Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Facing my fears!!!!!

This WOYWW, that's What's on you Workdesk Wednesday, is a story about using a "new/old" medium, something that has intimidated me for years. 

WATERCOLORS!

Recently, I came across this cute little package of watercolors at a yard sale, for a dollar!  Who could pass that up, right?  I brought it home, put it in a drawer and forgot about it, until.....this weekend  when I came upon this cute container, just laying there, wondering if any one was ever going to appreciate it!

IMG_1183Two layers of yummy paint....one in warm colors, the other cool....hmmmmmmmmmmmmm!  I could do something with that.

Years ago, I mean years ago, I took two or three series of classes from a prominent Northwest watercolorist.....I got one successful painting out it and a huge sense of frustration with watercolors.  Still don't think I would know how to, or have the control to do a "real" painting but to play with a sketch and wash......that might be fun, I'll try it.

IMG_1185So, when I came across this photo in a gardening magazine and the thought that I needed to practice drawing and this might be an opportunity to use that cute pack of watercolors, I went for it! 

Notice my fancy brush....actually, I'm quite fascinated by a brush with a water reservoir.   

End result.........

IMG_1182

That was fun!  The color palette was limited but that's O.K., it forced me to try to figure out how to get the lights and darks with what I had to work with. 

I can see why someone bought this watercolor "compact" new....it is a great addition to a journaling or sketching travel kit.  I'll use it again but I'm still leaving the watercolor painting to the "big girls"!!!

Come with me to visit these talented bloggers and craftspersons at Julia's Stamping Ground.

24 comments:

Julie said...

Oh my goodness...you are excellent with watercolors! You really shocked me with how this turned out since you hadn't done it in a while!!! I love the colors in the basket. All in all, it is just plain wonderful!!! I think you are one of the "big girls"!!!
Julie

Bleubeard and Elizabeth said...

You are a terrific (and I mean TERRIFIC) artist. The only way I use watercolors is as a background. I'd never be able to make your kind of art. This is awesome. Happy WOYWW and if you didn't know, from #3 this week.

Sarah said...

What a wonderful piece - I see no limitations at all and a beautiful watercolour full of subtle nuances!
Thanks for sharing today. Sarah (at 1)

Tertia said...

WOW! How can you say you don't know what you are doing? Thios looks so great!
Happy WOYWW

Cathy said...

Oh WOW, that is amazing, lovew your watercolouring. I can't draw, paint for toffee, wish I could.
Happy WOYWW
Cathy xx

okienurse said...

That is an awesome watercolor painting so I hope you are only joking when you say you aren't. Wish I could paint anything half as well. thanks for sharing your garage sale find and what you did with it! Vickie

Šolanje na domu-Waldorf said...

This looks wonderful! I've known about these water pens for a while but never thought I needed one. I now think I do. :)

Jona Panesa said...

wow, and you were challenged on this. you are a natural. loved your painting!!!

ScrappnBee said...

Fabulous! Love the depth of colors in the purple fruit! That is an amzing still life! Facing Fears! Ha! Showing your water color talent! Thanks for sharing WOYWW! -Amanda

Neet said...

Don't hide your light under a bushel any more. Go for it. This is terrific and you should carry on with your painting. You have used your palette beautifully.
Thanks for the good wishes and the look around your workdesk. Hugs, Neet #2

sandra de said...

Oh No, please don't stop your painting is beautiful. You are definitely one of the"big girls".

Dragon said...

Woo just how yummy is that!!!! i am hugely impressed... don't leave it so long next time
Frankie
xx

elle said...

oh my goodness. Thus is so great. Aren't watercolours so refreshing!

Di said...

Absolutely fantastic work! Mouth open here in awe! Di xx

Simple homemade living said...

OMG i was so not expecting that!! You are a complete natural at it!!! That is such a beautiful piece LAura #54 x

Angie said...

How good are you ... wow you have a talent for painting.

Julia Dunnit said...

I have a gifted friend who refers to watercolouring as 'sloshing paint about'..it always looks good and I cannot do it. CAn't quite get the hang of how wet the paper should be prior to colour....blah. The set of paints is fab, and the work you;ve done is amazing - whatever you call it!

Lunch Lady Jan said...

Thank you for dropping by my blog - it was much appreciated. I think you are a very talented artist - just look at all the tones in the shadow and basket, very clever! Keep up the good work :) xx

donnalouiserodgers said...

watercolours are totally different technique to work with than any other pigment medium, you did an amazing job,

and if you loved it why not do more?

dx

Elizabeth said...

Beautiful painting - I can't think why watercolouring worries you so much, you are clearly very good at it. Elizabeth x #60

Shoshi said...

Absolutely gorgeous... When I started reading the post, I wasn't sure what to expect, but the result is soooo professional! Really good work - keep it up!! I'm more into acrylics these days but have done a bit of watercolour in the past, and my hubby does watercolour. Happy WOYWW!

Unknown said...

Do you know you are really good. That turned out fabulous.
Thanks for dropping in.
Carol C

Karen said...

Oh, how can you say you aren't one of the 'big girls'? That is absolutely gorgeous! Whenever I've attempted watercolor, I ended up with a muddy mess. You have so much talent.

I so enjoyed the post about the fair and the animal judging and the tree template, too!

Charmingdesigns said...

you did a fabulous job. Who did you take from? I took from Bev Jozwask and vickie nelson, have you heard of them? I also took from Susan Bourdet