Friday, September 30, 2022

watching paint dry.... and learning, always learning

 

 

For this week's painting round up, the focus is on learning... doing things differently but as always enjoying color! 

I am taking two intensive workshops with 3-4 hourlong videos each this week. It's sad when good things overlap and a person has to make a choice of what to leave behind. I started a lot of paintings this week, and hope to get to them later but a few things were made.

the owl seemed plain til I thought to add in mice! The cut out word was done on an index card, then cut into a leaf shape, a calligraphy word and some leaf drawings then taped to the piece, sitting on the mantel now

new pens!!!

 speaking of calligraphy I'm signed up to take a free workshop next week and tried my new brush pens. I like them a lot!


the workshop this week, CreativeU asks each presenter what color they usually leave off their work. 

I like all colors, except beige...and although I enjoy vibrant hues and saturated color, I am finding a use for the quiet, neutral colors where there is less contrast. It seems to be peaceful and allow the viewer to complete the picture. 

one presentation on illustration, said to paint with a watercolor back ground in all colors, then paint over the negative space... 

I painted two backgrounds, then in darker colors the negative space  leaving the pretty colors to become the image


 
next time paint darker color around the images



the top index card is the leftover from cutting out the fall leaf at the top of this post. I glued them to the card, and painted around the bits...








Kind of amazing that trash can become more...

it's all in what you see when you look at it...

since I can't really share the starts to lots of projects, I'll show you the last one. I do a lot of female portraits, and have developed my way of starting them. This presentation from Willowing's Life Book taster sessions, had a different approach. Just start laying in blobs of color... made me uncomfortable and I don't like it but...they don't all work, and there is beauty in all

dh's reaction wasn't positive... "your other portraits are a lot better" he said. I know, but it's a different approach. I'm using a new paper to me, Dick Blick brand 90 lb watercolor paper. Very inexpensive for learning on, don't worry about wasting it, but it absorbs the paint like crazy. The colors dry to paleness.

colors are much more intense in real life the photos are washed out

I think her technique deserves more attempts later, and like the quick line drawings done in staedtler black ink pen. 

More videos today, can't keep up but I can try....

linking to: face off party!

                Gillena(lunch break) of art


12 comments:

DVArtist said...

Wow! This is lovely. You are such a wonderful artist. Thank you for joining FFO.

sirkkis said...

The mouse is a good choice. The owl is handsome and wise looking.
Woman faces are interesting sketches.
Good luck studying 👍

Annie said...

Such pretty artwork today.
Hugs,
Annie x

Melisa- pinkernpunkinquilting said...

You are so very creative. How fun to see the steps in producing such gorgeous pieces of art. Have a great weekend.

sonja said...

love dick blick for art supplies shipped to your door! and you can always use the backside of a watercolor sheet as the are a lot firmer than the cotton/muslin i paint upon. sometimes i use cardstock, but it really grabs the colors and is permanent on paper. i use versatex screen printing inks,
since forever, water diluted.
i admire your learning and sharing.
faces are indeed interesting!!
have a good colorful weekend!!!

Sara said...

So many interesting art supplies to try out! The owl is especially nifty this week. I do enjoy seeing the pieces you experiment with become so much more than anticipated even.

Su-sieee! Mac said...

I love your creative energy, LeeAnna, and all your stunning creations.

My name is Erika. said...

I'm in catch up mode. between Pete getting a bit skunked and my house smelling horrible, and then yesterday my daughter got married (not unexpected but we weren't told it was her wedding either-but we were there and my 93 year old mom took a fall and broke her wrist), life has been a bit crazy. I am loving these paintings. I love owls so that caught my eye, and adding the little mice was perfect. They are so cute I hope they disappear into their hole before the owl can get them. Your face piece is wonderful also. Tomorrow I plan on an all day art day, and I hope to be able to use a few of my pent up creative juices. Everything going on seems to being them out. I hope you had a great first day of October. hugs-Erika

The Joyful Quilter said...

Keeping up with both series of classes was quite a lot. Even for me and I didn't view all of them! I still have 4 projects I want to try. LOVE the shading you were able to achieve on the face of that portrait! Enjoy finishing up the rest of the lessons.

Andrea @ From The Sol said...

Good for you for trying new techniques. I am going through the same struggles of trying to find a method that suits me and learning more as I go. Don't know if I will ever get to a place that I am satisfied with, but the fun is in the trying. Love your paintings here ... not comparing them to past work. Good luck and I will look forward to watching your progress.

Andrea @ From The Sol

Fundy Blue said...

How fun! I love your philosophy of having fun or creating beauty. If I were one of those mice near the owl I'd be quickly scampering off. Your owl is fierce looking. I enjoyed your other pieces of art. Have a fun and creative week!

Susie H said...

Lots of good stuff here, LeeAnna. I used to do calligraphy with pens. As a matter of fact, back in the day I did all the Award Certificates' names for the elementary school that my kids attended. How's that for pre-historic!?! haha