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Tuesday, July 8, 2014

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
 



14 comments:

  1. how very fun for you! i really like the trees!

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  2. This is terrific, Jo!! Good for you!! It's always great to take on something new and creative! Thanks for sharing! I love your captures for the day and you're already doing some lovely things!! Terrific post for the day!

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  3. Good for you! Hang in there, you'll go a long way.

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  4. Hi Jo You have made a great start. You are fortunate to have a great tutor to guide you so keep going.

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  5. Looks like you are enjoying your new hobby and doing well too. :)

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  6. Wonderful to take up a new hobby and to have a tutor close by. How nice too to have a friend who so willingly gives of her time and talents.

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  7. Jo, you are doing wonderful with your sketches. I tend to try doing something before reading the instructions. Either way, your creative juices are flowing. I love the flower and the trees. Well done. Have a happy day!

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  8. Calling by today from Our World Tuesday,very creative, enjoy your new hobbies.

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  9. Trust me....this will soon become addictive!!!

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  10. that easel IS amazing and also the fact you can paint those pics by looking at the book. you just might have inspired me to try painting or drawing... of course i have no Amanda.. but might try anyway. i like the Bird of paradise a lot

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  11. Oh! Look at YOU Girl!! You're a natural! They look great!!
    hughugs

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  12. Jo, you are going to have a lot of fun with this. Please keep posting as you progress.

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  13. I may be able to take a decent picture or two - but any form of painting defeats me - good luck with the new hobby.

    Sorry for the slow reply - very hectic weeks!

    Stewart M

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  14. I'm impressed with you, artsy lady. When ever I try to mix paint I get mud.

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Thank you for visiting my blog and taking the time to leave a comment. I appreciate your feedback. Jo