Teacup Tree

This little Teacup tree has graced our second floor for many years.  I originally purchased the teacup ornaments at Victorian Papers, knowing the kids would love the playful kittens and mice adorning teacups, teapots and sugar spoons!  I enjoy putting Christmas trees in every room - and all the smaller ones have themes.  Perhaps I'll paint a few more this week before Christmas!  This ink and watercolor is painted on a Fabriano postcard blank, and is one in sending out for the Urban Sketchers KC postcard challenge!  Who shall I send this to?  Painting number 2904 in 2904 days. 

Time for Tea

Time for Tea
Watercolor batik on masa, 8x6
purchase here

Every week, I serve a different special tea in these teacups to the girls in painting class.  Quite some time ago, I bought a whole roll of masa paper for the watercolor batik technique.  This paper is thicker than the previous one I had used - and I found it harder to work with.  I prefer the thinnest rice papers, because they so readily accept the paint, wax and second coat of paint.  The masa is more resistant, especially in the second flow of paint over wax.  I am finding ways to make these thicker papers work, it just takes a little practice.  Painting number 1027 in 1027 days.

Teapot and Cups Batik

Teapot and Cups Batik
Watercolor, ink, hot wax on masa, 8x5
purchase here

I was asked to bring in some artwork for the walls of my favorite tea and herb shop today.  So, I set up a couple of teacups and my "Cinderella" teapot for an impromptu still life in the afternoon light.  The Royals game started at 3:07, so I watched my hometown team clinch the series with the Orioles while I painted!  We are World Series bound - and this painting will soon be headed to Life Thyme Botanicals.  This painting makes 654 in as many days and I'll be painting all day tomorrow in historic Parkville :)