Wednesday, February 4, 2009

San Francisco Pacific Palisades DSDF 21-22 and an Award

"Pink Yellow Blue and Black" about 5x7 watercolor on paper

Another impressive challenge from Karin Jurick at Different Strokes by Different Folks. This was a daunting challenge for me. Straight lines and I usually don't get along well lol However when I was 10 minutes into the drawing, I realize that it was going to be a really good project to undertake because it's an opportunity for an excellent refresher study on basic shapes! Good grief, I was feeling sorry for the builders as their challenge was far bigger than mine! I was able to start over halfway through my drawing because that's when I realized the tops of the cone roofs (I bet there's an official name for those lol), were not going to fit and that's just not acceptable! Part of the reason why I took so long to make up my mind about painting this was that I was drooling over painting the molds and cool shapes in oils! But I don't think I would have enjoyed it as much if I were to paint it smaller than 11x14. I might still do it at some point, don't be surprised! Also, I try not to see what other people do with their DSDF challenge when I can help it so I can focus on my approach. As usual this challenged attracted a wonderful variety!

An admired fellow artist Akiko Watanabe has kindly given my an Art Blog Award! The recipient of this award is supposed to list 7 things that she/he loves. Here are my 7 things:

1. I love my sweet hubby :) Such a sweet spirit on that man!
2. I love art of many shapes: visual art, music, acting, photography, and the art of cooking.
3. I love people with passion. They are titillating to me and I applaud the ones who pursue it to its highest potentials!
4. Do I have to say I love food?
5. I love Japanese cuisine and the culture. Honto!
6. I love dogs! I really appreciate how happy they are to see you and their loyal friendship.
7. I love spring and fall seasons! It's the only time I don't complain about the weather lol Right now it's so cold I can hardly think!

Now I am giving an Art Blog Award to all the blogs I list on my right column that I list because I love them! Thanks Akiko!!! xxx

21 comments:

  1. great painting! Can't believe you got that much detail in such a small piece. One of the best!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Erika, my darling, you sure know your watercolor! This is beautiful - even though the subject is structured, your painting is free and transparent. Magnifique!

    ReplyDelete
  3. An absolutely beautiful painting, Erika! I love your watercolor technique - very beautiful!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Red, I owe the nudge that made me paint this to Charles Reid because he is the kind of artist who isn't discouraged by any subject and would just start whistlin' and drawing across the paper. Then he'd grab his brush and palette and whistle some more and start painting on that upright paper and voila he's done! Thanks Red!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Hillary, it was a true challenge for my double vision though still not as bad as a painting a rose lol I'm flattered by a master watercolorist merci macopine!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Hi Edward thanks so much for the kind compliment! Your piece is so lovely :)

    ReplyDelete
  7. That is a really lovely piece of artwork! And it is only 5x7! I like it over all the others.

    ReplyDelete
  8. tiglizzyclone, it might be a tad longer, not much. I'm so glad you like it! I'm glad I did it; I was really hesitant lol

    ReplyDelete
  9. Congrats Erika! You made it in time. It's so detailed and BEAUTIFUL!
    Thank you for sharing your 7 things you love! It's so nice to read about them.:)

    ReplyDelete
  10. Loved your list of seven things. Your work is inspiring!

    The lemonade award is yours, (for positive attitude blog), come pick it up :-)

    ReplyDelete
  11. Scrumptious! and Excellent, Tootsie. You should be so very proud of your structure :) I love it!

    ReplyDelete
  12. Great DSFDF and well deserved Award. On a side note I miss Alice also.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Akiko I didn't do an ACEO after all hahaha! You're so sweet I enjoyed your 7 too and thanks again!

    ReplyDelete
  14. Hi Gail wow how cool is that, another award! Thanks so much!

    ReplyDelete
  15. Hi Tootsie Roll, ah well I see many things about it that bug me but I guess I'll live lol Thanks Toots!

    ReplyDelete
  16. Dominique always so nice to see you. Yes, our Alice, I hope she's being safe where ever she is.

    ReplyDelete
  17. Erika, this is such a fine watercolor! I do not understand how you manage to have such a sensitive and at the same time confident touch. Amazing!

    ReplyDelete
  18. Carol thanks so much! Hmm maybe because I try to get down what I like about it first then I add what I'd like to see on it? At least that's how I work :)

    ReplyDelete
  19. Congrats Erika!! You have a dreamy version of the Victorian...it is with out a doubt one of my faves...I just couldn't do it with this show coming up. Anything I paint now goes in the show. Thanks for primping my Facebook pic...that was ..hmmm....yikes! 44 years ago. I love love the 7 things you wrote. You are a star!!

    ReplyDelete

Thank you for taking the time to comment ~Erika