Had fun experimenting with this last painting.  Learned a few things that I will try again, and also realized that I am tied in many ways to some particular ways of doing things.

For the most part I was able to keep painting with larger brushes in a loose manner.  Out of habit I did pick up some small brushes, however, I sort of forced myself to go back to the larger ones as this was an exercise to try new things.

Usually I tape my watercolor paper around the edges to hold it to the board, however, this time I tried something different.  I had watched how another watercolor artist taped their paper on the backside in a way to prevent buckling and as a means to paint to the edge of the paper.  This worked well, and I may use this on different occasions, depending on the painting.

Since I had been painting on the smaller scale, this painting was painted on a half sheet of watercolor paper to again do something different.  What I did not think about prior to painting however, was how I was going to finish it.

Originally, I was thinking of applying the watercolor to a canvas board and then finishing it.  I’ll have to leave that for another painting, as this half sheet is 15 x 22 overall, and will not work for either 16×20 or 11×14.  These are the things you learn.  I’ll keep thinking about options though.

My usual habit of sitting with a painting and mulling over it prevailed.  I’m not sure how many times I went back and painted a few layers of colors over different areas in different days.  Some days I would be out for a walk and see a certain color in foliage and think, that is the color I need to add in that particular area.  Or, I’d walk by the painting and think I need to darken a shadow here or there.  I debated things in my head, or out loud to the cats if I’m being honest.  🙂  In the end, you need to decide if you are happy with the journey the painting has taken you and put the brush down and enjoy the results.

Here it is, ready to come off the board.

Happy painting everyone!