Tuesday, November 11, 2008

Heart Glow watercolor ornaments

"Heart Glow" 6x6 inches watercolor
I did this for a challenge in my critique group that meets monthly and also for my WNW watercolor group. The project was to take a still life composition and cut it in squares, rearrange it for a more abstract composition and paint it. The theme is Christmas. Of course I added a representational object on top because I had a feeling sticking to the challenge was going to drive me insane. In fact, this is really 8x10 format and I cropped it heehee Well I love red, I love glass art and I love SOME heart-shaped things, so there you go.

8x10 version. see how it's better to crop it? ... or not?

I met this challenge despite my stomach issues since Saturday but I just am not going to be able to pull off this week's DSDF but y'all might go visit them as they always have cool art to see!

Last Thursday was finally the 5x5 show fundraiser for the local art center. Both my contributions were bought. Last I looked my Obama portrait had way more silent bids than McCain. I wonder if they ended up with one person. It's always a blast. So well attended and all the 5x5x1.5 inches canvases are lined up at eye level on all the walls of the lobby. At the beginning of the evening all I see are butts as shown here. But at the end after they call the closing bids and folks sales people have taken down the sold pieces I finally get to enjoy a more artistic view lol I can't imagine guessing the number of submissions... 300-400? There have been more in previews years I think. This was my 3rd year donating art and 2nd attendance.



Thankfully, the spread is always healthy and constantly replenished!

12 comments:

  1. GREAT, CD! Your color is so clean...and you reminded me of our challenge for today. Oops. Movers are coming at 8am, so I hope to take a quick hour and attend. Love this blog...butts forever!

    Red

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  2. Seems like you have ramped up your color saturation since your workshop. Nice painting.

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  3. Did you paint 8x10 and then cut it to 6x6? The result is stunning! The big red heart stands out more boldly. It's an interesting way of creating 6x6. I should try that when I use a paper support. Erika, your beautiful watercolors have been tempting me to try this medium. I haven't touched it for a long time, but might try ...

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  4. Hey Red how's the move? I can't believe you managed to show up for the meeting in the middle of your move??? LOL And I was sitting in urgent care during the meeting but I'm glad I went too. Can't wait to see your house!!!

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  5. Caren thanks! Yes, and the key is less water than what I was using!

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  6. Akiko I think it's the ideal yet wasteful way to paint lol That is, wasteful of supplies and my time. But if you come up with a better result then it's all worth it right? Honestly I haven't even cropped it yet because I don't have a 6x6 mattboard but I have 11x14 with 8x10 window. I know you'd come up with a winner if you try it again :)

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  7. Erika, I think both of your watercolor compositions work. Intersting challenge to make you cut it up in squares. I always love Vivid Red.
    I actually hadn't thought about your point of view from a wheelchair until now. You certainly have a much different perspective on things. Did you have tastey finger food at the event?
    Hope you feel better real quick!

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  8. Beeeeeuuuuuatiful color!!! Way to go on the 5 x 5 I figured that's the way it would go...congrats! And you have been tagged come to my page and find out the rest!

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  9. I like your watercolor ornaments. Every Christmas I always take pictures of the tree ornaments. I never thought of painting them. Interesting that you mention using less water. Just recently I started using less water with my watercolors. I used get a cup of water and pour the water into my colors. Such a terrible artist that I am!!

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  10. Alice thanks! I should become a famous butt painter if I had the inkling to pursue it lol

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  11. Theresa thanks! I never would have thought a red state would abandon McCain hahaha! Tagged yikes! Ok I'll have to check it out.

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  12. Tiglizzyclone I recommend you try it. Basically dip brush in water, shake it once then dip in your color. This way most of the pigment is on your paper too lol I do like to get watery too though :)

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Thank you for taking the time to comment ~Erika