"Paintings have a life of their own that derives from the painter's soul." Vincent Van Gogh

Thursday, May 31, 2012

Watercolor? Oh, my!

Combining 2 of my wild mustang photos in an attempt to find a composition that pleases me, I decided to try my hand at watercolor after a long hiatus - about 10 or 11 years! I dug out some watercolor paper and found a few tubes of paint stored in zip-lock baggies that were not completely dried out. Not remembering much at all about watercolor, I just dove in with a devil may care attitude.  I painted this piece upright on my easel as I would paint in oil - and you can see I have a few rivulets that are obvious mistakes, some blooms here and there and various smudges and undefinable watery things! Nonetheless, I am not totally displeased. It was fun and kind of freeing to try my hand at a new medium today and I must say I was not a little bit inspired by the many masterful watercolor artists who are kind enough to follow and comment on my blog. Looking at their work gave me the impetus to try this out and I thank them!

Here is a close up and thanks for looking! :)

22 comments:

  1. Great, Susan, also in watercolor. Love the shape of the right one.

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    1. Hi, Maike - thanks for stopping by and your kind words!

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  2. Great, Susan! The same lovely brushstrokes!

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  3. Well I'm totally impressed, Susan. You've got that slouchy amble so well.

    I know what you mean about inspiration; I'm only recently back into 'art' ... and you and the others hereabouts are both inspirational and supportive,

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    1. Many thanks, John! Your work is consistently inspiring to me. I frequently find myself striving to have some of your bounteous patience!

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  4. Very nice. You know what makes a great watercolour? ....... a few rivulets that are obvious mistakes, some blooms here and there and various smudges and undefinable watery things! Best wishes, Nigel

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    1. Nigel, I can't tell you how much I appreciate your words. For some reason, I have not been able to leave a comment on your site but I am there frequently viewing your work. Love the recent Van Gogh style chair!

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  5. You amaze me! Love that you're following your heart. It creates so much emotion in your work.

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    1. What a wonderful comment! Thank you so much, Susan.

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  6. Your watercolor painting is fabulous, Susan!!! I tried many times and finally gave my watercolors away. It's such a difficult medium and you've done it!! Congratulations. I hope to see more in the future! (maybe a ballerina in watercolor!?)

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    1. Thanks, Hilda - I never know from day to day - just trying to follow my heart!

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  7. Rivulets and blooms be damned! Susan, you have caught the look and feel of mustangs in the arid countryside. I love it!! And that's from a devoted watercolorist and mad horse owner. :) Kudos to you!

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    1. Wow, Kathryn - your comment means so much!

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  8. They're fantastic! Great body language of both horses.
    Have a wonderful creative weekend.

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    1. Coming from such a talented watercolorist - many thanks, Nora!

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  9. totally inspiring Susan... where's my watercolors???

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  10. I think it doesn't matter what medium you use, you just know how to swing that brush, excellent painting !

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    1. Many thanks, Jane.This piece was like relearning watercolor all over again.

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  11. I agree with Jane. Rivulets or not, your watercolor skills haven't suffered at all during your long hiatus. Terrific painting is terrific painting.

    I'm sorry I'm a bit late, but I wanted to stop by anyway to thank you for following. I appreciate your support.

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  12. It was strange and yet fun to paint in watercolor - I did enjoy it although I fear I have oil paint in my blood! I appreciate your support as well, Linda!

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Your comments are welcome and brighten my day!