I have had a very hard time with this watercolor and that is probably a good thing. The first day I put on the color it turned out to be way too bland. I let it sit overnight and the verdict was the same. I decided to just get bold and get on with it. Key West houses are just not blah. I slapped on more of the pinkish/lavender onto the shutters and added some to the shadows on the porches. I added more depth to the foliage and put in some white highlights. I used muted colors for the side street house, but not too muted. I have added a bit more ink to redefine certain areas of the trees. I am trying to use looser, less deliberate brushwork so I don’t over think it – always a problem for me.
Lately, I have been thinking about this art journey I’ve been on. In the last three years of blogging, I have worked on more projects than I off hand can count. And do you know what? I think I actually have improved some. It occurred to me after I finished the last two pet portraits that I felt pretty good about them. A few years ago I felt that my animal work had lost its vitality and was depressed about it. Now, I am l happy to work on them again.
I do have a degree of confidence in the ink/pastel architecture work. I have been doing them for going on 30 years now so I hope they are somewhat respectable. LOL I wish I could find the very first things I did for my husband’s building company, but they are long gone. They were truly awful, but part of my learning process. I do think that the abstract streetscapes have helped free up my technique and the current watercolors seem to be moving in the right direction. Who knows where I’ll go next. Thoughts, anyone?
Nov 06, 2013 @ 12:02:09
All art is a journey. I like the route yours is taking.
Nov 06, 2013 @ 12:25:12
Thanks. I am having fun again.
Nov 06, 2013 @ 14:56:30
Ruth, your art is truly beautiful and this piece is no exception.
Nov 06, 2013 @ 15:13:31
Thanks, Tim. Your photos and drawings are wonderful, too.
Nov 06, 2013 @ 17:20:20
Beautiful! Definitely has that southern vibe (even without the palm trees)! The colors are terrific. I don’t know if I’m a good judge – and besides, I always love your houses and streetscapes – but I do see some looseness, especially in those wonderful splotchy shadows. Lovely!
Nov 06, 2013 @ 17:54:58
I’m thinking of finding one with teal accents next. Doing the wilder colors is kind of fun.
Nov 07, 2013 @ 09:17:26
You are a real inspiration to me, I think the way you do. Banish those negative thoughts that keep you from moving forward! I only wish I could attain the level you’re at. Please keep inspiring me and many others!
Nov 10, 2013 @ 15:34:04
Thank you Brownsyard. I have met so many wonderful people through my blog who have inspired me too. Sometimes I think we fail to stop and notice that we have actually improved due to the consistent work. I know that always wanting to have something new to post has helped keep me at my board when other things might have been intruded. So keep working, experimenting, and looking at other art blogs. You will amaze yourself after a year.
Nov 10, 2013 @ 20:16:51
You just keep getting more and more colorful and I love it! I was surprised with the color in the house and it is just PERFECT!!!!! I do believe, we improve with time in almost all respects. This is beautiful!
Nov 10, 2013 @ 21:18:22
Key West houses have a way of getting you out of your comfort zone. It was fun.