Art Update

I’ve been spring-cleaning today, getting into the nooks and crannies neglected while school was on. The dog has mysterious abilities to get her toys in the oddest places. But unless you want tips and tricks for deep cleaning with a dust allergy, it’s not an interesting or exciting process to blog about (or do).

So I thought I’d put up some of my daily art from the last week or so. If you see a piece you like and want to own, you can contact me with an offer – if you’d rather have a print, I can set that up. If you’d like to commission a specific work, I will happily create. I am at your service!

And I’m off to clean and run errands. Shame a clean house isn’t a work of art… I’ll do something tonight, I have concepts on tap. So much nicer than days I don’t have an idea at all.

Watercolor
Honeybee on Canadian Thistle, watercolor. Will mat at 5×7 in an 8×10 mat.

A little of the process I’m using for this work, I’m painting dry on a relatively light paper (98 lb). I’m learning as I go, but at this point I’ve figured some things out, like working fast to lay down the gross outlines and blended colors. Then let it dry for a while…

I'm very happy with the Kuretake Gansai Tambi paints.
I’m very happy with the Kuretake Gansai Tambi paints.

Before coming back with the teeny sable brush for adding detail. And finally the white gel pen for highlights, like the bee’s eye and wings.

bee WIP-2
The spatters of color were a whim, but they add a backgound without making it muddy as most of my attempts turn out.
Sumie spider
Spiderweb in Bamboo is pure spontaneous sumi-e strokes. Watercolor, goathair bamboo brush, and a little bit of silver gel pen for dewdrops. (art will mat at 5×7 in an 8×10 mat) (SOLD!!) 
Leopard Cub line art
Sometimes when I’m tired the easy thing is just a sketchbook and a soft brush pen. No sketching, just lines. (art will mat at 4×6 in a 5×7 mat)
Painting in the wet requires more preparation. I've taped heavy paper to a board, and wet it with the flat brush.
Painting in the wet requires more preparation. I’ve taped heavy paper to a board, and wet it with the flat brush.
Watercolor sky
I did a fade wash, and the paper buckled a little, but flattened on drying. Now, I have to figure out what to paint on this lovely cloudless sky I’ve made!