On Saturday morning I was waiting for a doctor's appointment and I thought, "Why not step outside into the parking lot, target some trees, and try to do a quick sketch in ink and watercolor?" (And I'd meet Everyday Matters Challenge no. 15 - Draw a tree or trees, leaves or branches.)I am amazed at how portable watercolor is, and I am falling in love with the medium. I am determined to learn to use it well, so of course I must practice and use it in different ways.
It was like a race: the time of the appointment, my finish line. How much should be in ink? How much watercolor? Where to apply the colors? Go, go, go!
So, as always inspired by Nina Johansson, and more particularly for this sketch by her latest post, I gave it a try, and this is the result. And I'm moderately pleased, although it is clear that I have so many more races to run. But I think I learned a few things.
I especially like this section:
So did I mention I live in Miami, and that it was at least 90 degrees outside? When I was done, in time for the doctor, it looked like I had just run the marathon.
But what a moment! I crossed that finish with hands held high (and a brush in one of them).. And while I wasn't anywhere near first place, I wasn't last either.
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Great race! I really like the amount of ink and color that you achieved. I like the trunk section as well.
ReplyDeleteYeah I could see Nina's influence there, but the overall result is still very Dan ^^
ReplyDeleteI really like the way you did it in the first place, taking the opportunity to just do it and then came out with an amazing result. That's something that deserves a medal :)
You have selected a wonderful model in Nina...big fan of her work too! Love your upbeat happy way both in your words and your paintings...Life is always good if you have a paint brush within easy reach! LOl :)
ReplyDeleteExcellent sketch. We don't seem to get 90 here, but I think it must be very hot! Nice to paint a 'cool' subject in that heat.
ReplyDeleteKeep up the running,It seems to be paying off.I currently am trying to get in the same mode and have trained myself a slow pace.Hard habit to break.
ReplyDeleteThis is a brilliant watercolour and I love the deatil in tree stump! How did you get acess to water? What did you use. I'm trying to find a small portable container for my water where it wont leak.
ReplyDeleteI was excited to receive such wonderful comments - thank you! You made my day.
ReplyDeletePatchworkGirl: I used the Sakura brand Koi WaterColors Pocket Field Sketch Box. The brush has a hollow handle that contains the water - all you do is squeeze! Go to http://www.sakuraofamerica.com/Watercolors-Brush
Haha wow thats amazing! Thannkyou!
ReplyDeleteWow Dan! These last three posts have been superb! You're coming along nicely with the watercolors!
ReplyDeleteI just love this post, Dan! Your remarks as well as the wonderful watercolor!! Bravo; race well run!!
ReplyDeleteDan, is this really you? I am so impressed and thrilled! Fantastic! I am now going to have to add your blog onto my faves blogroll!
ReplyDeleteHi Jamie! I am so glad to have found you! The miracle of the internet - amazing. I'm following in your footsteps it seems .. I started this blog in March with the goal of nurturing my long-neglected passion for creating art, and to increase my skill. This is working - the blog craves art and I hunger to "feed the beast"; at the same time I can write, my other joy. But so much more than that - that I didn't anticipate - the connections, what I have learned from other art bloggers/artists, the sense of community with a common purpose, the very wonderful people "out there". Your blog is beautiful, and I can tell you've experienced the same with your cooking and tales. I'm following you as a favorite too!
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