White Cosmo

I decided to try this technique on a small (7x7) piece of Saunders Waterford cold press 638gm paper. It was part of a sample packet I bought in 2008 and never used. Since the cosmos bloom has a rough and crinkled surface I thought it might work for this painting. It worked fine but I don't think is was kind to my 000 brush. The weight of the paper was wonderful for this style of painting where I am constantly applying and reapplying paint to small areas. I may pull the painting back out and add a colored background at a later date. 

Peach

I have painted peaches before but in a much looser style. Trying to get the "fuzzy" texture was interesting and time consuming. I need to paint a few more peaches before I will be satisfied with the results. That said it is always fun to try something new, particularly, when I learn from the process. Plus I find that if I let a painting sit for a day or more, when I return I see it with new eyes. This allows me to evaluate the image more objectively and decide if there are any changes I need to make. So I will check back on it in a couple of days.

Pear

I have always liked painting pears. This one is a watercolor in the new realistic style I am trying out. Think I am liking the results. It takes longer, hours instead of minutes. And I usually work on it over a couple of days. The main difference is that I have been doing sketches where this is really a painting.

strawberry finished

This strawberry was much more difficult than the rose for me. Lots of tiny areas to adjust. I learned a great deal from painted the strawberry. So I think I will continue working in this style for awhile. May pick an easier subject for my next try, a pear. Then I would like to do some flowers.

Strawberry, started

I began working on this "portrait" of a strawberry yesterday. It is developing very slowly. I am studying techniques for botanical illustration. This method is so very different from the way I usually work with watercolors. Hopefully I can finish it up tomorrow or Friday.

Rose

My watercolors are painted fairly loose. But I wanted to try working more realistically. Originally I was disappointed in my results and put this painting in my flat file. A couple of days ago I saw it again and felt it was ok for a first attempt at a new style. Therefore I decided to have a go at the strawberry. This is a much slower manner of painting than what I am use to so I probably won't be posting as often unless I post the stages as the painting develops.

Cherries

Cherries are in season in my area. I picked these up at the local farmer's market that sets up everyday Wednesday afternoon at my church. They were painted more like acrylics with lots of pigment and as little water as possible. The basket is more than a little wonky but I like the colors of the cherries.