"ARROYO"

A dry channel through which water flows intermittently and irregularly. Kind of like this blog.

My art is an infectious need for me, sometimes a burden but most often a blessing.

This blog is about me and my obsessions, my loves, my need to create and my need of JUNK. I'm addicted to thrift stores, estate sales, flea markets and all roads leading off the beaten track to discover that perfect piece of junk. I recycle old license plates, old shovels, wheelbarrows, saw blades and anything else that's funky using my hand held plasma cutter. I love working with steel, sculpting, photography, watercolor painting, stained glass, and turning everyday utilitarian objects into art. Junked cars ~ I will always veer off the path to search out the beautiful wrecked Arroyo JunKers throughout Arizona, New Mexico and anywhere else the road may lead. When I'm not searching for those JunKers
I ~ RESURRECT ~ STEEL

Sunday, August 22, 2010

Iris Watercolor Lesson

I've been trying hard to get better at my watercolor painting.  It's a weird feeling when I begin to paint a picture I kind of feel like I won't remember anything I learned from the last painting.  In fact, I start getting really nervous and my stomach gets fluttery.  Even when I'm creating my art out of metal I get the same feeling ~ especially when I've done something new.  It's kind of like when you have a dream and you can't quite remember any of it.  I get this strange feeling like I'll never be able to recreate something similar again. 
DO ANY OF YOU ARTIST OUT THERE GET THE SAME FEELING??  
So in trying to better my painting skills I ordered a video by Jacqueline Gnott who does fabulous watercolor flowers.  I've admired her work for a long time so on Thursday I received my video on her step by step instructions.  I learned a lot from her techniques and found some of my weaknesses my biggest issue is slow down, pre-plan and lighter layers.  I'll probable be painting this flower many times over.  Mine is way to dark, but I was working on a picture that was actually darker than her's shown below.  Check out Jacqueline's blog and see all her beautiful flowers.  http://jacquelinegnott.blogspot.com
This is Jacqueline's Painting
 

6 comments:

nanke's stuff said...

Your watercolor paintings are just exquisite! I really enjoyed my journey through your blog! I like that it's so eclectic and interesting. nancy

Sloane's Creations said...

I think your watercolor is fantastic just the way it is! And yes, I do feel weird when I start a new canvas...the hardest part for me is to just START, I have to shut the voices up that are telling me that I can't do it and won't remember. I hate those voices. I just remind myself when starting to take it one step at a time, don't focus on the whole, just where I am starting and then it will start to flow.

xinme said...

I think your picture is absolutely awesome! You should have no lack of confidence because your work is incredibly beautiful!

Here from CED -- and wishing I had your skill in watercolours!

Lis said...

I had never thought about a video/dvd on watercolor instruction - brilliant! That said, I agree, your iris is AMAZING! I dabble in watercolor and reading what your wrote, I realize I lack the patience to do all that foundation building. I like to paint and not be in my head which is necessary sometimes when tweaking the material. I too go into this blank phase as I work, the only thing I know is what is before me ... it is like waking up and for a moment, not remembering who I am. I actually love that feeling!

Such inspiring work! I am excited to learn more from you :)

xo Lis

soraya nulliah said...

Dear Soozie...thank you for visiting my blog. BTW...one of my dearest friends is called Sue and I call her Susie Q as a term of enderament:) I love your watercolrs too, they are lush and ripe. Watercolors are so fantastic but they are so difficult to conrol...but you have achieved perfect control and light. Thanks for sharing your process with us. I alos love old stuff BTW...old tables and chairs and things that are soaked with history and character...this is the stuff of life:)

Design It Chic said...

You are so talented! I love your flower painting.. it's so delicate and pretty close to the one that inspired you;)Keep up the great job you're doing!
I am now following your thanks to Marketing Monday and it would be nice if you could share the love back on my blog! Plus, don't forget, if you need any help increasing your blog's traffic or easy HTML tips, you know where to come!
Today we talk about how to create a pop-up window, so come on by to find out that and more! Happy Monday!

Takin' the back road from Greer to Morenci was gorgeous. This was waiting at the end.

Takin' the back road from Greer to Morenci was gorgeous.  This was waiting at the end.
Alpine Cliff Jumper

Don't you just love bugs! My first car.... but RED.

Don't you just love bugs!  My first car.... but RED.
Lamy, NM

This was a great old Studebaker Truck in Lamy, NM . It has seen better days. I love Lamy,

This was a great old Studebaker Truck in Lamy, NM .  It has seen better days.  I love Lamy,
Studebaker in Lamy, NM