Who would have figured ...

Last week I wanted to show my watercolor class a few techniques for building layers of color and value. I decided to create a small demo of beach towels hanging on pegs. They loved it and have been painting groups of towels like crazy. I think they understand layers and values .... but I KNOW they are getting betting at drawing and painting towels.

The LADY has left the builidng!

After one small study, I painted the Victorian Lady.
I had to create her twice to complete the job to the customers liking and to meet my own standards.

It was one of the hardest commissions I have down in a LONG time because I was trying to please the client and the sign maker she was working with.

I am posting the image of the watercolor today and when the sign finally gets made and in the ground, I will post that image as well.

I think the lesson here is to push yourself and try subjects that are not in your comfort zone... and expect to "fail" and work out the problems. That is how we learn .....

Have a great evening.
teri

Sister's Palm Tree

I am getting back into the swing of things  
after my trip to my sister's house in FLORIDA. 

I photographed several flowers and trees while I was there and have found a calming benefit from using these images for my classes this week. I focused on the Palm Tree that she has growing in her front yard.

My students and I were challenged by the subject because we don't have Palm Trees here in INDIANA. My knowledge of the growth and nature of these trees is limited to what I observed and photographed. If I truly wanted to work in depth, I would read and study about them but the lesson was simple and just the idea of the TEXTURE of the trunk and the building of watercolor layers.

I think I put away the photos of the PALM TREES for a while... need to tackle a few projects for clients.

I think we should all try ideas and images from other areas ... as you travel this summer ... be observant and step out of your comfort zone for a few days.

Relief!!!!

I am feeling a sense of relief tonight as I finished and signed the last painting that was a commission I HAD to complete for the Holidays. Relief!!!!

I like the way my watercolor turned out ... it was done with the help of the client who sent me wonderful photos to look at and get the information I needed to personalize this painting. I prefer to work from my own photos but this cottage is in another state ... so I had to rely on the photos.

Commissions are a challenge for me and for most artists ... trying to understand what the client wants and still be true to owns self. Don't shy away from taking on commission work ... be true to your own style ... that is what attracted the client to you in the first place. The client will most likely be pleased with the work if you are in control of what you want to do with the idea.

If you are pleased, they will be pleased too!

And .... I would like to welcome the Lanyardlady to my followers! It is heartwarmimg to know that someone is reading what I ramble on about!