Friday, March 12, 2010

Playing Around with Something Different

Doesn't even have a title...Taos Pueblo - I?
oops, didn't measure it, but it's about 6" x 8"
watercolor on Arches
Watercolor intrigues the heck out of me.  I have never taken a workshop or class in it.  I have a huge pile of watercolor technique books.  This is just a practice piece - sitting at the kitchen table, watching TV...playing with the cakes of watercolor and the water. Washing and adding color and watching it bleed and run...that seems to be the fun and experimental part.  So different from oil or pastel...where you work dark to light/glazing and layering. Watercolor is a completely different idea, and it requires a whole 'nother mindset.  I have done some major WC pieces, when I was younger.  I don't think I really knew what I was doing, but then it didn't seem to matter.
As I worked I remembered - there is no totally wiping off and starting over...once it's down, it's pretty much there, unless you are able to get the paper towel after it quickly and at that there is a tint left behind.  Protecting the areas to stay light or white is fun.  I have friskit/masking fluid but forgot to bring it inside from the studio.  I used ONE brush - a number 8.  I like that.  I try to do that with oil, but end up using several different sizes.  In that respect, this was a good trial. 
A nice break from the usual.  I think I was hearing others who were saying to try something
different to drive the 'frustration' of the dreaded 'lizard brain'.
In my next life, I want to be a watercolor artist! (or perhaps this one?)
A side note: Road trip to KC right now.  Visiting mom and dad.

12 comments:

Mark Bridges said...

It came out great. I'll hold back any snow, so you're road trip is nice.

Gary Keimig said...

That came out nice Pattie. You need to try some more.

Gwen Bell said...

Excellent work, Pattie! Makes me want to go to Taos. Must say, I admire your bravery. I find watercolors so difficult but you handled it masterfully.

Victoria on Okinawa said...

Very nice! esp considering you've never had a lesson!

Pattie Wall said...

Thanks Mark, it only spitted (or is that 'spat') rain...I appreciate that! Thanks you guys for the encouragement. Going to Utrecht before I leave KC to see if I might NEED anything to DO some more of these. I'm sure there is something - am I right? ☺

Vern Schwarz said...

Pattie, this looks pretty impressive. I can't imagine not having that second or tenth chance. Oil and acrylic seem to be a constant editing process till you get it just right, or close to if it's in the cards.

Pattie Wall said...

Hey Vern - second or tenth? LOL. There IS something that is a big aha..as you may know, one has to be patient during drying times between colors or areas. I think maybe working on two at once could be a solution. AND I am not a very patient person...my prolific spirit gets in the way.

Leann said...

I've often worked on them two at a time! What I like is you can't change it much, so I finish before I get a chance to screw it up too bad. The "second or tenth chance" is where I really mess things up. PS I think you are a watercolor artist!

jyothisethu said...

pattie,
good work...
the lighting is beautiful...
congratulations...

Pattie Wall said...

Thanks Leann - It is a challenge, not being able to do too much fixing.
Thanks Sethu. I appreciate you comments and for stopping by!

Anonymous said...

Hi Pattie! Wonderfully done! I particularly like your tones and colors; makes me think of New Mexico, my home state!

Fibra Artysta said...

Love it! Its beautiful!

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