Twists and Turns

A couple weeks go I was asked to substitute for two weeks in the watercolor class. I love going to the class - I always learn something and it gets me out of doing all the other administrative things that seem to keep popping up. I do need to be in my right brain. (Now that's another story, if you are left-handed - as I am - do I go into my left brain to find my creative side? Am I usually already in my right brain? Too much thinking...)

Anyway, that day in class I just couldn't get into a grove. I painted an awful painting of a fawn that had been sitting in our yard for a few days. I thought it would be good to do something 'cute' - it wasn't... In fact, even my teacher suggested that I just wash it off! She was so right.

On to week two of subbing - I was determined to come to class with an idea that would excite me. Looking back at recent paintings...there were all those ropes. Could I do another in my rope series? Actually, it was my watercolor instructor who suggested that a series would be fun. After googling several ideas: maritime, ropes, cleats, ships' wheels...I began to sketch. I was just going to make up something and purposely NOT paint from a photo.

This is what I took to class:

Sorry about the photo quality, but hopefully you can see a rope and a ship's wheel. It is a little different - I thought it might be interesting. Barbara (my teacher) did not like the shape that the rope made in the upper left hand corner.

Here it is after I re-drew that area:

I got to work with my watercolors and it began to take shape:

Here are the basic shapes and colors - now to add some shadows for a more dramatic effect. By the end of class this is how much I had gotten finished.

When I got home, I put it on my easel and looked at it for a few days to see what else it needed. It also helps me if I put a mat around it  - interestingly that helps to see what else to do. A lot of staring and tweaking later... I added highlights to the wheel and played a bit more here and there with the line and its shadows and... voila!

"Twists and Turns" matted 16x20 watercolor $200

It's ready to go to the SMAL gallery in St Michaels. We will be hanging new artwork for the month of August. Stop in and see what's new - 106 Railroad Ave in St Michaels.