Peaceful Patterns & Slow Drawing  Sometimes Art should just simply be a mindful practice with no particular outcome. Taking simple shapes such as dots, circles, ovals, straight lines, curvy lines, and squiggles and then mixing and matching patterns in no particular way in relaxing solitude. Patterns give us powerful permission to explore something in repetition. A relaxing afternoon in the garden with paper, pen, and watercolors. 

  Summer Blooms Art Event 2024 A fun collection of watercolor artists teaching a variety of different techniques celebrating summer florals. This was a delightful event, and I continue to learn more in my watercolor journey.

 Just Play

  New class . . . this time soft pastels. I brought out and dusted off my Aunt Carrie’s ancient soft pastel set and supplemented them with pastel pencils. Very much out of my comfort zone here but enjoying a novel, unexplored medium taught by a fabulous instructor, Anastasia Seraya. Such an interesting medium. Loving the minimalist aspect of very limited materials, and spreading chalk with just fingers was a very organic experience, somewhat akin to childhood finger painting. Blending colors was enjoyable.  Dandelion & Ladybug (that’s one giant ladybug!) Graceful Panther (looks more like my cat Missy because the snout is too short . . Hmmmmm. I guess she rules the house like a panther, and she is certainly a graceful feline.) Juicy Cherry (Lacking the soft pastel colors required, I improvised. Meh. I wish the water drops looked more realistic.) Amanita (I did not have the correct materials for this one. It called for brown Pastelmat abrasive paper; I only had tan sketchboo...

In both life and art, transparency is important. Seeing through the spin and, sadly, deception takes effort and thought. Oddly, learning  how to master transparency in watercolor is even more difficult. Olga Koelsch is a master artist and her depictions of transparency in florals is a sight to see. He tutorials have taught me that first layers must be very light, dried, and layered again and again. Tricky. My first attempt is very amateurish, no doubt. But I will keep practicing.   A second attempt and definitely more practice needed! 

  Commitment I have made a commitment to learning watercolor by purchasing a class by Emily Olson. Her teaching style and 20-minute daily projects are a delight. Sometimes I like my paintings; sometimes all I can do is laugh at them. They all have a treasured spot in my journals, however, because from each one I learn something. Perfection is an illusion and a creativity-killer. I will keep painting, learning, and enjoying the process.  

  Another watercolor class by Emily Olson. Daisy Goldfish (the new “lost edges” technique kinda lost me - need more practice and instruction on that) VW Beetle (practicing a loose style)