So I decided to step out of my comfort zone with this piece and try watercolor (as opposed to acrylics, or colored or watercolor pencils). Its the first time in about 15 years that I did a watercolor painting.

Although the outcome is not completely sucessful, the process was enjoyable. Ok, somewhat frustrating, but the frustration is part of the enjoyment for me (the challenge, problem solving, etc). For one thing, 3 of my wc tubes had small tears, and the paint was completely hard (what did I expect -they're 15+ years old). This made me fall in love with watercolors, since I just scraped some of the paint out of the tube with a paper clip and moistened it with a few drops of water. Voila, paint! Second problem - since the paper was taped to my drafting table it was not portable, and therefore it became the exact spot my cats wanted to sit. I think I managed to get all the hairs off the painting between brushstrokes, but a few times one got caught and played havoc with the laydown of color.

I did, realize, however, that I really like the process of painting. Holding a brush in my hand feels right, and I really enjoyed mixing the colors. I'm starting to see the appeal of this medium. This has made me anxious to try it again, which is a good thing. Hopefully I'll have time this week to do some more.

This scene is of 2 well-weathered adirondak chairs in my sister's side yard. I love how they look, sitting out in the yard, covered with snow, and my eyes have been drawn to them every time I go over to her house. I took some photos a few weeks ago, in the morning when the sun was coming up behind them. I only had time to take 2 pictures, as it was so cold (-15F) that my nostrils were freezing together, but I also got off a few sketches while sitting inside looking through a window.

Grumbacher Academy watercolors on Strathmore 90 lb cold press paper, 9" x 12"