Quick Practices Are Easier to Start than a Full Blown Project

I've had a tough time recently bringing myself to the painting table. Partly related to the adjustment to my return to work, but I've also felt a bit intimidated or overwhelmed by beginning a complicated painting. 

Today I broke the ice by practicing a scene that began with a wash. I used a pretty small palette- Phthalo blue GS, Quin gold, burnt sienna, raw umber, and hansa yellow medium, but felt the raw umber made it a bit muddy. 

Then I did it again with just 4: Phthalo blue GS, Quin gold, Italian burnt sienna, and hansa yellow medium. Though I think there's more harmony in the second piece, too much Phthalo blue in the water and impatience that caused too much feathering left the composition less defined. 

Adding ink to define the edges helped, but again, I overdid it: holding back a bit on the mountain and avoiding the sun/sunset area altogether would have left a much less "busy" feeling.

It was quick and fun, though, and best of all, it got me painting without feeling like it would be a huge, overwhelming process. Progress!

The Challenge of Painting Every Day: #30paintingsin30days

Day 6 painting, completed on Day 8:

I joined the #30paintingsin30days cohort thinking it would both keep me on track and provide a structure for the regular practice I know that I need in order to improve my painting. 

I got to Day 4, very excited that I had kept up, then squeaked in a fifth on Day 9. (!) Here I am at Day 16, now 11 paintings behind. 

I'm not sure how I feel about that; only that I do know I have released myself from the feeling of pressure that was plaguing me somewhere around Day 12. I realized it was preventing me from deciding on a subject that engaged my interest. You can't paint if there's nothing interesting to look at, and the last thing I wanted was to feel that painting is a chore to be checked off each day.

In addition, I went back to work on Day 11 after a 12 week medical leave. Not an excuse, just a detail of life.

So, I've decided to let it go, and am

Congratulating myself for doing so. Why, you ask? Because self-reflection tells me that being able to let it go is a huge step in personal growth! 

New Plan: Each day I'll decide if I have the time or motivation and something I want to paint. I'll continue my practice with a limited palette, and I'll see how it end up on January 30th. One never knows. 

Day 4 of 30 paintings in 30 days

Long day today, so I feel super proud that I completed this little sketch after dinner to meet my Day 4 quota. 

Four colors: Prussian blue, carmine, burnt sienna, and Monte Amiata Natural Sienna. 

30 Paintings in 30 Days #3

Since the stockings are still "hung by the chimney with care," on this January 3rd, I thought "Christmas Remnants to be a fitting title. 

Didn't quite stick with three colors, but came close: burnt and raw Sienna, carmine and ultramarine primarily, with touches of indigo. Needed Prussian and hansa yellow light to mix the greens I wanted, and purple magenta for the, you guessed it, purple. In hindsight, I should have stayed with Prussian and darkened it with carmine and raw Sienna, and just used carmine for the purple, and raw Sienna for the green. It may have had better harmony. Next time!

Time to catch up!

It's been quite a while since I've posted, and I have completed many new works. Flowers and winter scenes are the themes. I have painted thank you cards, and several tutorials. Learning a lot, but also painfully aware of how far I still have to go. I just signed up for a 30 paintings in 30 days challenge, and on day #2, so far, so good!

The card collection:

Miscellaneous scenes:

And tutorials:

The last two were posted as Day 1

& Day 2 for 30 paintings in 30 days. In each one I know what doesn't work, so hopefully I'll be able to improve my skills- mixing with a limited palette, and perspective. Stay tuned!