In the meantime, one thing I have been making time for is my daily watercolouring for World Watercolour Month, so I'm back with the next batch 17 - 24. As regulars know, I haven't been following the official prompts. I set myself my own challenge to create some leaf studies daily.
I knew my challenge would have to be something I wanted to do, rather than panicking over a prompt which might not inspire me. It's the daily practice as much as anything else that I wanted to develop... it's now part of my morning routine along with feeding the birds, watering the plants, tidying the kitchen and doing my Czech lesson (with coffee - vital part of the routine!).
This week, I've been enjoying the flow of pigment in water which has been happening around the edges...
... and the grassy energy of some of the undergrowth at the foot of the paintings almost as much as the leaves themselves. And why not?
(If you want to know about the paper/paints I'm using for my July leafy watercolours they're all listed in Part I of these updates, Leafy Watercolours. You can, of course, catch up with Leafy Watercolours Part II if you missed it!)
Also, if this link works, it should take you to a bit of video footage (if you swipe to the second photo) showing how magically Daniel Smith's Kyanite Genuine sparkles as it catches the light. These still photos really can't do it justice.
A couple of times this week, I've sort of wished I'd stayed at an earlier stage with a couple of them. This is Day 19's progression, and I like the spare first stage...
... and also the second layer with the shadowy background stems, as well as the final overgrown look. At least I have a record of them all in photographic form.
Here they are in turn for you to pick your favourites from this batch. (Yes, they're still in pairs. I'm not going to cut them up into individual paintings until I've completed them all... that's going to be my "reward"!)
Days 17 and 18...
Days 19 and 20...
Days 21 and 22 (left very soft and loose with hardly any touching up for detail)...
Days 23 and 24...
You can see I was alternating between branches drooping down and stems reaching up throughout this batch. I can't even decide which of those two options I like better, let alone pick favourites. Over to you...
Thanks so much for stopping by today. Everything is a bit topsy turvy at the moment what with packing to go away, but I'm hoping to squeeze in some blog visiting at some point too. I hope you are all staying safe, well and creative. Happy crafting all!
It is often the simple daily practices that influence our lives in dramatic ways.
From Living Peace by Alaric Hutchinson
I'd like to share these at Paint Party Friday, where it's Week 21 of Year 10
At Country View Challenges you still get to Do What Makes You Happy
34 comments:
Beautiful water-colours, you are evidently having fun with these. Happy PPF, Valerie
I love seeing your leaves Alison. I really can't decide on a favourite, they're all beautiful xx
Oooh! 19 and 23 are my favourites, but it was so hard to make a choice with so many beauties in this batch!
I really am loving seeing these cool greens and greys. They seem to be our normal colours outside too at the moment - with the odd glimpse of black in the shape of a couple of blackbirds in the tree next to our balcony! Good luck with the packing! Hugs, Chrisx
So stunning they are all magnificent/ x
These are so delicate and beautiful! I love the addition of purple/ mauve. Such perfect complements to the muted greens.
I love your watercolor drawings, they have become so beautiful again!
Happy PPF, Elke
I love these studies! They look so realistic.
Safe travels! Your watercolors are beautiful Alison - would love to see more.
Sandy xx
These are so soft and lovely!
Oh goodness! I cannot possibly pick a fave out of these Alison, I love them all. I absolutely adore the colours and the delicate way you paint those delightful leaves. I love that you showed the three stages of one of your paintings and I simply love each one. Just absolutely gorgeous!!
Lovely watercolours!
Jaw-dropping GORGEOUS!
wow- these are ALL so beautiful!!! And now I saw you're on IG I will find and follow:) Happy PPF!
I have seen some of them on Instagram and they are lovely so I'm pleased to see them again.
These are really beautiful Alison, and there is no way that I could pick a favourite. Good luck with your packing, take care and have a very happy weekend xx
Beautiful.
Oh, wow, how can I choose a favorite I love them all Alison, beautiful.
Luv CHRISSYxx
Look like your having fun, well I know would.
PPF
I'm once again late to the party. I love them all, and love when you detail and show close-ups. Today my favorites are Days 23 and 24. They all make me happy, though.
Alison, you are the epitome of the expression 'practice makes perfect'! Your watercolours just get better and better, they are exquisite!! The hanging versions are so delicately beautiful but the grounded ones, 23 and 24 remind me of botanical plates from a vintage book - the purple undertones really are exquisite. Gorgeous work. Anne xxx
PS - the video link works perfectly! xx
What a lovely morning ritual you are now in Alison.
Another beautiful batch of glorious water colouring. I think the colours are fabulous and loving the undergrowth and wispy backgrounds too x.
I enjoyed looking at day 19 and the progression and a great idea to take photos along the way x.Especially loving day day 17 and 18 because of the tones but hey who am I kidding....I love them all! x
Ohh ...that DS kyanite looks fabulous on the mini video Alison x.
Another gorgeous set of water colour pieces Alison. I hope you have a good trip away and get time to enjoy some crafting.
Yvonne xx
OMG Alison your leafy exploits are amazing, if I had to pick some favourites they would have to be 19 and 24.
Hugs Christine
I just love these, so relaxing to look at
Love
Amanda x
I too like the grassy energy at the foot of the plants, especially with the mix of green and purple colours. My favourite is actually day 19, and in its final form! The leaves have some really dark areas, providing contrast, and there are less distracting white "holes" in the background than in some of the other paintings.
Hope everything goes well with your travels, Alison! x
Day 19 and 20, 23 and 24 are my favourite... You really produce marvellous watercolor nature paintings, your leaves are luxurious and all magnificent Alison... You master the technique now I envy you I must confess! ;-)
Absolutely fabulous journal of leaves, all unique!!!
Hugs and good luck for packing again,
Coco xxx
PS: Pls hop over on my blog if you can get a bit of time to day, you will be happy seeing all my cards I hope (though my post is not in English by lack of time, sorry) :)
Your leaves are ALL wonderful! Don’t think I can choose a favorite! They are so dreamy and peace-filled. Love them. Thanks for sharing!
Hi Alison, your watercoloured leaves are all so pretty. I have enjoyed seeing them on IG too. Thanks so much for joining our do what makes you happy challenge over at Country View x
So beautiful ! Thank you so much for your contribution to our 'Do what makes you happy' challenge over at Country VIew !
Corrie x
Not picking a favourite as it’s far too hard lol but it’s a real pleasure to see you sharing your watercolour play....I’m far too scared of those paints!
Sally xx
Where have I been? I have missed so much of your work Alison. And what a treat this blog post is. Such a lovely dreamy quality to your watercolours.
they are all beautiful studies and i do like the effect of the flow of the pigment in the water - that is what gives it this ethereal effect I think. Certainly puts me at peace with the world looking at these.
Stunningly Beautiful
Hugs, Neet xx
Your watercolours look tremendous all together Alison and I say it again the hint of damson is a great compliment to the varying shades of green, i'd love to have time for myself each morning to do just this. Stunning work, thank you so much for sharing these beauties with us.
Hugs Tracey xx
Post a Comment