Flame Thrower progress on watercolor

I did a few washes on the Flame Thrower watercolor yesterday.

I don't have much time to finish this painting-- the condo comes first!

Must get THAT painted!

But... here's the progress.

I really like the softer Fabriano paper. It doesn't behave with the blossoms like Arches. I will have to relearn some new techniques.

But I do like the fact that lifting and softening edges is much more responsive.

I may do a few more Iris to complete a statement.

I want to try Saunders paper as well.

Ahhhhh.... looking forward to life in the studio again ... once the CONDO is done.. and the MOVE is complete!

Flame Thrower

watercolor

40" h x 30" w

2012

in progress

Fabriano again!

I have decided that I needed to paint an IRIS this spring.

They are one of my FAVORITE flowers... and now in full BLOOM!

The best place to find them is at the Missouri Botanical Garden.

Off I go to photograph them on Friday-- before the big rain storms.

There are dozens of varieties.. and so many to choose from!

It is always exhilarating to see them!

The last two days I've been trying the bloom on the FABRIANO paper.

Here is a painting after two days of work. I have to finish it later-- as there are pressing things for me to accomplish over the next fews days.

I promise to post the final result of this when I finish -- so you can see how it concludes!

Long live IRIS!

Flame Thrower

watercolor

40" h x 30" w

2012

in progress

FABRIANO EXTRAVAGANZA!!

I have finally gotten back to the studio--- and a few days at Jury Duty.

It was an exciting trial and a wonderful opportunity to be part of the judicial process. Long live jury trials!

Anyway, I am now back to work-- and decided to stretch my wings by

trying a new paper-- FABRIANO.

Kathleen Alexander said she loved it-- so I bought a reem to experiment.

My first attempt was of a landscape from the Everglades. A horizon of scrub pines and receeding sunset was the subject.

The paper is softer than Arches-- and more accepting of paint and wash. The blooms and back washes are also softer and not so pronounced.

I don't know if I like that or not.

On the plus side-- the paper is more 'forgiving' and easier to lift mistakes and correct values.

I like that!

So.. here's the second day of working on the landscape. I'm not done yet-- but will continue to develop the whites to blend in the image.

It is exciting to think that I will be working on a different paper-- from Italy!

Tomorrow-- I am branching out and painting an Iris.

Between Time

watercolor

30" h x 40" w

2012

in progress