Sometimes we get stuck doing things the same way. That can have pros and cons. While there are certain things that need to be done a certain way to produce the same result each time, there are also times when one can experiment to see what develops.  Especially when you want to spark some creative juices. 

You might remember me mention the gift of watercolor classes years ago from my husband that reignited my painting.  Last week I was thinking about that class and remembering some things. Two things in particular: 

• Barbie, the instructor, telling us to paint on a larger scale
• Barbara, a fellow classmate, saying “it’s only paper” when  she wouldn’t be especially fond of her project, but would quickly start another painting ready to try new things

I was thinking about this because I was trying to decide what I wanted to paint. I just felt stuck. I thought I knew what I wanted to paint, however, I didn’t want to go about it the same way. 

Lately I’ve be painting smaller paintings. I can finish one faster (if I’m not my own worse critic and  become a perfectionist about it) and can move on to the next project, as the size allows to have multiple projects started at once. 

Usually I spend an hour or so getting a sketch on the paper prior to painting, depending on the size of the painting. I’ve been known to take longer.  I also spend time thinking about the colors I want to use and write them down in a notebook so I don’t forget for the painting.   If there is a painting that I previously did that I think I might like to use similar colors, I will go back and look at my notes from that painting.  All this takes time, and thought.  

Soooo, all that being said. I decided to switch it up and let you in on how it’s going. 

I decided to paint on a half sheet paper (15×22), hardly sketch at all (spent 5 minutes), tape paper in a different way (back instead of edges) and paint as loosely as possible. 

The first wash of color is always the stage that is the ugliest and ackward. You just have to remember this is a work in progress, tell yourself that over and over, and push on. 

After it dries and you can add a little more color you start to feel the painting emerge. 

Since the painting is at this point, and I’m waiting for it to dry some, I thought I’d post some pictures and let you know what is happening at the Studio. I’ll do my best to keep you posted with pictures along the way. 

Thanks for stopping by!