latest WIP - untitled
8" x 10" watercolor on aquabord
I've recently started working on aquabord, just to try something new. This is a very tricky surface to get used to. It is super absorbent so there's even less time to manipulate the paint than I usually have when I work on paper. I'm determined to master it though, no matter how long that takes me.
And during this last year I have found out that in order to keep artist's block at bay I need to constantly be challenging myself with new subjects, surfaces, mediums.
Maybe it's not so much to keep artist's block at bay as it is that I don't want to admit that I have a very short attention span. In honor of that short attention span I'm keeping my post short and sweet today. (I know you are *shocked* right?? ;)
There's been a lot going on in my mind lately about the life of being an artist. We live a life of extremes I think, we have passion for what we believe in, and what we do, in nearly excessive amounts, and because of that when we feel despair we feel it deeper and with more intensity.
But what else can we do? In order to be the artist we are meant to be we need to be who we really are, we need to be true. To the dictates of our own heart.
No matter what anyone else says.
"Be yourself. Above all, let who you are, what you are, what you believe, shine through every sentence you write, every piece you finish." John Jakes
Happy weekend everyone. :) See you all on Monday for the reveal of the Cook-Waller monthly painting challenge. Huzzah!
Oooh. It's looking beautiful so far. So soft. I can almost smell that wonderful baby smell looking at it.
ReplyDeleteA beautiful start, thank for sharing your process.
ReplyDeleteLove this Crystal, I am going to write the quote on my big black board in my painting nook so I remember....look forward to hearing more about that aqua board.
ReplyDeleteI have never tried aqua board. I'd never heard of it either until you mentioned it. I also have a short attention span, but it's even shorter when something isn't working for me in some way! It's such a good thing to push past these things isn't it? I love seeing your WIP's. I love seeing how each layer starts to bring it all to life :0)
ReplyDeleteI hear you about the need to play, to explore something new, in order to keep the mind and creativity fresh. So aquabord would be to watercolorists what Artist Panel's are to those who work in acrylics?
ReplyDeleteHere's to knowing ourselves and being true to what we know :-)
My brother-in-law and I are taking turns choosing subjects and challenging each other to paint. We have different styles and it's been fun...keeps painters block away! As usual, your painting is special...the light is fantastic!
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to see how it turns out!! I gave up on aqua board but I may have to revisit it. It went from challenge to frustration really quickly for me. It's looking beautiful so far. Can't wait to see your answer to the Cook-Waller Challenge, can't wait to see mine either, guess I better get started-he he he:))
ReplyDeleteI love this WIP, Crystal! Beautiful soft colors. I can see already that its a winner!! (that's a beautiful quote by John Jakes!!!!)
ReplyDeleteComing along beautifully, Crystal. He is just basking in the sun. Huzzah!
ReplyDeleteAmazing already! I don't know how you do it!
ReplyDeleteCrystal, I just found out Steve Hanks, an incredible watercolor artist in human figure, also used Aquaboard in his more recent works. I saw them during my visit to Legacy Gallery in Scottsdale today, and they are really amazing! (Just thought I'd share this information even though you probably already knew about it...)
ReplyDeleteI love how your work is turning out on it -- it got that very soft, blurred look to it, which, having tried this surface myself, I know is extremely difficult to achieve!!! I am learning to paint on Aquaboard myself, following the suggestions you gave in your last reply, with some improvement, although nothing close to this... I'll keep on trying :-P
I also have this request -- which may be totally unreasonable but I thought I'd ask any way, because you are such a nice and sweet person and won't mind (;-) -- if it is possible, I'd like to join your monthly challenge group! It would be a great chance to try my hands on something that is more... Theme or Content Driven. I've never done that before and would like to give myself a push out of my comfort zone! (The first few attempts may be miserable, I know, but I would really like to push myself a bit...) If it is inconvenient for you or Carrie, please do feel free to say no! I won't mind at all. Thanks...
Until Monday, Happy Painting!
There's that trademark glow ; ) I bow to your make-skin-glow mad skills : )
ReplyDeleteTotally with you on the attention span! Which is how I exhausted myself and got ill this week- so many directions- so little time!!! : )
ReplyDeleteThere's a great quote that I love... and hmm, who said it? Well, someone brilliant: "Nothing is at last sacred but the integrity of your own mind"... Love your post today Crystal- what you focus on grows! XO. But without my germs. ; )
He's looking good so far. Looking forward to seeing the end result.
ReplyDeleteLove the start of the painting, Crystal, and your "short post" is great! We are indeed creatures of extremes, and of passion! HUZZAH!!!
ReplyDeleteAquaboard sounds like the opposite of Yupo that I have been experimenting with :) Beautiful start - have fun finishing it :)
ReplyDeleteThis looks like you are on your way to a beautiful painting! I love your model, good motivation I would guess!
ReplyDeleteGorgeous! I like seeing the first phase of your painting--how you deal with light. So cool!
ReplyDeleteI like your determination Crystal! This looks amazing already, you're handling the new surface very well.
ReplyDeleteI certainly know about the feeling part,and I loved your quote too.
Beautiful beginning! I enjoyed your post & can totally relate on the attention span part! Thank you for your upbeat attitude and encouraging words! ((hugs))
ReplyDeleteThis is magical already. :)
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely so, always true to ourselves! I must admit I don't know what an aquabord is, but the painting is already outstanding. xx
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for dropping by my blog so I could check out your work, Crystal. I especially like this simple piece with the unfinished look. It's lovely!
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