Painting the Snowy Scene: A Bumpy Ride to Beauty

Winter vibes hit hard, and I thought, "Hey, let's paint a snowy wonderland!" Little did I know, it would take me through a messy phase where my painting seemed like a joke. Doubts knocked, but I decided to roll with it.

Starting from scratch, I slapped some cold blue paint on, aiming for that crisp winter feel. But uh-oh, my first strokes looked weird. The scene in my head wasn't showing up, and I wondered if this was a lost cause.

Enter the "ugly stage," the moment in art where things look so off, you want to crumple up the canvas and call it a day. My snow, supposed to be soft and perfect, looked more like a blob party. Trees? They resembled a flat creature glued to the background. 

Instead of panicking, I took a chill pill and reminded myself that even masterpieces start messy. I decided to stick with it. Instead of focusing on the mess, I tried to see the good in it.

More paint layers later, something cool happened. The snow got its act together, the trees straightened up, and the sky turned into a nice winter blue. It was like the canvas got its act together and turned chaos into a winter masterpiece.

In the end, my painting became proof that sticking with it pays off. Creativity isn't always smooth sailing. There are moments of doubt, but pushing through leads to unexpected beauty.

So, here's to embracing the weird phases, to not giving up when things get wonky. My snowy masterpiece might've stumbled at first, but now it stands proud, showing that beauty comes after the doubt-filled bumps on the creative road.

Reconnecting with Teaching and Art: My Absence Explained

Hello, dear readers! It's been a while, hasn't it? If you've been wondering where I've been and why the blog has been rather silent lately, I'm here to shed some light on my recent absence. Summer break came and went, and with it, I embarked on new adventures, returning to teaching and rekindling my passion for art. Let's catch up on what's been happening in my life during this time away.

As the school bells chimed and the excitement of a new academic year filled the air, I found myself back in the classroom. Teaching has always been a big part of my life, and it's a calling I cherish. The summer break provided a much-needed rejuvenation period, allowing me to return to my students with fresh ideas, renewed energy, and a strong commitment to their education. Nurturing young minds is both a privilege and a responsibility, and I'm excited to see my students grow and learn.

Teaching is a demanding profession, and the transition from the leisurely pace of summer to the hustle and bustle of the school year was quite a change. Lesson planning, grading, meetings, and all the responsibilities that come with teaching kept me on my toes. While it's incredibly rewarding, it left me with little time and energy to maintain my blog. I'm sure many of you can relate to how a demanding job can sometimes take over your life.

Amidst the busy days of teaching, I found solace and inspiration in my art. Painting has always been a source of creative expression and relaxation for me, and I decided to return to my art lessons. It was a conscious choice to make time for something that brings me so much joy. Whether it was an evening spent with my canvas and brushes or a weekend retreat to the countryside to paint en plein air, art has been a therapeutic escape from the demands of the everyday.

Over these past few months, I've been painting more than ever before. My art has been a reflection of the world around me, capturing the beauty of nature, the emotions of my students, and the experiences of life. The act of creating something beautiful with my own hands has been something incredible, and it's been wonderful to see my artistic skills grow and evolve.

As I continue to balance teaching and my passion for art, I hope to share more of my experiences and creations with you. While I may not be as active as I once was on this blog, I'm committed to finding a harmonious balance between my various pursuits. After all, life is a series of chapters, and I'm eager to see where this one leads.

Thank you for your patience during my absence. It's great to be back, sharing my journey of teaching and art with you. As the pages of this blog turn, I'm excited to bring you along on this adventure, exploring the beauty of education and the world of art. Let's keep the conversation going, and I look forward to reconnecting with all of you in the comments. Until next time!

Practice Makes... Improvement!

Practice is the key to improvement. By dedicating time and staying committed, you can make significant progress in any endeavour. In this blog post, I am sharing what I have learned from painting with watercolours since I started in 2021.

Consistency is vital. Make a habit of practicing regularly. Even short sessions each day are better than occasional long ones. Consistent practice builds momentum and helps you improve steadily.

Define what you want to achieve. Set specific and achievable goals. Breaking them down into smaller milestones makes them more manageable. Celebrate each milestone to stay motivated.

Accept that improvement comes with ups and downs. Mistakes are part of learning. Learn from them, seek feedback, and use it to refine your skills. Embrace the learning process as a valuable opportunity for growth.

Practicing with intention is crucial. Concentrate on specific areas that need improvement. Seek guidance, learn proper techniques, and dedicate your practice sessions to those areas. 

Improvement takes time. Avoid comparing yourself to others. Stay patient and trust the process. Each practice session brings you closer to your goals. Embrace the journey and enjoy the progress you make.

By dedicating time and staying committed to practice, you can achieve improvement. Remember, practice is the key that unlocks your potential for growth and success.

The Benefits of a Colour Sample Diary

Watercolour painting allows artists to capture the beauty of light and color in a unique way. To maintain consistency and improve your colour choices, keeping a colour sample diary can be a valuable practice. This technique helps you create a reference library of your preferred colours, refine your mixing skills, and provide guidance for future projects.

This Painter's Colour Diary is divided into sections and I decided to use separate pages for each colour family.

In the coming days, I will experiment with mixing different pigments together to discover new colours and note down my observations. This will help me understand color theory and how pigments interact.

I will continually update my colour sample diary as I explore new pigments. Remove unused colours and add new ones. This diary will become a valuable tool for creating harmonious color palettes.

A colour sample diary is a simple yet effective way to improve your watercolour art. By documenting your preferred colours, mixing techniques, and personal observations, you'll develop a deeper understanding of color theory and create a personal reference library. Take the time to create your own colour sample diary and watch as your watercolor paintings flourish with enhanced color choices and consistency. Happy painting!

Click pics to enlarge!

Artists on the Go: Travel Size Painting Tools.

             

In this blog post, I will tell you about the essentials that make up my perfect travel-sized art kit, including a small whiteboard, little water containers, travel watercolor brushes, a compact paper pad, and clips to hold everything together.

Small Whiteboard:

The first component of my travel-size painting kit is the small whiteboard. This lightweight and portable surface serve as an excellent substitute for a traditional canvas. Its smooth surface allows for easy brush strokes and effortless color blending.

Wooden whiteboard

Magnetic whiteboard

Little Water Containers and paper towel:

Water is an essential element in watercolor painting, and finding a portable solution can be a challenge. Enter the little water containers—compact and leak-proof vessels designed to hold water for your painting needs. In the realm of painting, accidents happen, and having a paper towel at hand can be a real lifesaver. A few folded sheets can serve multiple purposes in your artistic journey.

Travel Watercolour Brushes:

No artist's toolkit is complete without a set of brushes, and travel-sized watercolor brushes are tailored for artists on the move. These brushes are designed to be compact and easily fit into my bag without taking up much space. Despite their size, they provide excellent control and deliver consistent results, allowing me to create watercolor paintings wherever I am.

Small Watercolour Palette:

No travel-size painting kit would be complete without a compact watercolor palette. My little tin container allows me to carry and organize a variety of watercolor pigments in a convenient and portable manner.

Small Paper Pad:

Pads or watercolour journals come in various sizes and offer a range of quality papers suitable for different techniques. Whether you prefer rough, cold-pressed, or hot-pressed paper, you can find the perfect pad that fits your artistic style and requirements. I very much prefer cold press and rough grain paper. Arches and Baohong are my favourite brands.

Clips to Hold Everything Together:

Lastly, to keep your travel-size painting tools organized, clips are a handy accessory. These clips can securely hold your whiteboard, paper pad, and brushes together, ensuring that your artistic tools remain intact throughout your journey.

With the advent of travel size painting tools, artists can unleash their creativity and capture the world's beauty on the go. So pack your bags, embrace your artistic passion, and let your imagination roam freely as you embark on artistic adventures with your travel size painting tools. Happy painting!

                           

Creating Meaningful Art: Personalized Paintings for Loved Ones

There's something truly magical about creating art that carries a personal touch. Recently, I had the pleasure of painting a series of special pictures for a dear friend. It was a journey of patience, practice, and joy, resulting in heartfelt pieces that brought smiles to their face. In this blog post, I'll share my experience, the process of painting these cherished artworks, and how you can order your very own personalized pieces for yourself and your family. 

Research and Inspiration:

Painting flowers with watercolors required some initial research to gather inspiration and find the perfect references. I scoured the internet, seeking out images that resonated with the vision I had in mind. By studying various photographs and artworks, I was able to draw inspiration and infuse my own artistic style into each piece.

Experimenting with Brushes and Strokes:

One of the most exciting aspects of this creative endeavour was the opportunity to explore different brushes, sizes, and shapes. I discovered that each brush had its own unique characteristics, lending itself to a variety of strokes and effects. By experimenting with brush strokes, I unlocked new possibilities and unearthed hidden depths within my artistic toolkit.

Embracing the Learning Process: Perfecting the art of painting watercolor flowers required patience and practice. The delicate nature of the subject demanded a keen eye for detail and a gentle touch. I embraced the learning process, dedicating time to master each stroke, colour blend, and texture. It was through this commitment that I found my own personal growth as an artist.

The journey of creating these special watercolor paintings for a cherished friend was filled with exploration, dedication, and pure artistic joy. Through research, brush experimentation, and a commitment to learning, I was able to bring these vibrant flowers to life on the canvas.

If you're seeking a unique piece of art to adorn your space, don't hesitate to reach out. Let the beauty of watercolor flowers brighten your world with their timeless charm.

My love for Watercolour - Spanish post

  ¡Hola a todos!

Hoy quiero compartirles mi pasión por la acuarela. 🎨💧 Desde que descubrí esta técnica, me he enamorado por completo de la forma en que los colores se fusionan y se deslizan sobre el papel, creando obras llenas de vida y expresión.

La acuarela me permite jugar con la transparencia y la luminosidad de los pigmentos, creando efectos sorprendentes y hermosos. Cada pincelada es única y me transporta a un mundo de creatividad y calma.

Me encanta experimentar con diferentes técnicas, desde el lavado húmedo hasta el estampado con sal. Cada nueva obra es un desafío y una oportunidad de aprender algo nuevo.

La acuarela también me brinda la libertad de capturar momentos y paisajes de la naturaleza de una manera especial. Me encanta recrear la belleza de los paisajes, las flores y los animales con los colores vibrantes y delicados de esta técnica.

¿Alguien más aquí comparte esta pasión por la acuarela? Me encantaría escuchar sus experiencias y consejos. ¡Compartamos nuestro amor por esta maravillosa forma de arte!

#Acuarela #Arte #Creatividad #AmorPorLaAcuarela

The Simple Pleasures of Plein Air Watercolour Painting

Plein air watercolour painting is a delightful way to connect with nature, embrace spontaneity, and capture the beauty of the world around us. In this brief blog post, let's explore the simple pleasures of plein air watercolour painting and the joy it brings to artists and nature enthusiasts alike.

One of the primary joys of plein air watercolour painting is the opportunity to paint outdoors, immersing ourselves in the sights, sounds, and scents of nature. Whether it's a serene landscape, a busy cityscape, or a tranquil garden, being in the open air allows us to intimately experience our surroundings and infuse our artwork with a sense of vitality.

Plein air watercolour painting offers a simple yet profound way to engage with the outdoors and celebrate the beauty of the world. Whether it's the joy of capturing a fleeting moment, the simplicity of materials, or the connection with nature, this art form has the power to bring us closer to the wonders that surround us. So, grab your watercolours, find a scenic spot, and embark on your own plein air painting adventure—it's a journey that promises inspiration, growth, and pure artistic pleasure.

 

There's Something About Old and Abandoned Cars and Houses

There is an inexplicable allure surrounding old and abandoned cars and houses. They carry a sense of mystery, nostalgia, and a whisper of stories untold. In this short blog post, we'll delve into the captivating fascination we feel towards these forgotten relics of the past.

There is a certain beauty found in the decay of old cars and houses. Peeling paint, rusted metal, and weathered wood create a unique visual texture that tells a tale of the passage of time. These elements form a captivating juxtaposition between the remnants of what once was and the inexorable march of nature.

Amidst the allure of old and abandoned cars and houses, there is an opportunity for reflection and appreciation. They remind us of the impermanence of life and encourage us to cherish the present moment. They invite us to find beauty in the forgotten and overlooked, reminding us that even in decay, there is a kind of enduring charm.

Exploring the Intricate Pathways of Neurographic Art

 Neurographic art is a captivating blend of art and neuroscience that invites us to create and reflect. With rhythmic patterns and deliberate strokes, we express our thoughts and emotions on paper, unlocking hidden narratives within ourselves.

Through neurographic art, we tap into a therapeutic and introspective practice. As we immerse ourselves in the repetitive process, we find mindfulness and a sense of inner peace. It's a way to explore our inner landscapes, discovering the connections between our thoughts and experiences.

Each neurographic artwork is a visual representation of our unique neural tapestry, showcasing the intertwined nature of our conscious and subconscious minds. The beauty of these intricate designs evokes wonder and curiosity, drawing us into the mysteries of the human mind.

Whether you're an artist seeking new creative avenues or simply fascinated by the convergence of art and science, neurographic art offers a journey of self-discovery. Grab your pens, let your mind wander, and witness the magic as hidden stories unfold on the pages before you.

Neurographic art is a gateway to mindfulness, self-expression, and the beauty of our own neural pathways. Embrace this art form, explore its possibilities, and let your creativity flow.

 

In my Studio... - Video

In the fast-paced world we live in, finding a personal sanctuary becomes increasingly important. For me, that sacred space exists within the walls of my art studio. Nestled away from the chaos of everyday life, my studio is where my imagination comes to life, where colours dance on canvas, and where I find solace amidst the creative process. In this blog post, I want to share my love for my favourite place, my art studio, and how it has become a source of inspiration and self-discovery.

Walking through the door of my art studio feels like entering another realm, a world where possibilities are endless. The studio is filled with an abundance of natural light, illuminating the space and setting the stage for my artistic endeavours. The walls adorned with my favourite artworks and motivational quotes serve as constant reminders of the potential within me.

My art studio is more than just a physical space—it's a journey of self-discovery. Within its walls, I feel liberated to experiment, make mistakes, and push the boundaries of my creativity. The studio has witnessed moments of frustration, elation, and everything in between. It is through these experiences that I have grown not only as an artist but also as an individual.

 

 

For me, my art studio is more than just a room—it is a gateway to self-expression, discovery, and solace. It is a haven where I can unleash my creativity and explore the boundless possibilities of my imagination. Within its walls, I find freedom, inspiration, and a connection to something greater than myself. My art studio has become an integral part of my identity, a place where I am truly alive. It is here that I feel most at home, surrounded by colours, brushes, and endless potential.