stronger even when I'm thinking about expressing it in different mediums.
I'm having a hard time explaining what I'm thinking. Probably because I'm not too clear on it myself. Also probably becuase I tend to think that way anyway, big loops of big picture...not broken down into clean, defined sections. (More unclear stream of consciousness for you there.)
For example, I'm really noticing how I hold the brush differently and use the brush differently, when watercoloring, oil painting, abstract acrylic paintings, art journaling. Pretty sure the oil painting class brought that on, seeing the way that Leslie held her brush. Well, the fact that oil brushes are longer usually, and for a reason; arm vs. wrist, started me thinking differently. I'm fascinated right now in how my touch changes and how changing how I use my hand/arm/approach changes so much in the result. Certain mediums naturally bring out a different style and that is just so cool to me.
I'm using different brushes than when oil painting or acrylic painting, that's no big surprise, but what did surprise me was that I'm using different brushes when watercolor painting vs. watercoloring sketching. And I'm using the brushes differently, applying the color to the paper differently. And that really surprised me too. Oh, how I love the discovery from experimenting!
I'm not sure if it's obvious in the photos above, but the papers are very different too. More exploring, more discovering.
It's too early for me to have any favorite supplies to share, I'm still deep in the play, so excited about all the new territory ahead. But, I would be remiss if I didn't mention again that this whole watercolor world really opened up for me when I took Mary Ann's Sketchbookery class. I am not just saying that because she's a good friend and a new session is starting soon. I'm saying it because it's true. I learned a lot, and believe that's where this door started opening for me; by learning and practicing watercoloring and sketching more than I ever had via her methods and tools. If you want more watercoloring info right now, I'd suggest starting there... who knows where it will lead YOU!
p.s. It's Friday!!! Hooray!!!!!!! xo
