Reminder: Art Learning Curves Can Be Difficult...and Lengthy

 

Canna Study
6" x 8" watercolor
Arches 100% cotton cold press paper

Yes, I was reminded yesterday, as I felt this painting going south, that practicing art on a regular basis can sometimes be more frustrating than fun. Once again, I gave in to my perennial temptation to use watercolors like tempera paints. Over four hours' time, I over-worked and over-layered with the paint. Everything got too dark and too defined and I had to go out for a long walk--and for ice cream--to ease the frustration.

Was it all a waste of time? No. Not if I take the lessons forward. 

That's why, when someone asks how long it took to do a particular painting, it's reasonable and absolutely correct to say, "Years and years, many failed paintings, and quite a few ice cream cones."  

Crab Cove Treasures

 Close-by Robert Crown Memorial Beach and State Park is a gift that keeps on giving, year round. Colors and textures change nearly every day. Earlier this year the poppies were prolific. I loved their oranges against the whites and buffs of this beautiful little tree.  

Golden Gate Park

 

Golden Gate Park Conservatory
10" x 14" watercolor
Arches 100% cotton cold press paper

These two out-buildings near the Golden Gate Conservatory caught my eye the other day--because of the whites of the buildings against that cobalt blue sky and the palms in the background. 

Whatever catches my eye and gives me joy to look at--that's what I decide to paint.

As with my last painting, I experimented with a more muted palette than usual and tried to let the water do more of the work. That's two in a row I'm rather pleased with. What's going on? 

Tahoe Forest

 

Tahoe Forest 
9" x 12" watercolor
on Stonehenge Aqua Hot Press

I was after something looser than the painting in the last post. Something that catches an essence without getting bogged down in details. Rather pleased with this one. 

Sometimes it's hard to go on to the next painting after you have produced one that you like. It's quite possible, maybe even likely, that the next one won't lift your heart. Makes it hard to start up again. 

But start up again, you must--if you want to call yourself a practicing artist. Emphasis on practicing.

More Utah Rocks

Utah Rocks
10" x 14" watercolor
Arches 100% cold press paper

 And another study of Utah rocks. Gosh, that state is pretty. 

This Land is Your Land

Utah
Watercolor
7.5" x 15" 
in 
Handbook Journal, watercolor paper

One thing about a drive halfway across the country to Iowa from California and back again is that you see striking landscapes at every turn--or even along the straight line of I-80. Utah gets me every time. As does crossing from Nebraska into my home state, Iowa. You can't help but hum that Woody Guthrie tune. I mean, such beauty! 

Utah Rocks

 

Utah Rocks
9" x 12" watercolor
Stonehenge Aqua Hot Press, 100% cotton 

Every time I pass through Utah, my admiration of the landscape increases. What a beautiful state.