Painting again

Since heading back to work I have had a tough time painting. Over this week I got two pieces completed. 

The first was a quick morning sketch.

The second was a watercolor of a sketch I began a few weeks ago. It's from a photo I took while we were in Chile in 2014. Stuck with three colors: Monte Amiata Natural Sienna, Helio Cerulean (Phthalo blue GS, and carmine, with just a touch of Burnt Sienna for the branches. Then I glazed with Aureolin at the finish. I'm pretty pleased with it.

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. 

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!

Birthday Bouquet

Had a lovely birthday today and received a flower bouquet that just screamed, "Paint me!" So, I did. Pretty pleased with the results.

Saturday Morning Still Life

Trying to paint every weekend is sometimes challenging. Especially since I have continued to whittle down to a trim travel palette. I've spent a lot of time practicing with mixing colors to make the best choices for times when I can only take a few colors along. I finally realized that since I am mostly painting at home, I should just use a larger palette and keep track of what I'm using. Over time, whatever I'm using most will be the colors for travel. Duh! So, I got two still life pics done, one with ink and one with watercolor pencil to draw before painting.  Too bad there's no way to combine the first sugar bowl with the second apples! (sigh)