From Inspiration to Toilet Paper

This week I was inspired to paint a house. This is because of the beautiful watercolor paintings of houses by Nina Johansson that she posted on her blog. I would love to learn to paint like her.

I almost didn't post this painting because I am not particularly pleased with it. But then again, why should I be? Watercolors are new to me. Still I promised when I started this blog to share my progress, and there is no progress to be seen if I do not post "the beginning", is there? So here it is, more of an illustration than a painting, I think.

Watercolors are interesting. I have always worked from mid-tones or darks to lights. It seems that watercolor is the opposite, and you must patiently build layer after layer. I finally understand this. This knowledge in hand, I gave it a try. I think I was doing okay for a while, and then my true impatient (or impetuous) nature took hold. Acrylics/oils is more my temperament I am sure, but I feel challenged. Besides, watercolor is easiest when out and about, so I think it is valuable to master. There is also a certain discipline that the other mediums do not have.

Speaking of "out and about", here is another life drawing from Einstein Bagels - only he was next door in Starbucks and I could see him through the door. Perfect subterfuge! He moved, though, before I could sketch the body.This morning I drew a particularly poor sketch of a gentleman engaged in conversation at Panera's. Later, at home, I drew from the sketch onto a special paper I found, well, hanging around. The pen marks spread, creating a neat effect. And the final drawing was not as "crappy" as the first sketch. In fact, I rather like it. My wife thinks he looks spooky though. Go figure.



Pilot Varsity on toilet paper.