Flame Thrower IRIS watercolor

Flame Thrower is almost done.  It's been a fun journey working with the new FABRIANO paper.

I was thrilled with the way the paint handles..and astonished at how easily it lifts for corrections.  Also.. much easier to add a second glaze without making mud!

FABRIANO makes ARCHES paper look difficult.  I will probably NOT return to ARCHES... but use up what I've already purchased.  Time for a switch.


Stormy rainy day yesterday.  Another few storms on the way this week.  Should be a good week for watercolor!

Flame Thrower
watercolor
40" h x 30" w
2012
in progress but almost done
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Flame Thrower- watercolor on Fabriano

Flame Thrower--- my newest watercolor.  I had a little time today-- to work on this painting.   It's been a joy and an ease to work the Fabriano paper.  Fabriano is softer and more forgiving than Arches.  The colors and washes seem more brilliant and responsive than I expected.

I am having fun!

I can't wait to try some other images.

So far.... I like this painting of monumental Iris!


Let me know your thoughts... and if you like Fabriano too.  Also... any other papers you like that I might try?

Flame Thrower
watercolor
40" h x 30" w
2012
in progress

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

New Condo

My realtor brought a champagne toast!

Working hard at painting the trim and walls.... best to do it BEFORE you move in with furniture!

Light, light, and more light! Windows everywhere... and everything is NEW

Gotta get to work....

My new CONDO!

There is a beautiful new place for me to live.

I am busy working... painting and sprucing up before I move in.

Please bear with me-- while I forego work in the studio... and replace with work on my new home!

It's only 2 blocks from my studio -- so I will be able to shorten the commute to work!

Joy!

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

Iris! on Fabriano! First Stage~~

I am working once again on FABRIANO paper.

It is a challenge-- but good for me to stretch.

FABRIANO is softer and more accepting of watercolor than Arches.

The blooms are more subtle and the colors softer.

The washes seem "easier" to control--- and my painting is more relaxed.

Hopefully-- tomorrow I will get to finish the last of the larger scales washes-- and make a determination as to whether FABRIANO is a good surface.

Iris

watercolor

40" h x 30" w

2012

in progress