Watercolor Weekend - Apple Trio

Apple Trio

6x6in watercolor on Strathmore NFS

A painting I actually finished!

Artist Note.
I have been trying all week to paint and
could not focus to finish one. It feels really
good to be able to pull this one off.

Thanks to everyone for the sensitive and
touching comments and emails. I am amazed
how many other of you have recently lost
a loved one and the losses to breast cancer
are many. I am reminded we have to appreciate
every day and truly love family and friends.

The magnitude of what has happened in the
Philippines is beyond comprehension. My
prayers are for help to reach the surviving men,
women, mothers, fathers, brothers,
sisters and all the animal life.
I know Daily Paintworks will be having an
auction to raise money like they always do.
They are wonderful and I will be happy, along
with all the other artists, to participate.

Farmers Market #18 - Red Umbrella Sketch

Red Umbrella Sketch

6x6in watercolor on acid free paper  NFS

#3 in the 30 day challenge.

Many of us use an umbrella for shade here in the
bright sunshine of southern New Mexico. I use one
very easily...
I was raised using one in England for a completely
different reason.

Artist Note.

My watercolor weekend was spent on doing quick
sketches like this one inspired by a photo taken at
the farmers market here in Las Cruces, NM.
I did not draw first. I started by
placing spots of color next to each other and corrected
angles and shapes with negative painting. If you look
you can see the red of the umbrella under the green and
it doesn't bother me a bit!
The purple shoulder went out too far so I blobbed in a
small dark to indicate the lower part of the sleeve
and did not "tidy up."
These small watercolors are invaluable for me
testing what works or doesn't - what I like or don't like.
This was done on Strathmore  mixed-media #400.
I find I like the surface for a sketchy approach.

Thanks for all the great comments. I wish I had the time
to answer them but I will enjoy visiting your blog.
Please know that I do appreciate YOU.

Watercolor Weekends - Sunflowers

Sunflower Study

8x6in watercolor on acid free paper. Not for sale.

Artist Note.

I had fun with this one. It was the quality of the paper I think.
Much easier to do the fracturing technique.
I used Strathmore 4ply Smooth paper.
(left over from my illustration days)
I remember Strathmore was my favorite brand.
Always consistent in quality. I also remember the awful
smell Arches brand used to make when I wet it.
Is it still like that?