WBO #422x30
watercolor
WBO #322x30
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WBO #222x30
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WBO #1 - Stressed out!22x30
watercolor
Original still lifeI've been busy with a new class I started a couple of weeks ago called "Watercolor beyond the Obvious" taught by Mike Bailey.
Wow, this is a super class and beyond what I anticipated in learning. What I mean by that, not only am I learning design principal's, I am learning about ME, and my thought process, and self imposed boundries, and on and on... Whoa, I didnt think I was going on a adventure trip through "Sheila's Overactive Brain" land or the "Worry Wart" ferry ride but it's been a enlightening experience and I'm loving it.
The class is structured that you will setup a still life at home and each week you will learn a new design principal and then go paint that for the following week. Overall you will paint "a" still life twenty times, the same still life that you can't move, or change the perspective. The purpose of the one still life is that you'll be challenged to do it differently every week and you will start to develop your design knowledge. Sounds fun right!? it is, and Mike is a really, really great teacher.
The first week, I was so stressed out trying to figure out what still life I would want to paint 20 times, so I didnt get to paint it till Sunday, the day before class! I had so much energy built up that my first painting was YUCK! but I had to keep going because I needed to have two paintings for the class the next day. My second painting I did much better and it was more realistic, which I'm use to painting, so I was happy with it.
Last week I had to come up with something and the lecture was on "Line". I was trying to figure out what I would do and going through my sketch book. Mike is big on sketching and carrying your sketch book with you everywhere to capture those great ideas you have in random places. So I was sketching and thinking, sleeping and dreaming, eating and thinking, ugh! non-stop.
I finally settled on doing these two, one is based on a Mandala and the other one has a southwestern feel to it.
Anyway, I will be posting onward my next 16 paintings!
Wow... this is going to be so fun to ride along on this creative journey. I can hardly wait for the others!
ReplyDeleteAwesome #2 realistic painting...I thought it was a photo except for the background looked like paint... I love how you made the jump to abstract so quickly! Some take weeks to get there! Keep up the good work! I can't wait to see the next ones.
ReplyDeletePattie
I also thought #2 was a photo. Beautifully done, Sheila! I also love how you interpreted #3 and #4. Nice to be able to add whimsy to a piece for a whole new mood.
ReplyDeleteI'm so looking forward to watching your progress! Looks like you're off to a great start.
ReplyDeleteThank You everyone! I need all the encouragement I can get so I can stay out of the "crazies"!
ReplyDeleteWow, Sheila, truly awesome! I, too, thought #2 was a photo. You really convince the viewer of the shiny surfaces! Wonderful! And, you jump right into fun and unique styling, you definitely have a gift for this. Keep up the great work!
ReplyDeleteThese are wonderful Sheila! I'm looking forward to hearing more about the process and the results.
ReplyDeleteTim
The class sounds fascinating, Sheila. I love all that you've done so far. Number 4 is so creative (I could never come up with that!) Looking forward to seeing more.
ReplyDeleteI also have to say that you make watercolor look easy! ;)
Nice work on all, but I do like #3 and 4. Happy painting:))
ReplyDeleteBest wishes and good luck with your artistic creation!
ReplyDeleteDaniel D. Peaceman, writer and editor of Contemporary Horizon Magazine
E-mail: drgdaniel@yahoo.com
Your WBO 2 is really great--the green in the pitcher, the glaze on the red vase, and the leaves--all fabulous; I like the minimal treatment of the back and ground.
ReplyDeletePainting the same still life 20 times?! The first reaction is ugh, but actually what a great idea--as you say, you'll really have to stretch to do it!
I look forward to seeing more versions!
Hi! I just started a workshop of Mike Bailey's and I was wondering if you ever finished this course. My experience is not good so far, and I would like to compare notes.
ReplyDelete