Elizabeth's Pansies

Elizabeth's Pansies
12X12
Watercolor on Clayboard

Elizabeth's Pansies, In Progress

I must give credit to Elizabeth, elizabethcreates, who grew these beautiful pansies in her yard this last summer. These delicate little flowers were peeking up at me. The back pansy reminds me of a young child hiding behind it's older sibling, cautiously peeping around to look at the stranger visiting their home to take photos. Thank you, Elizabeth !

More Pansies in Progress

I am progressing with my pansies. I have started to put in some midtone pedal color and shadow. I also began lifting out some details. Usually, I wait until the end of a painting to begin detailing, but it seemed to call for it here. I am just amazed how this thin layer of plaster and clay can absorb so much water. The clay does dry differently than paper, and so when I paint wet-into-wet, I am often left with blossoms within that layer of paint. I like the loose blossom effect on the pedals and will use that as I continue to develop the pedal form.

Pansies on Claybord, In Progress

After trying out smaller watercolor paintings on ampersand claybord, I have decided to begin a larger series of watercolors. The pebbly surface of the aquabord creates a wonderful organic texture and allows for layering multiple glazes without breaking down. Watercolor paint is amazingly workable and liftable on this surface. On clayboard, I begin by applying the yellow that will illuminate the finished painting, being sure to leave white areas. After the yellow layer is dry, I will glaze in the lighter tones of the maroon violet. For these first areas, I use a wet-into-wet technique.

On Exhibit at the Torpedo Factory

These three paintings will be on exhibit and for sale at the Torpedo Factory Art Center, Target Gallery in Alexandria, Virginia, December 11, 2008 to January 11, 2009.

The exhibit is titled "5X5(5)" and all the artwork on display fits into these dimensions. The juror, Elaine Levin, reviewed over 650 national and international entries, choosing 250 works for the show.

An Artist's Reception will be held December 11th from 6-8PM.

Pair of Pansies

Pair of Pansies
5X5
Watercolor on Aquaboard

Pansies, In Progress

I have started a new series of watercolor paintings on aquaboard. Aquaboard is a clay coated hardboard panel that is comparable to working on hot press watercolor paper. Working on clayboard is presenting new challenges in painting. The clay surface is surprisingly absorbent, but also allows the paint to be lifted off almost to white. Because of the absorbent properties of the surface, I am also modifying the wet-into-wet underpainting I usually do with watercolor on paper. I love texture in painting and the koalin clay surface has a wonderful subtle texture. I am enjoying the challenge and will have more paintings to follow.