New Project

Just when I felt that I had enough to do in my life, a new project offered itself and I couldn't say no. Because I have always loved to write and the urge has been stronger lately, am going to try writing a children's book, along with a dear friend of mine. There is no telling how long this will take, how successful it will be or how well we will do, but it will be an experience! Hopefully, it will be a fun experience. No actual writing of a story yet, just many pages of notes and ideas. Haven't written anything other than lab reports, letters and e-mails for many years so, just as with my art, will be a process of getting to where I need to be. Let the adventure begin!

On a Roll

Haven't posted in a while. Seems there is so much to be accomplished in a day that posting to a blog takes a back seat. I have finished two more small paintings and am fairly happy with them both. This keeps the fire alive and I ready to plan the next project. The weekly lessons with Ginger Test are helping as well. She is giving me great pointers and ideas and it is fun to paint with the group.
I am learning that I need to slow down, plan more and be patient. Can't rush watercolor! Learning a lot more about color and technique as well, it all helps.
Because of the heat, all chores are done in the a.m., leaving painting for the afternoons. Speaking of the heat, it is getting warmer all the time out there and I still have work to do!

Change in attitude

Something has happened to me of late. I find myself wanting to spend more time painting! The time I spend painting is also more enjoyable. Something has "clicked" in my brain and I think I have finally relaxed and decided not to worry about final products and just have fun. Sure am glad this has happened. When I relax and enjoy the process, I am more open to try new things, which will help the learning curve quite a bit.
Tomorrow, there is a watercolor class in town, first of a series of Wednesday get-togethers. It will be fun painting with others but also a good chance to get the help of the teacher, Ginger Test, a very experienced watercolorist. She is very patient and giving, loves to teach. Not that it is easy for me to go to this workshop/class. I feel much safer here in my own little "studio" (kitchen table), with no one looking over my shoulder. I may be getting more brave with my art but have a ways to go yet! However, if I want to learn, I have to put myself out there, so to speak.

Falling Behind

Seems as if I am falling behind, both in my blog entries and getting some art done. I tend to spend too much time on the computer. Should be painting right now, am all set up to do so.
Self-discipline is weak so far today and I must change that. Can't get better if I don't paint and I can't paint if I am at the computer!
Went through my reference photos yesterday, planning my next painting. Have many possibilities, some of which I will save for the class I will be taking on Wednesdays starting this week. Ginger Test is the teacher and she is wonderful; very patient and helpful.
Everything I see while outside, is something I would like to be able to paint. There was a male Cardinal at the top of a dead tree, singing his heart out this morning, bright blue sky was his backdrop. Also found two Rain Lilies growing side by side and took their photo. Never ending subject matter around here just need to sit down and do it. Guess I am a perfect target for the Nike slogan, "Just Do It!"

Second Day

It has been difficult to think of something to write today. Rain first thing this morning delayed the start of my day so am running behind. No art has been done today but it seems it is always on my mind. The colors in the clouds this morning; blue-gray, steel gray, hints of pink where sunrise peeked through gaps, blue with some purple- beautiful and constantly changing. My mind wonders how I could possibly get all of that on paper. Will have to try though.
Sun is out now, light is harsh but the shady areas under the trees look cool and inviting. Between the trees and grass, the predominant color out there is green but not just one green, oh no! So many greens; gray-greens, blue greens, yellow greens the list goes on. There are even some brownish greens where a limb full of leaves has broken off of a tree and the leaves are slowly dying.
As I think of all the things I see on a daily basis around me, I wonder how many people rush through their day and never notice any of it. Perhaps viewing my art will show them what they are missing?