Painting loosely

Each year the St Michaels Art League (SMAL) schedules two nationally know painters to come to our area for multi-day workshops. This fall Eric Weigardt came for 5 days. Unfortunately, I had a schedule conflict and was not able to sign up for the workshop. But, I did go one morning to see his demonstration. A few of my friends had taken classes from him and now I know why.

His easy, loose style creates a freshness in his watercolors that is so appealing. He offers a set of videos - which SMAL promptly bought. I have now watched all six - and want to watch them again and again.

One of the videos was on flowers - basically watching the edges and white spaces. Not to worry with all the petals - knowing it is flowers, I just do enough to suggest 'flower.'

Last week I thought it would be fun to just try it. I started with lots of pinks, gradually adding some darker reds. Then threw in some greens (blues and yellows) and painted in the container using the colors I had already used.

After it dried, it looked a little pale - I added some darks and decided to stop and just look at it for several days.

I think there is a wonderful freshness to this. I had a great time  - I want to try this some more.