I'm travelling into a new way of working, a new country, a new language, and a new hobby which I'm passionate about. Come with me for some of the journey...

Saturday 11 February 2017

A little touch of (water)colour






Hello all!

It's an age since I've been here, and I'm just dropping in very quickly today with a touch of colour on this snowy day.

I know we're by no means badly off compared to some - I hope you're all staying warm and dry indoors (and probably best off at the craft table) while it's so white and cold out there.

I thought this was going to be a quiet time for me, but it's not turning out that way, so apologies for my continuing absence around Craftyblogland.

Today's post is just some more "watercolouring in"... nothing mindblowing... I just couldn't bear that it had been silent for so long here at Words and Pictures.











I've actually been doing some watercolour explorations of my own, but I'm saving those for another day.

Today, it's just my colour games played out on a couple of pages from the Painterly Days Pattern book.













I've found that when I'm on the move, it's nice and simple to just take some watercolours, water brushes and a couple of pads with me, so that I don't suffer from complete crafting withdrawal.












For longer trips, of course, I still can't resist trying to take a mini-craft-room with me with all sorts of supplies, but the watercolours will do for the shorter jaunts.












And there's no pressure at all with the colouring books so it really is very relaxing.














But at the same time I'm learning about the paints - controlling the amount of water, mixing colours, enjoying the flow.















There are far more complicated patterns in the rest of the book, but I found the simplicity of these circles really pleasing.











As I said on my piece for last month's Vintage Journey Going Round In Circles challenge - there's something very satisfying about a circle.














I may not have been particularly precise about the circularity - embracing imperfection again - but it's definitely delightfully uplifting playing with bubbles.

It's also nice to play with the whole rainbow for once...











... though that didn't last for very long.  The bottom left hand corner took my fancy and was the starting point for the next page.




















On this next pattern I worked with a very limited palette, much closer to my usual favourite combinations.

Using lots of different colours is lovely, but there's no doubt that this felt like coming home!





















I enjoyed playing with very light washes (it's amazing how delicate you can be with the tints)...














... and then adding shading in the same colour or in different colours to see the different effects.















I also made myself explore some proper darks...
















... keeping plenty of pigment in some layers.














Altogether it's a lovely way to pass a couple of hours in a hotel room (better than watching whatever nonsense is on television, as far as I can see).











It's also been great for increasing my confidence in handling the watercolours as a medium, which is what has allowed me to head off in new directions of my own (coming soon to a blogpost near you - as soon as I get a chance to write about it).











The watercolour brushes are really convenient, but I've found there's a whole world of extra creativity when you use proper brushes.

I'm having a wonderful time exploring it all, and I will confess that I've become somewhat obsessed.












There are lots of fantastic youtube videos, so when I'm not watercolouring myself, I'm probably watching somebody else do it on youtube... 

So, yes, I am actually watching paint dry.  And I find it riveting!





Thanks so much for stopping by.  I'm actually due to be on the PaperArtsy blog on Monday evening, so after this long silence you've got two posts in quick succession.  But I did want to just drop in to wish you all well, and I'll hope to see you again soon, either here or elsewhere in Craftyblogland.

Water supports all our endeavors, from the simple task of making paint flow, to sustaining life. It is the common denominator that all humanity shares.
Sharon Crosbie

32 comments:

Helen said...

your limited supplies are being used to great effect, I love the rainbow first page, but totally get where you are coming from on the limited "you" colours too! Really looking forward to your appearance on Monday now!

Valerie-Jael said...

Beautiful work, looks like you had a lot of fun. Have a good weekend, hugs, Valerie

chrissie said...

Great to see you dear Alison..sounds like you are your usual busy self and that is wonderful if you are enjoying it as well..

Love all the water colour pages and the mix of colours. I imagine it is very relaxing to do this sort of artwork

The water quote is really terrific

Take care

Love Chrissie xx

froebelsternchen said...

Amazing patterns Alison! Super!

Fliss said...

This looks very therapeutic Alison and a lovely way to play with colour.
Fliss xx

Jane said...

Beautiful play time Alison. Such lovely colours and such great experience handling the water colours. Great to see you here today. I'm just on the way home from a workshop with Jo Firth-Young...Lots of fun with Paperartsy stamps and paints. Looking forward to seeing your work over on their blog on Monday. Keep warm. Hugs xx

Craft Addicts - Tracy Evans said...

Alison don't those watercolour backgrounds look fantastic. Wonderful backgrounds and stand alone pieces. Lovely to see you having a little creative time. Hugs x

Redanne said...

I feel very relaxed just looking at your beautiful creations, love all the gorgeous colours! As Tracy has already said, it is nice that you found some creative time.... Anne xx

Dortesjs said...

wauee watercolour backgrounds look fantastic ;O)

pearshapedcrafting said...

All this looks as though you had a relaxing time! They are all so beautiful and hope to see you use them soon! Chrisx

Meggymay said...

Fabulous water coloured patterns, the colour shades are lovely and I imaging it was most relaxing painting these pages.
Yvonne xx

Lucy said...

Those colors are so wonderful. I love the subtle shading you've done. It's inspiring.

Hazel Agnew said...

Yes, they are mesmerising Alison. Sure that you are not hypnotising into doing something against our will! What amazing patience you must have. Love how the grey background enhances the tones in the fancy shaped ones! Looking forward to your PA post on Monday....whoops, I have already entered the challenge 4 times! Xx 😬

Julie Lee said...

Ooh,what a fantastic idea this is for exploring what can be done with water-colour. It's really fascinating to follow through your adventures with the medium in these images. I can't wait to see what you have in store for us soon. xx

Cocofolies said...

Hi Alison
Great to see all these lovely variations using your watercolours..
You did a great job, I'm sure you will learn more and be be able to control better and deeply your washes and subtle tones in this way rather than playing just from time to time with your watercolours (as I did so far... I confess). I envy you! :)
I hope you are well and not too crazy busy. Very busy myself, so not much present on craftyblogland too in this moment!! Again, I regret, but days are really too short to do all and visit everyone each time. We do our best!
Take care.
Hugs, Corinne xx



Marci said...

Delicious shades of colors. I have always thought watercolors are beautiful, but haven't had your courage yet to play with them. You have improved so much already.

maria's knutselplezier said...

Great , beautiful colourfoul patchwork, I love this play with colours and patterns!!

Have fun!!
Maria

Mrs.B said...

I can imagine these being very relaxing to do. Love the shading on your water colour patterns. The colourful page looks fabulous, but I love the last sheet.
Avril xx

experiments in paper said...

Lovely studies, Alison! I find watercoloring to be quite a delightful rabbit hole myself! Haven't had much chance to play lately, but hopefully soon, before I head back to the US on the 22nd. Meanwhile, safe travels to you.... and look forward to seeing your new direction! xxx Lynn

Brenda Brown said...

Both patterns are coloured beautifully and it's good to find something you can do on the move. Happy art and safe travels xxx

Living to work - working to live said...

Gosh - this is just wonderful. I am getting into water colours for a bit of simple daily practice but using paint to colour in is inspired. These pages are simply beautiful to look at yet in principle are so simple. A brilliant idea when I get tired of experimenting with flowers.

Paper Profusion said...

I can understand how doing these must have been so enjoyable and educational!! LOVE the second one - it is you but with a different touch if that makes sense. Have a lovely week. Nicola x

maj. said...

Fantastic patterns!!!

Lys said...

I love your explorations and it's very relaxing indeed. Why not using those purples and pinks colours in your next creations...?

scrappymo! said...

This play with your watercolours was well worth it. The colours look beautiful...

I enjoyed the water quote!

Princess Judy Palmer said...

I laughed... you are watching paint dry. How relaxing. I didn't think you could top those rainbow circles but the the dark tinted shapes are very appealing too. I can see the meditative-ness in doing these.

Barbara said...

Love love love watercolor! You are a fabuolous artist, your "limited" palette is outstanding! barbara

Sue said...

Ooh I really like these, I must admit I'm drawn to the brighter palate, but I love your barely there washes with the limited colours. I can't believe you're watching paint dry lol xx

Anita Houston The Artful Maven said...

So cool to see this watercoloring, and I love the way you pulled the colors out and mixed them. Awesome!

Jackie PN said...

Alison, your circle play is just beautiful! Bright and cheery ,reminds me of a sheet of candy!I do love watching your trials with watercolors,and I do believe you are doing a fine job with them!

hugs,Jackie xx

sarascloset said...

Another great 'experimental' post! I enjoy reading about and seeing your dip into watercolors! I particularly enjoyed seeing the shading on this last piece! Always so inspiring! Hugs!

A Pink said...

I so enjoy seeing these posts when you share your creative exploration time with us. 'Im with you on the 'circle' feeling .
Wonderful work and TFS x