Northern Creek

Yesterday I was asked about my sketch supplies, so today I am posting my most compact watercolor kit.  This 42 color Superior Water Colour palette folds neatly in a strip when not fanned out. A single water brush pen fits in it's built in holder.  I've chosen a TWSBI Diamond fountain pen loaded with Robert Oster's Thunderstorm ink to compliment the warm winter colors of grass and greening water.  I can't believe this creek is showing so much green in January!  For this very reason, it caught my eye, so I painted it.  I use this palette when I want all my supplies in a pocket.  I can make them work, though the colors can vary. Not the strong pigment I'm used to with my Watercolor Confections, they still serve me well in the field for a quick sketch.  There is a blot pad built in, but I use a paper towel instead. The biggest benefit is the 42 colors in such a compact set. I can paint anywhere with that and a pen in my pocket. Painting number 2944 in 2944 days. 

Peace Lily

My mom came to visit for 6 weeks over the holidays, leaving a very large peace lily in a pan of water and hoping for the best.  Upon return, this plant had completely wilted over all sides, looking dead.  I had just read an article about saving "dead" plants by soaking them in water an inch above their potted line.  I soaked it for several hours, drained it overnight, and left it alone in a cool place out of the sun.  In the days that followed, it came back to life!  All those limp, flat leaves resurrected!  Only the blooms turned dark, and I cut them off after 5 days.  One week later, it actually has two new tiny lilies and multiple new leaves unfurling.  I never would have believed it if I hadn't watched it with my own eyes!  So, of course I had to paint it!  Painting number 2220 in 2220 days.

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Rice Street Snow

As I look towards Rice Street, this is the view from my parent's home.  The winding drive pulls me right out to the road, just blocks from the shops of Elmore, Ohio.  As we work through cabinets of books, there are pockets of time where I can paint, capturing the sights around me.  Exploring my newest travel set of 42 watercolor tiny pans, I begin to see the benefits and the cons.  The colors are strong enough, but arranged a little haphazardly on the strips.  And if I use too much water, they are not strong enough.  I really love my Watercolor Confections more, but these are more compact.  Needs more exploration! Painting number 2219 in 2219 days.

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