Sunday, September 28, 2014

DISCOVERING WATERCOLOR PENCILS

A couple of weeks ago I went to my local Walmart store (not my favorite store and I seldom go). I can't recall why I went there in the first place :( but while looking through the aisles, I came across a little tin box of watercolor pencils.  It was marked down to $3.00 so I thought, why not give this a try.

I have dabbled in art since I was 12 years old.  When I moved to California four years ago, I threw away lots of my old art supplies including my original oil paints that I had had since I was 12 years old!  (I'm sure they were dried up but there was some sentimental value).  After I was married and busy raising my children, I kind of gave up my painting.  But, after all these years this changed after my purchase of the watercolor pencils.

There they are in the back of the picture.  I bought five more (in the middle of the picture from my local Hobby Lobby store and then I purchased the set on the left online.  I'm now finding that there IS a difference in the quality of the pencils.  But, more on that another time.

Do you see the beautiful fish watercolor book?  This design is from a Turkish template and I ordered this book online through my favorite discount book dealer.  The other two books are over 40 years old!

I also bought this little tutorial book that is really quite fun and simple.

Experimenting with my colors.....Can you see the outlining?  I used a super fine waterproof marker.  I'm a big fan of Venetia in Kyoto and when she paints, she incorporates fine lining the image.

Winter snowdrops....how I long to see a beautiful, snowy landscape.

Thinking about wintertime, here's a poinsetta that I was practicing with.

Amaryllis...I think this is my favorite so far.

Awhile back I bought two of these greeting card kits from TJ MAXX for like $1.00 each.  I am going to use one as a backing for my lilly of the valley painting.  I'm going to give it as a birthday card to a dear friend who loves lillies of the valley.

So, here's a little insight into what I have been working on this week.  I think I have a long way to go to get my artistic skills up to par.  But, I will keep on trying.  I would love to hear from you if you have to time.  Have a great week!

with my best,
Pat

P.S.  My Coast crochet blanket is coming along - I'm half way done!

Oops....almost forgot, please stop by Handmade Harbour and see what other crafters have created.









17 comments:

  1. Love the flowers and it looks like you've got a real eye for colour. The lily of the valley are my favourites. Sadly we don't see very much snow here in the winters - well, not enough to satisfy me anyway! - but they always make me think of lovel crisp frosty mornings.
    Have a lovely crafty week, Alison

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    1. Thank you Alison for your kind comments. I hope you have a great week.

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  2. These are beautiful! I can't believe you haven't painted for so long, by the looks of these you really must keep it up :D x

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    1. Many thanks Clare. I am really having fun working with the watercolor pencils. Have a wonderful day.

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  3. It must be very satisfying to pick up a skill like this after a long break. There'll be no stopping you now. The Lily of the Valley are my favourite too :)

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    1. Yes, I"m afraid this is going to be an addictive hobby...haha. Thanks for stopping by.

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  4. What lovely work you have produced. I like the snowdrops and the lily of the valley. Can't wait to see what else you paint.

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    1. Many thanks for stopping by my blog. I am going to try and improve my poor art skills....

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  5. Aww its lovely to hear that you've taken up painting again :) your pictures are beautiful x

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    1. It's very kind of you, thank you. And, thanks for stopping by Lilly My Cat. Wishing you the very best for the week ahead.

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  6. Your painting are lovely, I really like the snowdrops. They would make beautiful card designs. Have a lovely creative week.
    Ali xx

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    1. Thank you Ali. I am hoping to paint something to use as a Christmas card. I too like the snowdrops. Have a wonderful week.

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  7. Wow not bad at all seeing that you've just started up again. Looking forward to seeing your Coastal ripple soon!

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  8. They are beautiful, I have some watercolour pencils just to play with but I can guarantee they weren't look anywhere near as good as yours do.

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  9. They're utterly gorgeous! I wish I could paint or draw but I've never learnt and I think I'm a lot better off with textiles and stick people for the children!

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  10. Your drawings are lovely - love the poinsettias :o)

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I'd love to hear from you! Please leave a comment!