Painting From the Couch

While convalescing from foot surgery (for the next 6-8 weeks!), my creative time is taking place on the couch in the form of watercolor.  It was easy to pack a bag of watercolor supplies prior to surgery so that I could have something to do that fills my creative spirit.

Today's piece is in three parts because I wanted to show the evolution of a simple 5x7 watercolor (Strathmore) and my thoughts on each phase.  I call these "blob" flowers because they start out by using water only to "paint" a random flower shape and then drop in watercolor.  The water blob dictates the flower shape.

The first photo shows the five "blobs" of random flower shapes in various positions using a (#12 Wonder Forest) round brush.  I dropped in light to dark paint (Kuretaki Gansai Tambi) and (maybe) overworked them a little bit while they were still wet.  It's hard to wait for layers to dry sometimes!  Next, I lightly painted in the stems and leaves with a (#8 Wonder Forest) smaller round brush.

When it was dry, I began the (agony) of determining whether to ink, wash in the background, or splatter.  I decided to ink first with a dipping pen and (in hindsight), I could have used a smaller pointed dip pen.  I'm new to using a dip pen and actually love it!  I've been a diehard Micron pen user and finally pushed myself to try something new.  So glad I did!

Next, I had two thoughts with this second step.  Cut it down to A2 size (not an option living here on the couch) or splatter.  Splatter won and it was next a decision of what color to use.  Black would be very grounding and overall, not a bad choice.  I channeled CeeCee's Creations, who I've followed for years, and went with gold to add subtle highlights.  Now it feels finished.

Hope you enjoyed today's "Painting From the Couch" and thanks for stopping by!

XOXO

LYN​