Lazy Susan Batik

Lazy Susan Batik
Watercolor, hot wax on masa rice paper, 7.5x5.5
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On this batik, the watercolor had a hard time seeping into the cracks of the masa rice paper (from the wadding it into a ball stage).  So, once I had ironed as much wax off as I could get to transfer to the newspaper, I then took a dryish watercolor brush with just a bit of the brown on it - and skimmed the surface of those creases,  Those creases soaked up the brown, gaining more of that batik effect. This painting makes 932 in 932 days.

Lazy Susan and Butterfly

Lazy Susan and Butterfly
Watercolor on paper, 6x4.5

I have been plein air painting for 9 years now, on a regular basis.  I first started in acrylics, and stayed with them for years.  About three years ago, I moved into using oils in the field - and have loved them.  They feel very natural for me.  Now, I have started with watercolors, and the question stands before me - do I compete now with this new, experimental medium?  They still feel so unnatural, but I get so many comments in the field when using them.  It is a bit scary to move into uncharted waters, but maybe I should give it a try.  Nothing ventured, nothing gained!  Painting number 613 in as many days.

Hydrangeas and Lazy Susans

Hydrangeas and Lazy Susans
Watercolor on paper, 10.5x7

This was my second painting on Friday - spent in Helen's yard on Spruce street.  These beautiful hydrangeas were flanked by lazy susans, catching the morning light like jewels.  This is the first time I have taken watercolors to the field - and I was minimally prepared.  I did not take my easel out of the car, so I had my palette and water cup on the ground.  Each stroke, I had to bend down to dip my brush first into water and then into the paint.  There was a lot of up and down motion involved in getting this painting done!  I'll have to involve my easel next time!  Painting number 573 in 573 days.