Painting Weather

Ya know, painting weather is rather like trying to paint a mood. It ain't easy!

There are times that the clouds and the peaks are hard to differentiate! Clouds and mist and rain seem to float over the peaks, making it impossible to tell where one begins and the other ends. Rain moves over the mountains and foothills, and one can see it fall in sheets when seen from a distance. The whole feeling is moody and yet powerful and almost sensual.



And, working with acrylic on watercolor paper is a fun challenge. I limited myself to primary colors plus a tad of white and a smaller tad of black, lots of water, some matte medium and some gesso - along with the occasional song and a prayer. One of the really nice things about working with acrylic in a watercolor style is that it is so much easier to layer. The first layers don't rub off or get too wet when new color is added on top.

I'm not sure if I'm next going to do a snow scene or a scene of the hot, arid summers. Gotta think about it.

Frustration!!

Working on the painting of stormy weather is proving very, very frustrating. I have in my head a clear vision of what I want on the paper, but what's coming off the brush and onto the paper is nothing like that! It seems that my vision outstrips my ability. So, practice, practice, practice. And, like a spoiled brat, my "inner child" (who I often threaten to put up for adoption) wants to simply grab finger paints and start slinging!

Thoughts for a new painting

Clouds over the Sierra

We've had the strangest weather for June in the Sierra Nevada foothills! We had 3/4 inch of rain at our house between midnight and about 10 AM, and all day there have been heavy looking big gray clouds over the peaks.

It's got me thinking about painting weather. Mountain weather, foothill weather, strange weather, just weather.

Art and Nature and a bit of Joy

Do you see art here? One of the funnel web spiders, and I don't know enough to say which, has created a lovely web leading to his/her in-ground tunnel. These amazingly intricate webs manage to be both delicate and strong at the same time. Saw this while out walking dogs.


And, our little friend Hunter the Weimaraner (yep, I had to look up the spelling) racing to greet us. Hunter is pure joy and energy. He's a part of our morning routine too. Don't you wish you knew a human happy enough at seeing you to become airborne racing to meet you?



I have to water again today; and that 2 or 3 hour task done out in the heat usually zaps me to the point that I can't paint. I'm hoping to finish early.

Off to the Printer!

Here's The Covey. I'd "finished" it last week, then decided to do one last thing - and ruined it! So, a re-do, ta-da!

That's been often the story of not just my painting, but even my life. That one last thing makes me late, is the one thing I shouldn't have said, is the final bite that makes me feel sick, etc., etc., etc.

Wonder if I'll ever learn that lesson? Hasn't happened so far and I'm - - let's just say mature in years!

The Quail painting series

OK, I've decided to quail series is to have very simple names for each painting.

The first is The Guardian

Second is The Pair

Third, that would be this one, is The Flight


And, I'm sketching out # 4 which will be The Covey.

As soon as it is done, I need to get them off to the printer to have note cards made, then put the originals on my web site - www.artbyeddie.net - and offer the originals for sale.

It's funny; whenever I get rolling on a series, the paintings come quickly. And, when I'm stuck, well, I'm just stuck.

Quail painting # 2 - I'm not sure yet what I'm calling it. Nesting would be easy but boring. Hmmm. . . . I think of the male as really strutting his stuff, but I haven't come up with a good title in that vein.

And, I need to get more watercolor paper when we're in town tomorrow. So, maybe I'll keep going on quail until it's out of my system.

Two more are generally in my brain, but not yet on paper. They'll get there.