Bluebird Flying

Another unbelievably busy day, and one more bluebird as requested from my daughter!   I love experimenting with the batik on rice paper method - everything about it is so unpredictable!  You never really know just how things will turn out until the very end!   This painting is number 1365 in 1365 days :)

Bluebird Batik

Bluebird Batik
Watercolor batik on rice paper, 6x5

Bluebird in Flight

My youngest daughter has been wanting me to paint some bluebirds for a few weeks.  I did a couple of studies in my sketch book, but was looking for something looser and more vibrant.   So, I turned to my India ink pens for the drawing, super thin rice paper for the substrate, and watercolor for the medium.  I have some pigmented inks that I have yet to try, but I didn't get to them today.  I think I used my medium point Pitt pen for the first time this afternoon!   I normally reach for the superfine or fine, and occasionally the brush tip.  Perhaps I can push it even looser in the future, I am longing to splash some of that ink around!   Crazy, right?   Painting number 1359 in 1359 days :)

Bluebird Flying

I've been so heavy into the oils lately, I've decided to take a little break with my watercolors.  I have a new little plein air pan set, and I used them for the first time today.  The colors are pretty opaque, which I am totally not used to.  I use all transparent Daniel Smith colors, which mingle in a completely different way than opaques.  It will also be fun to see how will I can adapt to the 140 lb cold pressed, spiral watercolor journal.  That paper is a far cry from the rough, 300 lb paper block that I adore!  I used my new 300 lb block today, and oh!  How I love that paper!  I sure missed it when I ran out.  Painting number 1335 in 1335 days :)

Fairy Flight

Fairy Flight
Oil on panel, 6x5

This little flight of fancy is painted on a textured wood panel in an odd, small size.  It has been one of those days that I would love to "fly away" myself, with nothing but the wind in my face and my cares on the ground.  Even though my dad is improving, my mind is rather cluttered right now- and it makes the composing difficult.  I feel like I need some background down below, but can't decide quite what. So, if in doubt - don't!  One of the painting rules - so I have left it out. I had a heavy acrylic undercoating on this, which made the paint really slip around.  Maybe, I'll change things up tomorrow.  Painting number 414 in as many days.