paint party friday

I've finally gotten around to some more painting this week. First time this year. Even though it's already the 20th of January, I'm still thinking that it "just" turned 2012. I guess that means that already this year is flying by.

Only watercolors this week. And I worked on them on the dining room table, not in my studio. For some reason I like painting with watercolors in the dining room.




This time I think I just wanted to be close to these guys.




Enough greyhounds and Instagram, already! On to the painting!

I was determined to finish the painting of my trachelospermum plant. I started it way back in October and really needed to finish it.




I like how it turned out. And although I could allow myself to tinker with it some more, I'm not going to. It's time to work on something else. Like the pomegranate I started last time. I was not really thrilled with how that first one was going, so I added a couple more on my paper. I think that was what I had been planning because there was a lot of room on the page.







I've found pomegranates hard to draw and hard to paint, but I don't want to give up. The one at the top is the first one I tried. I keep giving it more coats of paint. Not sure if it's helping it or hurting it. I'll take another look when it's fully dry. I'm liking the one on the bottom left the most so far. I love the way the paint spreads when it's wet. It doesn't always dry as beautifully, but when it's wet it feels like magic.

I also gave in to a crazy desire to paint my yellow narcissus bulbs. I say crazy because between the glass vase, the rocks and all those leaves and stems and flowers, it's going to be a very detailed painting. But I liked how my sketch turned out.




And when I started adding some color, I was happy with that, too.







I even have ideas about how I'm going to do the rocks and am excited about using masking fluid for the squiggly roots.

I'm also excited about another painting that, right now, is only in my head. I'm prepping the paper (first time I've ever done that) and have been working it out in my mind (shouldn't I be using my sketchbook for that??). It's different than what I've done before so we'll see how it goes.

Don't forget to stop by the Paint Party Friday blog, and if you're doing any painting, won't you join the party?

Comments

  1. I tried to do some water colour painting today too Anne. My day wasn't as sucessful as yours - in fact it was a disaster and I have packed the paints away! You painting has come on leaps and bounds since you first started to show it on your blog. Your houseplant in the terracotta pot has turned out really well and I especially like the terracotta pot. Wonderful work!

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  2. I just love your delicate touch and they way you concentrate on the little details when you paint.

    Are those greyhounds your new babies?

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  3. Great watercolor paintings in progress. :) And I love the puppies. :)

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  4. your home looks wonderful, light and airy. fun to see your pieces in their various stages unfolding.

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  5. Your colours are perfect! Love the paintings so far.
    xox

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  6. Love what you have painted, lovely, delicate colours, and your place is so pretty! Valerie

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  7. Beautiful! Wish I could spread to the dining room table too, it is in front of double patio doors so lots of light too like yours but seems a bit much to take over two floors lol your pups look so cute & happy :) Happy PPF

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  8. I always think that daffodils always look so incredible in watercolours. Those dogs look poppets. I have a soft spot for greyhounds...

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  9. You have a lovely dining room and I can understand why you would like to paint there! Great paintings! I especially like the one of the plant! Patsy from
    HeARTworks

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  10. I find pomegranates really hard and have tackled them a few times but without success... have to say I would paint in the dining room all the time if mine looked like that... and your dogs even have matching cushions, how spoilt are they!!!!... my poor mutt has an old powerpuff girls blanket.... maybe I need to start thinking of a nice new cushion for him... have a great week...xx

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  11. I've never tried to paint pomegranates but I imagine they would be difficult. You have a great start on the narcissus bulbs. The finished painting at the top of the trache..... plant is fantastic. Beautiful colors in the pot and leaves.

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  12. Love your watercolor paintings and what you are doing with them. Your pomegranates are looking good as are your family pet members who are so relaxed. Love that!

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  13. Gorgeous watercolors! Great to see you painting again! xx

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  14. You have a very delicate touch which makes your watercolors so pretty. It is easy to see why you would love to paint in your dining room. It's lovely.

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  15. The pic of your table/work space is so inviting and inspiring! Great job on the watercolors, love the pomegranates :)

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  16. Good to see you painting again. The dining room is a perfect place to work with the boys so near.
    Nice, nice work, Anne. Your hands are revealing what your eyes are seeing. Love the terra cotta pot. I'm drawn to your pencil work. Have you thought of leaving your drawings only partially painted? going back and adding pen and ink to the pencil work to highlight your lines?

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  17. Wow, excellent work!!! I love painting in the dining room too!!! We have the best lighting in there! Happy PPF!

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  18. ooh what fabulous beginnings....and what a gorgeous dining room, love those chairs and the bright light. I'm with you on thinking Jan has just begun....eek! time to get a wriggle on for me too :)xx

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  19. Lovely creations ~ all of them ~ and I too move from my studio to living room (where my dog is) sometimes to create ~ hmmmm wonder why I do that ~ my dog will follow me to the studio ~ Love your work ~ namaste, Carol (Share the Creative Journey) Happy PPF ^_^

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  20. wow.. you really DID have a paint party!! I loved reading re your process and seeing the pics - a great glimpse into a working artists' process. Beautiful watercolours too, needless to say...

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  21. Your paintings....are coming out beautifully. And.... Your dogs are beauties too!

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  22. Lovely watercolors...also really like your Instagram photos

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  23. Love your watercolors!!! I often paint in the kitchen or the living room ....mainly just to be with the animals and hubby. Don't need to interact with them too much ...just be near them :0)

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  24. Beautiful photos with excellent interior lighting especially in the first. Greetings.

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  25. they are awesome Anne! I really must have a paint party friday. that sounds like SO much fun! I would like to paint in a pretty dining room like that too! :)

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  26. Gorgeous houseplant painting!
    And I can see why you wouldn't be too far from your lovely greyhounds...I prefer to be close to my min pin, too!

    ♥♥♥
    Happy PPF!!
    Mary
    Mixed-Media Map Art

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  27. Absolutely lovely! I enjoy working with watercolors too! I think your work is fantastic!! Love your instagram photos too! Your greyhounds are cuties!

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  28. Yay Anne..it is always very uplifting visiting your realm..i love your dining room and it must be lovely to paint there! Gorgeous art..love that you paint nature and such beautiful leaves and flowers and fabulous pomegranates! Your dogs are gorgeous and beautiful souls!
    Happy creating!
    Victoria

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  29. You're off to a great start in 2012! I love the simplicity of the potted plant watercolor. It's hard to just leave something alone, but it can be the perfect solution.

    I would love painting in your dining room too...it's a very soothing space and lots of good light. Not to mention your sweet companions :)

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  30. Your watercolor paintings are all really beautiful. I've never tried to paint pomegranates, so I don't know whether they're difficult or not. I only know that I am not good at realistic painting or drawing - I'm just not able to.
    I would love to have those lovely guys right next to me! Unfortunately my husband has severe pat hair allergies, so no pets for us. Otherwise there would be at least one dog lying next to me. You are lucky! :-)

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  31. You are very talented. Beautiful watercolors! and now I must check out your etsy because I see things that make me happy!!!

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  32. really lovely...i love the stark of the white against the lovely green leaves...the bulbs are really looking great so far too...xxx

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  33. I'm not surprised you like painting in your dining room - it looks a gorgeous space with those beautiful windows,furniture & plants. Plus, who wouldn't want to stay next to such beautiful babes :-)

    Your trachelospermum plant painting has a magical alive feeling to it which reminds me of fairytales. And those bulbs in the glass vase are gorgeous. It does look a complicated painting to attempt but you're already doing an amazing job. You seem full of creative energy and enthusiasm for which I'm very pleased for you :-)

    May 2012 (which for me is also 'just' starting) be a wonderful one for you!

    Hugs
    Kat Xx

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  34. So lovely to see you painting again.I love the shape of the plant and a white background suits it just so. Pomegrantes are a challenge but remember if you go too far with watercolours you can always wet the paint again and lift it off with tissue.
    Looking forward to more :)

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  35. You plant turned out beautifully! Isn't it satisfying to finish something! Loving the other two so far!

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  36. Hi Anne, Oh my gosh I can image painting pomegranates in watercolors, which I struggle with. I think you did amazing. I love your bulbs. Happy creating & week ahead!

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  37. the control you have over water color is so impressive, I can't wait to see how that final painting turns out!

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  38. Lovely pomegranates. Just the right amount of color variance. I think the narcissus bulbs would be difficult in watercolor but I bet you can pull it off!

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  39. Oooh, I think your yellow narcissus bulbs painting is going to be gorgeous! Beautiful start.

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  40. I am loving and feeling the excitement of your paintings. You are excited to paint and I can see those in your subjects. Inspirational!

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  41. Your painting is simply gorgeous! I really love it!
    thanks for visiting and comment my blog.

    -farah(malaysia)

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  42. Thank you, all, for such kind comments. I do feel like I've come a long way with my painting. I have tons more to learn, but I'm not letting my inabilities deter me from continuing with it. Having such a supportive group helps with this, too! It's so encouraging!

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  43. I Love the instagram photo at the top of the post, amazing! Your watercolor paintings are beautiful, I can't wait to see how you paint the stones and the glass. Oh, and I checked out your Etsy shop...um.. I love those crocheted (or knitted?) cuffs!! I'll be keeping my eye on your shop! :-)

    xoEsther

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  44. Oooh, your paintings are so brilliant and bright! I LOVE your results and the fact that you followed your urge to do them - bravo! xoox

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  45. Not only is it the pups that draw you to that space but the lighting and feel of the room. Makes sense to me you would seek it for some watercolor fun.
    Your art is lovely.
    Belated Happy PPF wishes!
    Sheri Cook/HappyHorseStudio

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  46. These look wonderful! Especially love those deep red pomegranates. I don't know what it is about dining room tables and watercolours, but it's my favourite place for them too!

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