Portrait of Don and Jeanne

I just finished this portrait of my friends. It measures 12 x 20.

White Cat

This is a quickie watercolor I did to perk myself up after I got stuck on another art project this afternoon and was starting to despair. I do hate the emotional roller coaster that comes with being an artist!

4 x 4

Susan - Finished Watercolor Portrait

Here is the finished watercolor of Susan, my sister. I thought I messed it up but a couple of days away from it and I realize it's not bad. And watercolor is forgiving. I think I lifted the mouth at least twice and it still looks pretty good to me.

"Susan" Watercolor Portrait Work in Progress

I'm using Arches 140 lb hot press paper to take advantage of the fun and looseness it creates. It's much easier to have a loose, splashy watercolor on hot press.  Every time I use it I wonder why I don't paint on it more?  10 x 8

Showdown

6 x 11 in.

Using a reference from this weekend's All Media Events paint out this weekend plus a little imagination, I created this little illustration. I also opened the unused bottle of masking fluid that's been sitting on my desk for a while so I could save the lattice and go at the background with loose washes. I've always thought I wasn't very imaginative but am starting to realize it's a muscle that needs to be flexed and the more I do it the more I realize I can. My challenge to you is to not worry about creating a masterpiece the next time you start a painting but to decide to just go for it. Grab a big brush and don't be afraid to splash on the paint! No dry brushing allowed. Use lots of water - you're using water color