Friday, October 24, 2008

Watercolor fall quilt

"Big H in Fall Morning" 10x13.5 watercolor on paper
I did this for my watercolor group (WNW), challenge for months of Sept-Oct. The challenge is "quilt". I wanted to not fall into a tight one despite the subject and hopefully still be able to convey the lovely variety of colors and patterns on a quilt.

This is based on my best friend Hillary. She speent a week with us 2 fall seasons ago, all the way from California. Well she has always been so loving to visit me just about anywhere I move because she probably misses her sushi and art buddy lol Ok it doesn't have to be sushi, it can be ANY food but most likely exotic. Ok it didn't have to be exotic, it could just be a burger in some greasy spoon -- AS LONG AS IT'S FOOD! lol

I made this H-quilt for her, a timely gift for her visit :)

Do visit her blog http://hillarymillerart.blogspot.com as she is posting an excellent silk painting demo!

19 comments:

  1. I'm so happy to see this great piece and to be the first to comment! I really feel like you took to heart everything Charles Reid presented in his workshop. This is so fresh, with vibrant color. Nothing is overworked, and I know how hard that is with such a busy subject matter. Even the background has the same fresh, colorful treatment. The hair, the face, the quilt. Well placed whites left, beautiful clear washes of color. You let the brush strokes show but never overdo them! And of course I'm so excited to be (one of) the subject of this beautiful painting. You made me glow! Thanks so much! Shoot, how am I gonna even come close to this amazing quilt painting?

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  2. Erika, what a beautiful watercolor painting! Great composition with excellent placement of the light and dark. I also love the colorful quilt.

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  3. Positively Stunning Erika! This is too pretty! Okay so I 'll give you a break for missing a few of the DSFDF challenges. You and Hillary sound like fantastic friends.

    BTW: I like Sushi too, even more so when it's made by somebody else.

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  4. Excellent painting, Erika, and the color .....wow!!She sounds like a wonderful friend. Did I hear sushi....nori maki with ahi, please???!!! My fave...with an extra side of sashimi....and wasabe!

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  5. WOW! those colors are georgess (sic). TThe quilt is positively beautinomous!

    Red

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  6. Heelahree I'm glad you like this painting - I am reluctant to call it your portrait as I am more used to a tighter and closer likeness. I enjoyed drawing it using modified blind contour though :) I'm so glad you mentioned all those things and you didn't mention how EXHAUSTED I must have been to make myself paint this vertically lol I can't wait to see your quilt!

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  7. Thanks Akiko! I never have plan for the lights so I'm so glad you think it was good :)

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  8. Alice thanks for the excuse, I do feel I missed out not painting the Bean and NYSE though meh :(

    YES Hillary and I have been great friends since Freshman year in college, she's just an awesome person ;)

    You make sushi? Not California rolls I bet but the REAL ones! Wow I'd be afraid I don't keep the temperature right or not clean them properly. YAH suuuuushiiiii umm!

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  9. Thanks Theresa, you're always so generous with your input my teacher :)

    Oops I guess I thought it was Alice who commented about my friendship with Hillary, but YES as long as she loves me I know I haven't lost all my sanity yet!

    Nori maki, maguro sashimi or maguro anything lol I also love spider roll and a dipping bowl of thick wasabi that makes me tear up each time I take a mouthful of food lol Crispy skin salmon roll which is a complete meal in itself. And of course, my sushi event isn't complete without the finale - green tea ice cream! MAN I'm drooling here!

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  10. Red you speak my language BEAUTIMOUS -that's YOU! Thanks so much and thanks again of bringing Charles to NWA and bringing me to his workshop xox

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  11. This is a really pretty watercolor. Nice work!
    Leslie

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  12. Hello Tiglizzyclone, I appreciate your visit and taking the time to comment :) Cool name!

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  13. Erika, I couldn't cook or bake or prep if my life depended on it! I am lost in the kitchen almost as much as I am in the grocery store.
    I am ashamed :(

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  14. LOL Alice don't be ashamed, just make sure you surround yourself with people who can cook :)

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  15. Hi Don wow what a surprise I appreciate your visit and comment so much thank you!

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  16. Everything about this piece is beautiful. If I ever wanted a portrait of me I would ask you.

    About the food.. reading these I'm hungry now even for sushi and that coming from a french girl ! Here in San diego there's a great place all-u-can eat Sushi and such. Maybe one day there will be a group road trip somewhere.

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  17. Hello Dominique, love your name! And thank you for such thoughtful words. Ohhh I also love French food - love the French's love for butter lol! I'd be honored to paint your portrait thanks for your confidence in my skills. Especially because I see you're a wonderful artist! Thanks again :)

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  18. Beautifully done, Erika! Love the warm, rich background colors.

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Thank you for taking the time to comment ~Erika