A new hobby

As promised in yesterday's post that wasn't about birds and bird sightings (!), here is the new hobby I've taken up. Although Grant bought me the "tools" way back in March 2013, it was only on Friday that I managed to start on this new interest: watercolor painting!

As with my sketch drawing which I started about 18 months ago, and the pottery classes I attend twice a week,  I have dear friend, Amanda to tutor me. Amanda is one of the most artistic people I have come across. When I struggle to decide what or how to paint a picture on a bisqued pottery plate or bowl, she will lean over, tell me to "do this or that" (she never does it for you!) and voila! the ideas flow!

Of course, as Grant always says, I first try to do something, then when all else fails,I  read the instructions! Although my first two attempts didn't fail, (but the paint went over onto the next pages when I painted directly on the pad) once I read further in the my guide book, I learned how to wet the paper, staple it onto my easel (which stretches it and avoids curling) and then to paint. All the while, I was taking photos on my phone and sending them to Amanda who'd come back with advice and later with encouragement that I was doing well! 

 My first attempt: Bird of Paradise

Next came: Fall Colors

Working directly on the pad (before reading the instructions!)

Working with saturated colors: End of day

Attempting symmetry and asymmetry : Forest Glow

The tools of the trade!

Readers may remember, last year I took a picture of an easel to Stanley, our local woodcraftsman. He made this easel with adjustable heights for me. Amazing! 

I'm linking my post today to Our World Tuesday which you can access by clicking here