A Peaceful Over-Doing

 

Bryce Canyon Hoodoos
9" x 12"
Fluid Cold Press W/C paper

I set out to do an abstract painting of these hoodoos at Bryce Canyon--had even practiced with a quick 8" x 8" abstract (see below). 

But my hands had different ideas. Sometimes you just feel like slopping on a lot of paint and going into more detail and complexity even though you know you're headed into overdoing it. Maybe it was a way of trying to work out complex feelings involved with how to care from afar for an elderly mother while also wanting to be an active grandmother locally.  

There was no resolution--just a two-hour sense of peace while trying to represent rocks and trees and sky at Bryce Canyon--a remarkable sight that my husband and I took in on our way earlier this month to Iowa while en route to see my mother. 

So today, this is proof: even a painting that doesn't really work can be good for the soul. 

And maybe eventually it'll end up on my wall of landscapes that I'm framing just because they help me recollect lovely places that I've been in the last few years: Crab Cove, Alameda; Tennessee Valley Cove, Marin County; a road leading to Santa Fe; Big Sur, just south of Carmel. And yes, maybe these hoodoos of Bryce Canyon, if the painting grows on me--which does sometimes happen. 

Bryce Hoodoos, Abstract
8" x 8" 
Speedball Field Watercolor Journal

Palm Fixation

 

Palm Buddy
6" x 9" watercolor
on Fluid cold press paper

Still finding inspiration in Canadian artist Shari Blaukopf's online course, "Behind the Palms." With this one I decided not to use ink for sketching in the foundational drawing--just pencil lines. 

And I probably told more of the story than I needed to--in other words, rendered too many details, especially on the palm itself. 

And went too dark too fast on the palm, so had to lighten up with my old standby, white gouache mixed with a hint of color, since it is opaque and works to lighten up after you've given away the white of the page. 

BUT...there's still something about this one that I kinda sorta like. Not sure what it is. Two weeks taped up on the wall above my desk will tell me if it was just a passing fancy or a true liking. 

Another House in the 'Hood
8" x 8" ink and watercolor
Fluid cold press paper

Still trying to channel artist Shari Blaukopf's use of ink and luminous watercolor. Keeping watercolor transparent is a particular challenge for me, but I think I did a reasonable job  with this painting of a house near me in Alameda, CA. Thank you, Shari, for the inspiration and for your great teaching. Your online courses are awesome! 
 

Another Palm in the 'Hood

 

Oakland Palm at Chinese Garden Park
8" x 8" watercolor
Fluid cold press paper

More palm practice from a photo I took at the Chinese Garden Park in Oakland. We often go by it as we emerge from the tunnel that connects Alameda to Oakland. 

More Palm Practice

Alameda Palms2
8" x 8" watercolor
Fluid cold press paper

Maybe not as much joy as the last one. This one's overworked, but it does make me smile just the way the tree at the corner park does, especially when the ice plant is in bloom--like now.  

It helps to paint today even though my mind, like everyone's, is on Ukraine.  

Palm Practice

Alameda Palms
8" x 8" watercolor on Fluid cold press watercolor paper

Just when you think you'll never again paint something you like, you hit one that gives you joy. Gosh almighty, how lucky to be in love with a watercolor painting learning curve.

And how lucky to be inspired by Canadian artist Shari Blaukopf, whose online course, "Behind the Palms," inspired this little painting. Shari had us practice painting palms from her reference photos taken in Florida, and then I applied what I learned to these palms in my 'hood in Alameda. This city's iconic palms continue to tickle my fancy, even after three years.

In April I plan to meet and study with Shari Blaukopf in person. She's such a great teacher. I've taken several of her online courses, which are not expensive and are permanently accessible. She's a fabulous artist, a great teacher, and amazingly generous about giving feedback to her online students--for as long as they want. 

SF Bay: The Gift That Keeps on Giving

The Watchers 
8" x 10" watercolor
on Arches 100% cotton cold press paper

I always enjoy watching the brown pelicans watch from their offshore perches. 

SF Bay, you are the gift that keeps on giving.