Taylor Swift and other paintings in progress

Taylor Swift

These are some 'in progress' paintings I've been working on lately.
I used to finish a painting before starting another one, but I'm finding I have unfinished paintings that I pick up when I have time.

I got a gardening magazine recently which had a full page picture of Taylor Swift (go figure) among the gardening articles.  I don't usually paint people, but I soaked a piece of watercolor paper and started to paint her (just for fun).  The colors get all soft and diffused when the paper is damp. I was surprised when it looked like a person (with no drawing beforehand). While the paint was wet, I took a thirsty brush and lifted out the lighter parts of her hair. After the painting was dry, I put in the darks around her face and eyes.  I haven't put much detail in the rest of the painting yet.

The parade picture is coming along.  I keep adding more horses.  (You can compare it to a previous blog photo) I mostly have the background to finish.

This is Kipper, our dog, lying on the back stoop after her summer swim in the creek.  I have to decide how much detail to put in the flowers.  I don't want too much attention going to them instead of the dog.

sunset watercolor painting

Last evening I sat down and painted this without a lot of planning.  It looked awful while I was painting it, but looked ok after I was done.  I used a photo for reference that was one that I took while coming home from the Mts last year.

I've been working full-time at 10,000 villages warehouse for the last 4 months and I'm trying to find time to draw/paint.  Mini paintings worked when I sat outside on break where I could spread out, so now I'm inside and make a point of drawing in a sketchbook instead.

Paintings at S Clyde Weavers

 The whole family was at S. Clyde Weaver's in East Petersburg to help with the hanging of a sampling of my watercolors.  The majority are prints. My Dad, Mom, Aunt, and son all work there.  Even I worked there for my very first job during high school.  Hope the customers enjoy them during the month of December (and maybe longer).

Fourth of July Parade

I liked this parade picture.  It's very patriotic with all the flags on the horses.  Even the man looks proud in the picture.  I just started this painting (size 6 x 9) this week.  I originally slapped paint on the board without any drawing.  The horses were scrubbed out because they ended up out of proportion, so I'm working from right to left, working on adding shapes, then adjusting details as I go (I'm liking this aquabord!)

more minis

Here are some small paintings from my breaks at work.  I draw on my first break (10:00 - 10:15), paint it over lunch break (12:00-12:30), and lift out whites and add darks on my last break (2:30 - 2:45).  As you can see, some need more work.  Having limited time helps me simplify.  I have a tiny paint box that I use - one of those artsy things that I bought years ago and never used. This definitely helps with my need to paint - otherwise frustrations build over not painting.

Mini paintings

I've determined to do something during my breaks at work that stimulate my creative mind. I can't do a lot in 15 minutes but I did come up with an idea. I made tiny mat windows (about as big as a large postage stamp). I move the mats around some photos and copy what I see.  I came home and tried my hand at painting some of them. These are exact sizes of the actual paintings. They are comparably quick and feed my need to paint. I liked the clouds over the landscape, and the bright sun shining on the gardener's hat as he worked among the day lilies.
There are times when I think I enjoy the painting process more than having a finished product. Right now, I just want to go a bit wild with water and paint - but part of me says I need a plan before I start. - ba-humbug.

Baby and Porch paintings

 Two nights ago, I decided to just do a quick painting (without drawing it first) about 5 x 7 size.  I chose a porch with deep colors.  So far it's coming along ok. I still have the left side to finish.

As for this baby painting, I'm not satisfied with the colors.  The green looks too garish to me.  I will wash it off and try something different.  The whole thing is still in progress, and if it doesn't work out, I'll chalk it up to experience and wash the whole thing away. It's nice to know I have a 2nd chance at something when the paper is so forgiving.
I am trying to keep my creativity up while working full-time at 10,000 villages till Jan. I even looked up some 15 minute art exercises to do on our breaks.  I was surprised at this evenings soccer game when the man a few rows away was sketching.  It reminded me to take mine everywhere I go.  If you see me sketching in church, I'm trying a new thing called doodling the sermon.  It has helped me focus and remember what was said. I'm just hoping the kids next to me don't think I'm NOT paying attention.