Paint Party Friday

Lately I've really been enjoying my watercolors. I feel that I'm definitely improving. I've been doing it for a year and a few months now and although sometimes I still do get frustrated, I seem to have better control over what I'm doing. I'm also not nearly as nervous when I paint as I was when I first started and I don't worry so much about messing up (I've done plenty of that and it's certainly not a big deal!).

While I sometimes think I should try to find a watercolor class, I also worry that having learned on my own for so long I might get discouraged by a class setting and all the "rules" that might (see the assumptions I'm making?) be a part of it. Anyone have any advice or suggestions? Maybe I just like being able to say that I am completely self-taught? Is being self-taught a good thing or a bad thing? Is it just part of my stubborn nature? Like the part of me that abhors being told what to do? Who knows. For now I will just paint and not worry about any of that. If it brings me joy...

On to the paintings.

I think I'm finally finished with my "paper yellows" painting. I thought it would be fun to watch the progression from start to finish.












There are parts of this painting that I really love and parts of this painting that I really do not love. Overall, though, I'm happy with how it turned out. It was, in many ways, an experiment (aren't all of my paintings?) and as such helped me learn a little bit more.  I could keep play around with it and tinkering, but I think I want to move on to other things.

I'm still working on my Thanksgiving cactus painting and still liking how it's turning out.




I also started work on a painting of one of my primrose plants. I could not resist the 98 cent plants on a recent trip to Home Depot.














It's coming along, leaf by leaf and petal by petal. Just like all of my paintings.

If you get a chance, stop by the Paint Party Friday blog to get inspired!  This is the 50th week of PPF!  I'm so glad that it's still going strong!

Comments

  1. The daffodils are gorgeous!!

    The others are looking beautiful so far.

    I share your thoughts - but I don't have time for a course - so I will stay self taught for now. I know I still can make progress on my own.

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  2. I think you should follow your heart. I love what you do. Sometimes courses help us, other times they teach us a direction that we're not suited to. Maybe try some books first? I love how you paint. You teach yourself very well!!

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  3. Being self taught is never bad!! If you are happy with your painting (and I think you should be since they are beautiful!!!)- then keep doing what you have been doing!

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  4. Beautiful paintings ~ well done ~ Trust yourself ^_^ ~namaste, carol (A Creative Harbor) Happy PPF

    ps. word verification on my blog should be off ~ please let me know if it isn't ~ thanks.

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  5. I don't think you need to take a course, unless you want to for fun and meeting other artists! You're developing your own style and it's absolutely wonderful! Patsy from
    HeARTworks

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  6. You're growing immensely. I am deeply proud of you.
    Stop it with "the rules" already!

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  7. Anne, I am so amazed that you have progressed to this point without lessons. I'd say, why bother! I also have the same feelings about classes and I have actually taken some. Each teacher has her/his own ideas on what is the right way to do things. Because of this you can pick up many different techniques, some of which you will embrace; others you will not worry about. I really love how the primroses are coming along. And the daffodils are just perfect.

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  8. drawings with great beauty. Greetings.

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  9. thanks for stopping by and for the sweet comment about my bookpage bunting and coffee filter pompoms. Ive been painting in watercolor for quite awhile and have a love/hate relationship with it. You have really done some great work learning on your own. I went to classes in the beginning and loved learning tips and tricks along the way. The artist let each one of us do our own thing within a certain idea that she started us with. It was fun for a season. happy PPF!

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  10. Oh wow, you are so brilliant at painting flowers! Love the look of these paintings.

    xox

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  11. These are really wonderful, i love your style with these!

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  12. Hi Anne..wow..what a super beautiful post!All your paintings are breathtaking and gorgeous..stunning work..the colors captivate me..and i crave nature whenever i visit your paintings!! love all the photos and beautiful atmosphere of your space! Yay..I am self-taught too..i think it is a most rewarding and nourishing journey full of your own adventures..and you truly tap into your own magical empowerment...I love to follow my own path too..we are kindreds! Follow your heart and wherever it leads you! You are an awesome artist!
    HUgs
    victoria

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  13. There is always so much beauty at your place! Love the new banner with the boys.

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  14. Gorgeous! I loved seeing the various stages of your paintings. Just beautiful.
    ♥♥♥
    Happy PPF!!
    Mary
    Mixed-Media Map Art

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  15. Your paintings are great. I think you are good enough that you won't suffer much by joining a class, but you might learn some stuff that gives you a great boost. Of course, all teachers are not equal, and some do not seem to do much good. I do recommend a class. Every time I take one, I get a big burst of creativity.

    happy PPF

    Mimi Torchia Boothby Watercolors

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  16. First of all, I think your paintings are wonderful. The cactus is really beautiful. Do you like learning from books? I've found some great ideas from books recently, but I am also the type who likes taking classes. I've always learned a lot in art classes. Since you are not a beginner with watercolor, you could look for an artist you admire and see if they offer workshops or classes somewhere near you. But of course a class is only part of it. The other part is practice, which you are already doing.

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  17. I love what you are doing, you have done a wonderful job teaching yourself. I think both ways are great if they are going to make us grow. Do what ever makes you happy.

    Beautiful watercolors! Happy PPF!

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  18. oh heavens!!!! these paintings blew me away with beauty!!! I am so ready for Spring after seeing these pieces!!! Gorgeous work!!!!

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  19. Lovely paintings!! You really understand the flow of the water and color. I always enjoy taking classes with others to learn different techniques from the teacher, as well as the other students. The class critique at the end of my class was very scary, but I always learned the most from suggestions from the whole class. Your paintings will be beautiful either way. :)

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  20. Anne, your paintings are evolving beautifully! Speaking from experience, I would say if you are learning and discovering on your own, you don't need a class. Sometimes classes, depending mostly on the teacher, can ruin that spark. There's nothing to be ashamed of being self taught. Books are great when you have a question about something or when you are ready to proceed further and learn new techniques. I would advise using the best materials you can afford. The better your paints, brushes and papers, the easier it will be. Happy Painting!

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  21. I've always loved your work. You've done a tremendous job in teaching yourself. I think watercolors are very difficult to work with. These are gorgeous, Anne! I say keep doing what you're doing. :-)

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  22. Your watercolours are fantastic, love how delicate the colours are and so detailed. Valerie

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  23. This is gorgeous! I really wish I could paint like that. :)

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  24. Hello Anne, your water colours are beutiful. I'm self taught too and that's just fine, just enjoy what you do, you're doing wonderfully!

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  25. It is a luxury to see how you do your work step by step, I liked, thanks for sharing. Saludos

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  26. Hi Anne, I love stopping by each Friday to see what you are working on. Your pieces are all lovely and it is easy to see how much you keep growing. I have the same question as you about taking classes. I have taken classes in the past and depending upon the teacher I either love it or get very frustrated. I just finished an online photography class which was great. One of the points that the teacher made to me was that when taking a class we can use or not use the information we receive. As an artist that is our choice. I think that was great advice for me.

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  27. Beautiful watercolours. Thank you for sharing your WIP's. Happy PPF, Annette x

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  28. What exquisite paintings! Thank you for sharing your lovely work!!! Happy PPF!

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  29. Thank you for visiting my blog and leaving a great comment. Your paintings are amazing. I have not tried water colors before but have a friend who does it and I know it is really difficult. Great job!

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  30. Dearest sweet anne, looks at all these gorgeous paintings. I especially love that first painting that you finished. So beautiful! Have a lovely merry happy sunday sweet friend! Love to you!

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  31. Anne,
    I can't say enough how much your work instills in me a desire to take a walk outside with nature. I adore all of your beautiful paintings and your water color skills amaze me.....makes me want to try just one watercolor all on it's own.
    So far, you've done well on your own and one can never stop learning and I find opening a book really does work best for me for there is no time limit or distractions that interfere with my work.The structured setting at this time isn't for me with maybe delving into a couple of fun short exercises that are free on line are okay for the moment.
    Anne, I'm not a professional artist but my advise is this.....keep on this road, it is obviously your very best friend, in time maybe you'll reconsider........change.....or not....in the end it's your choice.

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  32. Thanks so much everyone! So wonderful to take part in such a supportive and encouraging party! :)

    And all the advice and suggestions are so helpful!!! I really appreciate it!

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  33. beautiful work, anne!! happy PPF!

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  34. I love all your work, you have such beautiful, delicate style! <3

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  35. Wow... you're amazing! I love the step by step photos... I always love seeing how artists create! Thanks for stopping by my blog and leaving such a nice comment! I look forward to seeing more of your work in the future!
    Renee
    PPF
    xoxo

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  36. Oh, I am loving those daffodils. You did an amazing job on the whole thing, but especially the bowl and the pebbles.
    I feel the same way about taking a formal class. There are so many great instructors online, or with dvd classes that I don't see the point. Some people work best face to face with a teacher, but you seem to be doing just fine on your own.

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  37. Your paintings are really coming on Anne. I used to go to watercolour painting classes. I found that they were good for learning new techniques and the tutor and the class were non-judgemental. The tutor had a thing about viridian green though and didn't like us using it!!!

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  38. Hi Anne, I find your watercolors very nice and your technique is good!
    I hope you had a great week end
    Flo

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  39. These are beautiful. I love seeing the progress pics. :)

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  40. These are beautiful! You did a great job!

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  41. Wow Anne, you're really rocking the water colours!! These are so delicate and beautiful. I especially love how the leaves of your primrose emerge from the paper. So gorgeous :) Hugs to you xx

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  42. Thank you so much, everyone! Your comments are so encouraging and inspiring and thoughtful!!

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  43. Hi Anne, your watercolors are so delicate and lovely. I think self taught is the way to go. I think following your heart is best, rules seem to get in the way and take the joy out of art. And if art isn't fun then I feel, why bother. But that's just me. :)

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  44. You are such a good painter, Anne, and I'm always fascinated by your process. The way you paint one segment at a time, so methodically and perfectly, is amazing to me. It's like your paintings unfold and even unfurl from the paper!
    So talented are you!!

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  45. Your watercolor paintings are fabulous! So delicate. Seeing your progression is inspiring.
    Happy PPF a bit late. Helen @ Natures Walk

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  46. Your watercolours are wonderful! Love to see the progess and how everything comes together. I've (re)discovered watercolours recently, and I'm still often frustrated, but I've given myself a year of just painting without too much thinking and judging. Good to see that it's worth keeping on!

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  47. Wow, so beautiful! I loved the in progress photos. Nice watercolours always blow me away. I'd like to try it sometime!

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  48. Your paintings are coming along beautifully. And look at that! 49 comments :0

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