Friday 24 February 2023

The Struggle Continues

As mentioned before on this blog,
painting in watercolours
is my Achilles' Heel.

I use too much paint, too much water,
and then try to salvage things
by adding permanent ink overlay.

Behold what happens when
left to my own devices --



All I can say is --


My watercolours instructor, Terrie Shaw,
is trying to show me better techniques.

In other words, to use more restraint.

You can see the improved results
I'm getting under her patient tutelage --




Still got a loooooooong 
way to go, though.

Here I am in class
with that last watercolour --


And, further to my previous post

YES

that's a Mystical Wolf With Crystals t-shirt.

Wanna make something of it?

Huh? HUH?

[Paintings and photos of paintings
© Debra She Who Seeks, 2022-23]

43 comments:

Guillaume said...

I looove the autumn one.

jaz@octoberfarm said...

i think they are lovely as are you! that looks like a rockin' craft area.

Travel said...

Great work, do it because you enjoy it. I promise to take some art classes after I retire.

Parnassus said...

Hello Debra, I see these more as two different styles. The first two look like stained glass windows. Also, I thought that watercolors with flashing twinkles didn't come until the advanced class.
--Jim

Marcia LaRue said...

Personally, I like the autumn one and the last one ... the one you are holding!
They are all lovely in their own right!

Boud said...

I think your inner critic should stay home while your inner artist goes to class. She's doing just fine.

Ellen D. said...

I think your work is terrific. I couldn't do anything like that! Keep up the great work and enjoy!

Pixie said...

Way better than anything I could do. I think they're beautiful.

Old Lurker said...

I think the ink overlays don't do a bad job of salvaging the work. But I agree that it is beneficial for you to keep working on your technique.

As for the shirt, I shan't report you. But let us hope the Pagan Police are not reading your blog.

Sixpence Notthewiser said...

Come through, Mystical Wolf With Crystals!
And I positively love the one you're holding. Love it.

XOXO

e said...

Such a harsh critic of yourself! I would be delighted to produce any of the examples you have shared with us. If that is what it takes to improve then I guess you'll just have to keep painting.

Restraint. It's not easy!

Mike said...

I don't anything off about any of them.

angela said...

Ohhhh I love them. Maybe I’ll get me some watercolours and play around with them
I’ll just add that to the list shall I lol yours look amazing

roentare said...

Your painted lotus has the Asian touch to it

Rostrose said...

Dear Debra,
I think your watercolors are great, there is nothing wrong with them. Not an Achilles' heel but a high heel or a strong Achilles biceps ๐Ÿ’ช, yeah!
I'm also happy that no crocodile ate me ๐Ÿ˜†
All the best ❤️ Hugs - Traude
https://rostrose.blogspot.com/2023/02/costa-rica-7-kapitel-tortuguero.html

Lady M said...

I took watercolors in high school and college and the hardest thing was always restraint. You have to think backward as the paper is your highlights- once gone the highlights cannot be added like with oils and acrylics. It is a lot like painting porcelain which I also did as the white plate was your highlight. But it was hard. You are making progress - the last piece is very nice.

Tundra Bunny said...

Your painting of the daisies and cornflowers is absolutely wonderful! You've clearly had the "aha moment" of realization that a light touch and less is more when it comes to watercolour painting. Please consider doing some more prairie blooms such as crocuses, harebells, wild roses and pussy willows!

Joanne Noragon said...

If you like the deeper hues, go for it. When your heart and soul want lighter, you'll do it that way.

Breenlantern said...

I love watercolors and I think the ethereal look of it is what makes it so appealing. Great work!

Sassybear
https://idleeyesandadormy.com/

River said...

I know nothing about painting but they all look excellent to me.

Richard said...

Thanks for showing us. I like the tree with the litte cottage or studio. The tree looks great, and i like the colors. I like that blue you used for the sky. Watercolor paints are a total mystery to me.

Moving with Mitchell said...

You're a great student with an obviously good instructor. The last watercolor is especially beautiful, but I do like them all -- including your original style.

baili said...

Watercolors are not easy to use I believe. I used in school drawing period only for three years. Our drawing teacher was one of the finest. All I remember that my drawings were mess most of the time. But still I loved watercolors more than karyon.
The lotus is Divine dear Debra!
Scenery is beautiful so all other.

I think you are pretty fast learner and will soon overcome on the issue :)

John M said...

They're not bad, all of them.

Cal's Canadian Cave of Coolness said...

I do collages so that I don't have to suffer what you are suffering. As long as I fill up the poster paper with images then it's successful. Just cut and paste. You have some skills, girl.

Anonymous said...

I like the first two. Nothing exceeds like excess

Hena Tayeb said...

I think you are doing pretty good. Love the pic of you and your painting.. so happy. :)

Mike said...

find

peppylady (Dora) said...

Looks like you had a good time.
Coffee is on and stay safe

Gidget Blue Sky said...

wow, you are very good, they are lovely

Busy Bee Suz said...

Restraint is something we all struggle with!
I think you're catching on!

Liz Hinds said...

Love the little boy in the water!

Bohemian said...

Art feeds the Soul. I like your Shirt too.

Ur-spo said...

lovely !!!

Richard said...

Oh the whole thing just sucks. Just as i am settling in for a nice boggy spring, here comes the landlord again!

Kirk said...

I like both the befores and afters.

Bracken Crafts- 100 garments said...

I think you are being hard on yourself about the watercolours. These are really good and there should be no rules to real art anyway.

Quinley said...

Your watercolors look amazing. :) I love the lotus flower one.
-Quinley

Adam said...

Very nice

Fundy Blue said...

You look so happy in your art class, Debra! I can relate to your lack of restraint when paining with watercolors. Definitely you are improving!

Martha said...

As a complete amateur, I think your artwork is great! And you look really happy in that class. Love the t-shirt!

yellowdoggranny said...

I love your artwork..the kid at the beach is wonderful..but most of all? I love your face...

The Captain said...

You are bloody brilliant.