Playing with watercolor pencils...

I apologize for the recent silence.  I have had a nasty respiratory bug that I can't seem to shake. Today was my third trip to the doctor.  Hopefully I will feel better soon, because I REALLY miss painting.

Several weeks ago I spent the afternoon playing with some watercolor pencils with a painting friend of mine.  We had a good time experimenting,  The following is 9 x 12 on Arches 140lb cold pressed paper block.  We used the Inktense watercolor pencils available from Cheap Joe's or Jerry's Artarama online.
I was so impressed with them, that I ordered the complete set from Cheap Joe's.  I can hardly wait for them to come in...

Let's try this again...

I rebooted my computer, and it seems to behaving

a little better. The following two paintings were done

 in watercolor on Aquarelle Arches Watercolor Block.

In addition to these, I have also been working

on some pen & ink drawings, and a couple of

watercolor pencil drawings.

I will upload those tomorrow.

Meanwhile, I will try to get some rest and

see if I can get rid of my cold.

Busy in South Florida...

We decided to spend the winter at our home in South Florida.  I do miss being in my new studio, but I have set up a temporary studio in my old office.  It is a bit cramped, but I have been able to get quite a bit accomplished. Here is a portrait that I delivered last week.  Their mother was thrilled.  Hopefully it will bring in some more commissions.

In addition to oils, I have also been playing a lot with watercolors and watercolor pencils.

Hmmm... my computer seems to be acting up.  It won't let me insert any more pictures. 

Guess I will reboot and try again...

Day 2 of "Autumn's Treasures"

Well, today is day 2 on this painting.  I am amazed that I have spent the entire day finishing up the gravel and painting one leaf.  Guess that's what happens when you use such a large canvas.  I am thrilled with how it is turning out.

"Autumn's Treasures" started...

What a wonderful day!  Spent it in the studio painting.  Around noon, the UPS man came and brought me my Christmas present from my husband - a new flat screen TV for the studio.  He set it up this evening for me.  (Thank you, Darling.)

Here is the painting I started today - 24" x 30" - done in oils on canvas.  It is the biggest one I have ever painted.  The reference photo is a picture I took several weeks ago in our driveway, when the leaves were still vibrant.  I plan to finish up the gravel tomorrow morning and begin working on the leaves. I see there is a bit of glare in the picture...sorry.

Busy in the studio...

I spent yesterday in the studio working on a pen & ink illustration for a children's book.  The author and his family are missionaries in Asia.  It is a delightful story of a little boy and a clever tree.  They sent me photos of their son and I used them as a reference.

After completing the drawing, I sent it by email to the other side of the world.  Needless to say, I was nervously waiting for a reply.  I don't know about you, but I put so much into my artwork that my creations are a part of me.  I worry that they aren't good enough, or won't be well received. 

I finally received the email this morning.  The author is delighted!  Praise God!

I hope to be able to work on the next illustration later this week.  However, our Thanksgiving festivities may interrupt my time in the studio...  We are celebrating Thanksgiving with friends this afternoon, then again on Thursday with some other dear friends.  This year I have so much to be thankful for... friends, precious family in Florida, Ohio, and Alabama, and a new studio in the mountains of NC where I can create to my heart's content.  God is so good!

By the way, I won't be posting pictures of the story illustrations... Sorry ot be such a tease, but you will just have to wait for the book.

If I don't post again before this Thursday...  Happy Thanksgiving!

Great is Thy Faithfulness - finished

I completed "Great is Thy Faithfulness" today.  I have to give much of the credit to my husband Bert, for allowing me to focus on my art.  He made me lunch and brought it out to the studio so I could keep working.  Now that is a supportive husband....

I had been concerned about how I was going to paint the violin strings, since they were supposed to be white.  The area was too narrow to easily apply masking fluid, and I don't paint straight enough lines to adequately free hand them.  Hmmm, what to do?  I ran across some graphics tape that I use when making my sewing patterns, and knew I had found the answer. I applied the tape to the string locations and painted away.  They worked really well, and I am pleased with the finished painting.