Saturday, August 18, 2012

Life in Watercolor


Life can be a surprise, even to myself about myself. When I was just an "art critic" ('cause we all seem to have an opinion), I hated still life. I liked female human subjects the most and that's all I would sketch. I also thought if I ever painted, I would be an oil painter.


When I finally had the courage (and the money to invest on art supplies) to buy my first canvas, I played with acrylic. But one untold day, I painted using watercolors. I painted still life.


Watercolors test my need for control and it is with complete abandon that I see the colors float on the paper. Sometimes taking directions I didn't intend it to. But isn't that one of the best parts of living? To be surprised by something you did not know about yourself? As though you realize you have to say "Hi, I am Ana. Nice to meet you."


This little item above is a Bogaboard. A little tool invented by watercolor artist Gayle Weisfield that allows watercolor artists to stretch their watercolor paper in a very simple way. You can find it here. At first, I thought it was more money than I wanted to spend to stretch paper, which can be done with a board and some brown tape, but I finally used mine yesterday and it is amazing! Serves as a board for painting, doesn't allow warping, AND I can use the back as a soaking tank :)

Tomorrow, I am using a gift card I got from my brother-in-law to invest in some fancy watercolors brushes. So excited.

33 comments:

The Cranky said...

I can't wait to see what evolves from using your new tools; I've no doubt it will be smashing!

turquoisemoon said...

Ana, this painting is amazing. Like I've said before, I have seen a change in your style just since I started following your blog. Very nice...

Denise Mulligan said...

You have made magic with those watercolors.

I love watercolor but find them frustrating when I can't fix a mistake. I'm always envious when others make it look so easy.

I love your previous post as well. It's so interesting how the brain works.

Sometimes we introverts are annoying because our inner world is so satisfying. Then you go outside on a moonlit evening when the sky is full of dazzling stars. Wow!

You become a part of the universe when you step outside of the introverted brain.

It truly is the experience of life that is so amazing!

ArtSings1946 said...

I love these birds ... how beautifully done. You are a fantastic artist and, of course, person.

Love Always,
Jan

Robin Larkspur said...

I love the colors of these divine birds. It is exciting to find new ways of doing things, and it looks like you will have an excellent time with this new board. Enjoy the discoveries.

Plowing Through Life (Martha) said...

It's always so much fun learning something new about ourselves. I think no matter how much time passes, we are constantly getting to know ourselves. Looks like you've discovered another part of you. Your art is wonderful, and I think it will evolve in many lovely ways over time. I'm looking forward to you sharing some of it with us here on your blog.

Shahrul Niza said...

wow, your watercolor art is amazing!.
I too beginning to love painting in watercolor :). Thanks so much for your sweet comment on my blog!

35jupe said...

I paint in watercolour and I really like it. It's a fun medium, although I never have any clue what's going to happen!

Your birds are lovely. Thank you for sharing them!

And now I want one of those stretchy thingys. Ha!

foxysue said...

I love visiting you Ana, you always have something of interest to say and see, love these birds :~)xxxx

Sulky Kitten said...

Those birds are wonderful. I love water colours, and you are a very talented lady.

Artsy Craftery Design Studio said...

Oh, these birdies are beautiful. I love watercolor so much that it takes my breath away. I have 2 birds that are marker art. They are at flickr if you want to take a peek:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/shmixedmedia/5751103223/.

We should do a gallery of bird couples as a feature, maybe for Valentine's Day, or something...

Sherri B. said...

Beautiful painting, as always! Thank you for telling us about this Bogaboard. I've never heard of it...the first painting lessons I ever took were watercolor. It's a very challenging medium, but I do love it. I have a tiny watercolor set that I sometimes use when I feel like it. I love that watercolor takes you in directions you didn't intend - you are forced to go with the flow! (literally) :)

Sunny Simple Life said...

I am always in awe of those that can take paper paint and brush and create something so lovely. I would love it if you would share at sunny simple Sundays. http://sunnysimplelife.blogspot.com/

Unknown said...

I love the little bit of gold that you used. I also love the whole idea of your blog; introverts are awesome! One of the best books I read this year was Susan Cain's "Quiet" about the important roles introverts play in today's society.

Anonymous said...

Absolutely gorgeous painting! It's always nice to surprise yourself =) Enjoy all your fancy new brushes!

AntiquityTravelers said...

really beautiful paintings ... I love watercolor ... somehow it leaves just a little for the viewer to fill in ... these are just lovely

Ola said...

as someone wrote above-the paintings are magical

Blog about life and travelling
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alteredstatesstudio said...

your birds are fabulous!! i love them!! it has taken me forever to be even comfortable to paint in watercolor....and even now, i don't probably follow the "watercolor rules" but, i can paint and create things i like. would you ever be interested in a trade? :)

Anonymous said...

I like females a lot myself. xo

Anonymous said...

I love watercolors, too. Yours is very colorful and vibrant. Way to go, Ana!

Susan said...

Wow! the birds look lovely.Lucky girl, wishing you to buy some great artsy stuff with your gift card.

The Dancing Crone said...

Lovely! And I must say I know what you mean. When I was young and in school I absolutely hated the Impressionists. I didn't think they had anything to say. I preferred the social realistics who painted the gritty side of life. ha ha. Now I love the Impressionists and the beauty of their colours. Still like the social realists too!

Anonymous said...

I've surprised myself in the past 6 months doing things I never thought I would do --- and you know what, I love it! I would hate to stop learning anything new about myself or about life. It would be so boring, wouldn't it?

Lynn said...

Very pretty! I love watercolor, the blending is just amazing-have fun:@)

Jenny said...

Surprises... especially about ourselves... are fun Ana... aren't they... love your still life... and the Bogaboard sounds fabulous... I have never heard of them so must check them out... thank you for sharing...

Hugs
Jenny x

Anonymous said...

I love watercolor so much but never bacame good enough, and I don't know why. my things are color pencils, because I can get lost into details. I loved your description of introverts, and I totally agree.

geetlee said...

your work is lovely...i am glad that you allowed yourself to explore parts of yourself that you probably didn't know existed. yes... life is beautiful like that :)

Almost Precious said...

The Bogaboard sounds like a marvelous invention and every art (or craft) seems to have its "must have" items that make creating so much more enjoyable.
Your painting of the pair of birds is wonderful, I love the colors.

Anonymous said...

your work is beautiful and I love this tool, sounds great!!!

S said...

Beautiful birds you have painted. I love the subtle colors. You know what ? I tried oil color and acrylics but I finally settled for water colors because water colors suits me the best !
I used to draw female figures earlier but later on, I got more drawn to natural landscape, flora , fauna and birds.
Also thanks for sharing the information on Bogaboard. I have not heard about it before!
have a nice day,

Buttons Thoughts said...

Hello Ana yes it is nice for me to meet you too:)
Love your art Ana and I enjoy coming here. B

Zena said...

Wonderful watercolors, life is about surprises, changes and little miracles

Emilie said...

Thanks for visiting and commenting on my blog.
These watercolours are so beautiful!