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Friday, 10 July 2020

Leafy Watercolours

Hello all!  I'm here struggling to make my peace with new Blogger.  It's irritating because the thing I'm sharing has been giving me a good deal of peace, calm and joy and now I have to go through this frustrating process with ugly new Blogger to try to share it with you.  (Okay - images just not working - I can't move them around - so I've reverted to Legacy, but have just found this update posted at 5am today, which gives me hope.)


I mentioned when I shared my Simplify, Breathe tags for A Vintage Journey's Watercolour Wonders theme that I was aiming to do some daily watercolouring, since July is apparently World Watercolour Month.  I was in a wonderful watercolour flow a year or so ago, but haven't really played much lately and I thought this would be a good way back in to something which makes me very happy.  I haven't been following the suggested prompts, though.  I decided I was just going to work my way through some leaf studies.






So I'm here today to share the first batch - days 1 to 8.  They come in pairs.  I have been doing daily watercolouring, but day 1 has worked out as being the taping up of the pages, and adding soft background washes across both halves.












And then on day 2 I add the leaves on both "pages".  So far, that has been dictated by work patterns - day 1 has happened to be a busy day, so I've been glad to have only the early stages to deal with.  And day 2 has happened to be quieter so I've been able to give the painting a bit more attention.











But I now rather like the pattern of the work.  And having two paintings on the go simultaneously means that even if I end up not very happy with one, at least I'm usually okay with the other.  I'm working with a 9 x 12 pad of 100% cotton 300gsm paper.







I put together a limited palette of watercolour paints for the month on one of my heavyweight plastic trays.

 If you're curious they are Buff Titanium (Daniel Smith), Coastal Fog (American Journey), Rare Green Earth, Green Gold, Serpentine, Green Apatite (all DS), Prussian Blue (AJ, but swapped out on day 7 for Moonglow DS), Blue Apatite, Kyanite, Gray Titanium, Shadow Violet, Lunar Violet (all DS again).




 I'll just quickly take you through the pairs.  (I've decided not to chop them up into individual pages until the end of the month.)  There are some I really like.  Other days things didn't flow quite as well, but I'm sure different people will have different favourites... let me know which are yours!

Days 1 and 2...


Days 3 and 4...


Days 5 and 6 (with a little touch of added dip pen and ink)...


Days 7 and 8 (with the arrival of Moonglow - magic!)...


I can't imagine how I managed to leave Moonglow out in the first palette selection - it's my favourite watercolour paint!








I'm still on track as I write this, with the first pair of the next batch already mostly done.  I tend to add extra details as the earlier layers dry.  If you're interested in a couple more process photos in future, I'll try to oblige.  For starters, there's the magical moment when you remove the masking tape... that always makes me happy!














But for now I'll leave you with these couple of close-ups to enjoy the watercolour flow.







Thanks so much for stopping by, and I'll be round to see what you've been up to soon.   I know I've been a poor visitor lately - lockdown has done strange things to my processes and habits.  I'm sure I'm not the only one!  Take care all and I'll see you soon.

What I love about watercolour is that lots of happy accidents occur.
Jane Seymour

At the Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge the invitation this week is to Play With Paint
At Country View Challenges they want us to Do What Makes You Happy
I'd like to share these at Paint Party Friday where they are on Week 19 of Year 10

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45 comments:

  1. Valerie-Jael10 July 2020 at 14:10

    Beautiful watercolour images. Blogger has not made me happy these past weeks, either, it's sometimes very frustrating. Have a great weekend, hugs, Valerie

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  2. R's Rue10 July 2020 at 14:21

    Beautiful

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  3. Diana Taylor10 July 2020 at 14:26

    These are absolutely beautiful, and I love the delicacy and movement in each one. I have to admit I totally adore the hints of purple/aubergine in the last ones - it just complements the green so perfectly. Keep up the beautiful work!
    Diana x

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  4. lissa10 July 2020 at 16:06

    These are nice. I think my favorite would have to be the days7 & 8 paintings. I like the composition and they seem to match each other well.

    Have a lovely day.

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  5. Christine10 July 2020 at 16:06

    Very calming restful tags, in spite of new blogger!

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  6. Elkes Lebensglück10 July 2020 at 17:14

    I am so excited about this adorable watercolor drawing. You are very good at it, these are works of art!
    Greetings Elke

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  7. Linda Kunsman10 July 2020 at 19:35

    these botanical watercolors are all so beautiful!! Hard to choose a favorite but I do really like the ones with the purple touches. I have the DS Moonglow but don't seem to use it very much- I think I need to play with it more;)Happy PPF!

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  8. Craftyfield10 July 2020 at 20:29

    The leaves are confidently painted and true to life Alison. My favourites are day 1&2 and Day 7&8. Happy watercolouring weekend!

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  9. Helen10 July 2020 at 21:12

    oh wow, what beautiful images! I love them all. thanks for taking time to catch up with Kew - you're right in what you say! I am off again tomorrow and hopefully won't get quite as wet! Have a wonderful painty weekend

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  10. https://linsartyblobs.blogspot.com10 July 2020 at 21:18

    Beautiful leaf studies, I love them all but the first four are my most favourite.

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  11. Deepa Gopal10 July 2020 at 22:55

    These are lovely, loose and soft! They are all beautiful! I am trying watercolour month too but have been slow so far. I often try limited palette to work with restrictions and that's a great exercise! I have posted limited acrylic inks in this week's post.
    Happy PPF!

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  12. Chrissy10 July 2020 at 23:27

    Gorgeous water colouring Alison..I LOVE your leaves and the beautiful softness of them all..I too had a nervous breakdown with the new blogger, I could rearrange the pictures to start with then they changed it and I was doing it one by one..so frustrating, I even re edited and numbered each photo thinking that would help, but no, so after reading the link you popped up I'm happy to read that they will change it back..

    Luv CHRISSYxx

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  13. Felix the Crafty Cat11 July 2020 at 00:21

    I've given up with the new blogger. I'm quite happy with the old one and to be honest I have more important things in life to keep me occupied. I went on their forum and most people that have left a comment feel the same and they said weeks ago that they planned to put some issues right, they have not! As you see again it's wasting my effort when i should be telling you how gorgeous your water colouring is, loving it. Happy creative weekend dear Alison. Hugs, Angela xXx

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  14. Barbara11 July 2020 at 01:04

    I am in awe of your watercolors, they are stunning! I never felt good about my watercolor effort, finally decided it wasn’t for me. I should try again since this is the month for it. haven’t noticed Blogger not working for me now. Hopefully the worst is not yet to come. Hang in there.

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  15. Tracey@Hotchpotchcreations11 July 2020 at 01:33

    Hi Alison, I really feel your pain with blogger after having to spend a little time away from it I felt like a complete newbie again and utterly frustrated with it all, everything seems to take twice as long to do and time is so precious. I'm hoping they will review things, I don't need the extras for phones and tablets as I just don't use them for blogger...!! Sigh.
    Now i'm here to take in the beauty of your watercolours, oh my how wonderful to see you sharing the month ahead with us. Lovely to see you masking the page and working on more than one during your session, you have to give those watercolours chance to dry just how they want. Works 7/8 are my favourites the contrast of colour is such an important addition. Utterly beautiful.
    Wishing you a super weekend Tracey xx

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  16. Christine Alexander11 July 2020 at 03:30

    wonderful images Alison, such beautiful colours :)
    It's so interesting how we all use blogger, I'm not a newbee but not a power user so I find the new blogger OK. I'm sure if I moved stuff around to make the page look good I'd be so frustrated :)
    Hugs Christine

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  17. Bleubeard and Elizabeth11 July 2020 at 03:51

    These are stunning watercolors, Alison, but once you added Moonglow, the entire scenes changed. They truly took on a lovely glow and a beauty that set them apart from the monochromatic Days 1-6. In addition to your incredible mixed media, you are a fantastic painter, especially these watercolors. I love them.

    I've tried the new blogger and it just doesn't work for me. I have trouble adding links and I'm a person who gives credit where credit is due. I only have a desktop computer, no cell phone, and no tablet or other device. I realize Blogger may be old. I know, because I was on it before Google took it over. However, I just can't see having to change when it is working fine for me. I'll probably resist to the bitter end.

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  18. craftytrog11 July 2020 at 10:31

    Beautiful paintings Alison, 1&2 and 7&8 are my favourites. I can see why you love Moonglow.
    Hopefully we'll get used to the new blogger eventually 🤪
    Happy weekend,
    Alison xx

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  19. aussie aNNie11 July 2020 at 10:41

    Fabulous post full of awesome pretty colours and style. ♥

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  20. Astrid Maclean11 July 2020 at 10:54

    These are absolutely beautiful, gorgeous palette and so delicate and pretty!!! Glad also they give you joy.

    As you know I have hated blogger, both the old and the new version for ages now, it's the most tedious and tiresome platform to share creations imho, I'd so much rather spend time creating than spending hours hopping from blog to blog, waiting for things to load, writing a comment and then waiting for that to appear etc etc. Anyway, I don't need to go on as I have shared my thoughts before, I just hope that one day you will embrace the other platform I have mentioned often, - it would be wonderful for so many more people to see your beautiful art!

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  21. Meggymay11 July 2020 at 11:02

    Beautiful water colour paintings Alison, they look so restful and soothing to the eye.
    I am struggling with computer issues, never mind New Blogger. I will be holding out for as long as possible.
    Stay safe.
    Yvonne xx

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  22. Cestina11 July 2020 at 14:23

    I love these with the same fervour I loathe and detest the new blogger. I have no idea how I will continue with Cestina's Dollshouses if they do not sort out the image moving. But at least it sounds as if they are listening to the complaints so fingers crossed. I shall stop blogging completely if they don't sort it, too old and set in my ways to fiddle endlessly with something that has been designed for the smartphone takeover world.

    But as I said - the watercolours are fabulously soothing. xx

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  23. Sandy11 July 2020 at 14:57

    Absolutely beautiful Sweet Pea!!! You are so very talented. I am once again making cards - all watercolor but I decided some time ago that I would not blog again. You have made me realize that I made a good decision!!!!
    Sandy xx

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  24. Mac Mable11 July 2020 at 15:46

    These are fabulous Alison. They are free, loose and beautiful. You sure must be enjoying yourself? x. Thank you for sharing the colours you've used. The extra magic with the Moonglow looks so pretty and adds another wonderful layer x.
    Thanks for the link to blogger feedback too....I still haven't tried the new blogger yet!

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  25. LA Paylor11 July 2020 at 17:59

    the layers of color, of depth are just so peaceful. Thank you for describing your process... one of almost meditation
    LeeAnna

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  26. pearshapedcrafting11 July 2020 at 19:58

    What a lovely calming post! The whole collection together looks wonderful! Is it just me ...I do love reading paint names! I love all of your water colours Alison but since you asked 1/2 are my favourites! Hope you get more time for yourself soon! Hugs, Chrisx

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  27. NatureFootstep11 July 2020 at 20:59

    I love grass and leafs so this is right up my alley. Love it.

    I have not tried new blogger yet will not do it until I have to. :(
    Take care. Love your work.

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  28. Gillena Cox11 July 2020 at 21:45

    Beautiful leafy watercolours. Thanks for dropping by my blog Allison

    Much🏜love

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  29. DVArtist12 July 2020 at 00:41

    Wow Alison. You have a nice talent for watercolors. Everything flows beautifully and your limited pallet worked out with very well. I simply don't have that touch with watercolor. Have a nice weekend.

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  30. Aimeslee Winans12 July 2020 at 04:20

    Hello Miss Butterfly. Oh dear, and see, to me your blog looks like it always has. I am hoping by the time they come for mine, the kicks have been all worked out. Your greenery is delightful. I'm partial to #3-4 and #7-8 meeself and yes, the Moonglow is such a gorgeous touch. I think I may stamp and watercolor some. Was already planning this before I knew it was the official month, so hey, I'll obey myself! LOL Good luck removing the tape. That is always my cussing moment lol. XOX

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  31. Margaret Mifsud12 July 2020 at 06:52

    Oh my. Your leafy watercolours are pure delight Alison. So delicate and so beautiful. Would love to be able to do something similar. I am so envious of your talent
    The new Blogger has been an annoyance for me too although I haven't posted much lately. I have tried it a few times and ended up converting back to Legacy as well. Hopefully they will get it sorted in the near future. Have a fabulous week!! x

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  32. carol l mckenna12 July 2020 at 16:29

    Your watercolor artwork is divine and you will be fine with new blogger ~ it is a learning curve ~ We all have too much change to deal with ~ with Covid ~ Sending lots of healing hugs to you.Xox

    Be Safe, Be Well,
    A ShutterBug Explores,
    aka (A Creative Harbor)

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  33. Mrs.B12 July 2020 at 18:10

    Beautiful pages Alison, so delicate and calming. Blogger can be quite frustrating at the best of times so I tried the 'new' blogger but reverted back as I found the 'visiting' so slow - think I'll stay in the old mode as long as possible.
    Off for a catch up as my blog visiting is very spasmodic these days.
    Avril xx

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  34. Sue12 July 2020 at 22:53

    What stunning pieces Alison, so calming and gentle. I'm still using the old blogger but I know I'm going to have to convert soon. Thank you so much for joining in with our challenge at Country View Crafts and have a very happy week, Sue xx

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  35. Dorthe13 July 2020 at 17:00

    Hello Alison, I am totally in love with your leaves - and especially the ones where you are also using lilac - they are so very beautiful.
    I have been away because of a lovely visit from my daughter and grandkids, but time to get back to normal ,lol, again. So wonderful to also see you on IG . Hugs , xo

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  36. Neet13 July 2020 at 20:27

    0h dear, I have yet still to face the delights of this new blogger. Sounds ominous!
    Well, I am glad your delightful watercolours took my mind off the problem. What gorgeous paintings you have, you can see the joy you had whilst doing them, no wonder you felt at peace. I loved the pages 1 and 2 and thought they could not be improved upon, still don't but I do like 7 and 8 as well. So I guess those are my favourite four. Such a delight to look at.
    Hugs, Neet xx

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  37. Redanne13 July 2020 at 22:36

    Alison, your watercolours are absolutely stunning, all so delicately beautiful, I couldn't possibly pick just one, they are all incredible.

    I intended to try out the new Blogger tomorrow but I think I may try holding off until I absolutely have to. Stay safe and well. Hugs, Anne x

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  38. Corrie Herriman14 July 2020 at 20:54

    Oh, how I love your work ! Thank you so much for joining us over at Country View Challenges and doing what you love !
    Corrie x

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  39. Cocofolies15 July 2020 at 15:24

    Alison, I don't how how you do to create so stunning nature paintings each time you play with your watercolour paints, but Oooooh!!!!
    I adore ALL framed leaves pages... all are different. Your choice of colours is simply the best I think. And I'm asking if you are working with models or real branches, or not?..
    I envy you to be always so good and talented :D
    But it is so wonderful for us looking at your blog (hope you will succeed to resolve the issues with blogger), that of course no jealousy at all from me, just happiness and joy :)
    Corinne x

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  40. Jane15 July 2020 at 18:07

    Hi Alison, sorry to hear you are having Blogger issues but you can change back to the old one if needs be. Your watercolouring is so beautiful and blue is my fave colour. Thanks so much for joining our Do more of what makes you happy July challenge over at Country View. Take care, hugs x

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  41. Lagene16 July 2020 at 17:06

    WOW, these are gorgeous!

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  42. kathyinozarks17 July 2020 at 14:49

    I love them all

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  43. Patty O'Malley19 July 2020 at 17:50

    Beautiful images, Alison. I am not happy with the new blogger either, especially since I am not computer savvy!

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  44. Marci24 July 2020 at 14:58

    I love these colors and of course, leaves are always interesting.

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  45. sally29 July 2020 at 19:34

    Blogger may be annoying as all hell but these pages do have such a peaceful feel to them!

    Sally xx

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Thank so much for taking the time to stop by. It's lovely to hear what you think - every comment is so much appreciated.