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.

"Contentment" (Kipper)

Yet another painting of Kipper. I like how the blues blend from her face into the driveway.  I struggled with getting the nose color just right (a little brown, a little purpley). After it dried, I thought it just might be my favorite part.

Kipper

Sometimes I forget that I can do little paintings without all the details that can take days to finish.  I can splash on colors that suggest flowers and a dog, lift out a few highlights, add a few darks, and it's done.  I debated about making the flower pot (behind Kipper's head) darker. The browns of the pot and Kipper's head were done at the same time in the first wash. I decided to let it alone - the less 'messed with' the painting is, the fresher it looks.

Art Meeting

I felt like a school girl waiting to give a report that I didn't memorize at the VAA meeting last night.  Members of the art group brought earlier work and more recent work to contrast where they've been and what they're doing now.  About a dozen people shared, I was last. I talked about 2 pieces: my first watercolor from a class in 86, and the more recent Kellie and Kitten painting. I enjoyed telling about the new things I'm trying, and that I feel I am finally coming out of a dry time of failing at new attempts. (New things like Gesso on watercolor paper, and Aquabord).