That starter above (you can see the photo I was working with on the left) ended up looking like this.
I redid a Cotswold cottage I painted quite awhile ago to see if I was any better. This is the old version...
...this is the new. I don't know if one is better or worse than the other -- just different, although I do need to work a bit on the window which looks a little crooked!
I'd recently done a very ugly Notre Dame. I tried to fix it and I don't think it can be done, although I'll give another pass to the wall and water and maybe try some pen and ink detailing to see if I can help it out a bit. Then I'll move on. This may well be cut into salvageable sections for bookmarks.
The fact is, not everything "works." Sometimes they can be fixed, sometimes not. For example, in the iris below I'm not sure I like how the background paint looks when it nears the actual image. And I'm not quite sure what to do about that than just keep practicing.
I have been trying to work on sky and water. Here's another from a quick sketch in my book. I'm liking the sky, the water -- not so much.
My fun project has been working on a Christmas card commission. This was the prototype she chose for a tree. The finished ones will have a star at the top. They've been loads of fun to do and I will share some of the finished ones, along with another group of cards she ordered soon!
Meanwhile, just keep practicing!
57 comments:
You are so talented with water color and all it does for me is frustrate stuffing out of me. Love both the cottage paintings and the lake above them. Up north definitely your muse.
I always love seeing your artwork. Gorgeous!
Painting seems like a natural thing to do when you are having an extended stay by a lake. Years ago I read The Art of Travel and learned that it was John Ruskin's conviction "that we can only understand beauty by paying close attention to it, and that attempting to describe nature through writing or drawing was the surest way to focus the mind sharply enough." That's a quote from my blog post; that book sparked so much "discussion" between me and the author Alain de Botton that it needed a whole series of posts.
And once when I went solitary to my mountain cabin, I did draw. I spent hours at exercises and then trying to sketch granite and pine trees. They were challenging subjects! My mind was exhausted that night.
I'm sure your art helps you to see everything in a way you would not otherwise. I love that cottage. I don't know if I like the first edition or the second better, but I like it very well <3
Re: the Cotswold ones ~ I personally like the first one best ~ more variation in the flower colors; a stronger front door entry, and I would never believe that windows are ever perfectly even there!!!
Keep playing, and know it is all joy!!
Jeanie,
How beautiful!! You are very talented!!!
Thanks so much for stopping by!! I almost forgot....Joe puts all his stuff that he carries in his pockets in the drawer of the hutch downstairs as soon as he walk in the door so he seldom puts anything on his dresser upstairs....
Hugs,
Debbie
Lovely paintings, most pleasing!! Love them all.
Your paintings are very pretty, in one you make the water seem to shimmer, and I like the Siberian iris and its bright colors.
Nice paintings, the cottage is my fave. Glad you have something to keep yourself occupied. Have a great, new month, stay safe! Hugs, Valerie
The sunshine color in your first painting is especially beautiful.
I agree, sometimes things work, sometimes they don't, but I am slowly learning that even the worst disasters can be saved, or find a different purpose. I love how your first picture developed into that ethereal capture of the moment. It's beautiful
Deb in Wales
Love it when you share your paintings. I like to imagine you getting great pleasure from creating them. So lovely, like you.
Hand painted greeting cards are such beauty and joy!
I like both versions of that Cotswold cottage.
Hello Jeanie,
I do enjoy your art work, you are talented. The Cotswold Cottage is a favorite along with the pretty Iris. But, they are all wonderful.
Enjoy your day, have a great weekend!
Your watercolor of the lake with the shadowy tree is a masterpiece. I just showed it to Len and he was also impressed.
be well... mae at maefood.blogspot.com
I love your water colors. I think making bookmarks is a great idea for salvaging something you're unhappy with (I actually like your Notre Dame;but your happiness is the deciding factor); I know for a fact that your bookmarks are greatly appreciated.
These are so pretty! I can’t pick a favorite between the 2 Cotswald ones. They are both so pretty. I like the door of the 1st better than the 2nd. The trees and flowers are so pretty in either one! You are so talented!
I am going to get my watercolors out TODAY! You always inspire me and I know I am missing out doing some art every day! Your art and your smile are things we love about you! Wonder what you're reading now too! Happy weekend!
Those are all beautiful!!
I found a GRAFO from back then, tried, Ingo even recognised what it was (cat) but I threw it away.
Weeee. Can you teach me??! You´re great!
Jeanie, I love your practicing. My favorite is the cottage and I like your first one best, with the crooked window. To me, that adds to it. Your head must be so full you don't know what to do first.
Keep practicing and sharing. Have a great weekend.
I don't even attempt watercolor, except watercolor pencils. I absolutely love the Christmas card! Your friend will be thrilled.
Are you keeping an art journal? I did at one time. I think I might need to start keeping one again.
Your first landscape is my favorite...you nailed the reflections in the water!
xo,
RJ
Sometimes realism is overrated. I love everything you create, Jeanie. You make lovely watercolors, even though I see every flaw you point out. Still these are all INCREDIBLE.
Wow your work is wonderful. Thanks for sharing. Jean
Jeanie, I like seeing your art work. I know you love painting. When I paint, I need to be looking at something.( model) I don't usually ...just paint. I like the Notre Dame picture. :) Blessings, enjoy the weekend. xoxo, Susie
I especially like the sky and water piece, and I think the water's perfect. There's an odd fact about photographs of such scenes -- the reflection in the water often is more deeply saturated than what's being reflected. You've captured that -- well done!
Lovely set of pictures...beautifully done!
Loving all your postcards from the lake. Both cottages equally lovely, had to choose a favorite. Great time to be creative.........
Happy August Jeanie.........
Very pretty watercolors. Jeanie. I especially love the Cotswold Cottage paintings, and the first one reminds me of a river we stayed by under the midnight sun in Alaska. I know that painting is so relaxing--I should break out my watercolor set!
You have such a beautiful hand at watercolor. Each had such a soft glow.
I want to put up our Christmas tree.
I am always amazed at the talent you have. Just wonderful art! Janice
You have such great talent Jeanie. It would be hard to choose a favourite, they are all beautiful.
Happy Summer.
I found it fascinating to see how different the paintings of the Cotswold door are. I think I think the second one best, mainly because the bush is a bit darker and I prefer darker trees/bushes. All are beautiful though. xx
Beautiful watercolors, Jeanie. I admire your talent, keep painting!
Dear Dear Jeanie! These are not just art, these are AMAZING! You are so talented dear Jeanie! I have always wanted to paint a portrait of myself but I always give up because I just really cant! HAHAHAHA I am so bad at realism and even impressionism i always end up looking like a balloon or a polar bear! Ok now, I would love to express a favorite on these set you shared but I'm just really torn with the lakeview and the door with the vibrant greens and pink flowers! Love love love them all!
Hugs to the coming week dearest Jeanie!
They're looking great Jeanie. You are keeping busy and enjoying the lake time I see. Art time is always good time, isn't it? Hugs-Erika
Oh! These are beautiful! You have quite a talent with watercolors :) My efforts always ended up looking muddy lol
Hi Jeanie! I especially love the cottage! So pretty!
Beautifully done Jeanie. Your nature walks sound lovely. Happy sunday.
GREAT JOB....I personally like both versions of the painting of the cabin.
I haven't painted in years but I always found watercolors to be the hardest. I think we can be our own worst enemies, I like your work.
I think they're all good. The iris is my favorite. Both of the cottage ones are good. I think I like the first one a little more because the colors are a little brighter.
Can other people order cards from you?!?!?????
BEAUTIFUL WATER COLORS!!!
love, love, love your watercolors - the sunset and iris are my favorites - how much would something like the iris cost?
I always enjoy seeing the watercolor projects you have in progress. This round, I am particularly enchanted by the shadows on the snow under the Christmas trees.
Watercolor always seems like such a challenging medium, requiring attention, intention, and skill to all come together in swift, difficult to edit, gestures: a great test of character and purity of heart, for sure. You are brave to undertake this venture, and your creativity and generosity shine in the results.
I like the Christmas tree, I don’t think you have to make any changes to it. I also like the second Cotswold Cottage, it’s quite true to life.
The more you work and practice the better you’ll get. I wish I could do painting, I’ve never tried. Why not? Actually?
Your watercolors are beautiful and I think you are quite talented. Practicing is always good and definitely helps you further your art. I like both Cotswold cottages, the flowers in the second painting are very beautiful. The window is crooked? Well, isn't that what windows are in Cotswold cottages? Drafty, too.
Your painting is incredible, you are very, very talented. Stay safe.
The first Notre Dame feels lighter than the 2nd, but both are cool. My recent art teacher recommended often with watercolor to do 2nd versions, to not fiddle too much with firsts. But each case is different. The water landscape has a nice luminous quality. (Can you tell I've been in an art class where we did critiqueing of our work everyday?) I'm glad you are back at your art table. It is one part of the joy that is you, Jeanie!
You're so talented! These are wonderful! :)
❤️
You have such talent! I love the Cotswold cottages. I hope you are healthy and happy.
EWnjoyed this one-woman art show, jeanie. My favorites are the Cotswold cottage and the Christmas tree. I must have a thing for the letter C.
You are such a dedicated creative artist.
I love seeing your, “I like this” . .. “trying to change that” ...
I wrote a long comment, touched something in the wrong way and poof, it was gone.
Nothing is perfect is it . . .
By the way, I like the first #4 Cotswold cottage . . .
Good news . .. never put the paints away, the urge to paint another,
is right around the corner . . .
Beautiful! I love the paintings.
I'm so glad to see you happily painting away! I always have crooked things in my paintings :) Backgrounds are tricky, maybe let the paper dry first so it doesn't feather? Love your Christmas tree card especially!
Jenna
Your watercolors are sweet. I can't paint at all.
My daughter had a gorgeous sketchbook full of sketches from her travels that she lost in a hotel. Of course, they never found it. I should suggest she does some Christmas cards.
I missed your Paris in July post. I need to look it up. This has been a crazy summer. I started walking 7 days a week and it cuts into my computer time. I have to do it very early in the morning before it gets too hot.
Charming post cards. The purple orchid is so pretty. The Christmas tree made me smile. I've been enjoying the Christmas shows lately. With goodies and a drink, it doesn't get better than that?
~Sheri
I like both of your cottage paintings ...
In fact I enjoyed seeing all of your paintings here.
All the best Jan
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