Waterlily Finished

I have really enjoyed completing some projects that have been with me for some time.  This one did not turn out as I had envisioned it.  I am sure that I will work with this idea some more in the future and see where it will lead.  It is 14.5x8.5 inches on Fabriano SP 300lb paper. Ideas/comments/suggestions are welcome.

Watercolor Batik

Inspired by various batik post on Deb Ward's http://debwardart.blogspot.com/  and Sandy Maudlin's http://sandymaudlin.blogspot.com/ blogs, I decided to give this one a try.  The photo is by Jane James and she had posted it on Watercolor Workshop several years ago and allowed the group members to use the photo.   You may have seen several beautiful watercolors based on this photo by various artists.  When I looked at the photo it seemed to cry out to be painted in watercolor batik style.  It has taken me several months off and on to complete and somewhere along the way I seemed to loose track of my values but it is finally finished.  I think I probably should have choosen a less complicated photo to practice watercolor batik but I do love a challenge.  It is painted on rice paper and wax is used as a resist.  Once the wax is ironed off of the painting you are left with a lovely transluent watercolor that has wonderful texture. You can click on the picture to see it larger. 

The First Winner in 2010!

Congratulations to Kylie & Robert for winning "I'm Not Going Without A Fight".

I had a wonderful response to this painting with many entries and I want to thank each of you for joining in the drawing.  Your entries and kind comments help keep me motivated and I appreciate each of you. 

Don't forget to check back February 1st for the next giveaway.

Waterlily WIP

The sun is shining today but the temp is still quite cold for North Florida so this painting will have to wait until next weekend for additional work.  I don't know if you can tell much about it but it is a waterlily showing the reflection on top of the water and then showing underneath the surface of the water.  I still have the lily pads and water hyacinth leaves to add and the defining of the white lily petals.  This is painted on 300lb Fabriano Soft Press paper.  I started my first one on Lana 300lb but had covered the top part of the paper with frisket film while painting the bottom and when I removed the frisket film the surface of the paper was very damaged so I began once again on a different paper. Size: 8x15 inches.

Thank You Rhonda & My Current WIP

 I want to thank Rhonda for my wonderful suprise package I received in the mail!  It included a painting 5x7 (picture included), various note cards, stickers, and art supply samples.  It was so much fun going through the items in the package. When you win a giveaway on Rhonda's blog, you win big!  Thank you Rhonda.  Here is a link to Rhonda's blog:   http://rhcarpenter.blogspot.com/

What a bright spot in a cold, cloudy day here in Florida. 

I had wanted to show you my new painting but I doubt I will get it finished this weekend.  My studio is just to chilly to work comfortably even with an electric heater.  I might post a WIP if I make any progress at all. 

January Art Giveaway & Happy New Year!

Happy New Year!

This is my one year anniversary for the monthly blog giveaway.  And above is the giveaway painting for January called, "I'm Not Going Without A Fight".  The reference photo is from deel34 at Flickr.  Her photo is under the Creative Commons and this crab's attitude was something I just had to paint. It is an original 5x7 inch watercolor and will be shipped without mat or frame.  To enter the drawing just send an email to vgreene@windstream.net with January Art Giveaway in the subject line.  The drawing for the winner will be on January 15.

I have taken some time to evaluate the monthly giveaway and I want to continue them in 2010 but with a few changes.  I think that it may be a bit stressful to try to paint an original for each month so I will give away an original each quarter (January, April, July & October) and then will give away a print or box of note cards on the other months.  I do hope that each of you will continue to enjoy and participate in the monthly giveaway.  Each of you (my subscribers, followers and even random visitor) are appreciated.

I pray that your 2010 will be filled with blessings.  I am excited and looking forward to growth and accomplishments this year.  I have some wonderful painting ideas and I am jotting down notes and working on reference photos and sketches.