I've been finding my way with the watercolors, looking to add another technique to my portfolio. Watercolor is such a challenge and I find that even with printmaking I had an 'undo' that I miss when doing watercolor.
You see, I never print just one print - I'll print 3-5 at a time and play with the colors like a coloring book. With a block print, I create a proof - if something isn't right I can carve a little out or use tiny 'rubber stamps' to fill in things that may have been carved away or to add texture or another object. With watercolor there is a point of no return and it can be hard to see a painting ruined by my over zealousness!
Here was my first attempt with this painting. Can we say dingy? Oh, I can almost hear my paint brush saying, 'Stop - you are overdoing it. There goes the freshness. Yep - Houston we have mud." But it's okay, the first ones I like to call a color study and then I see where I needed to lighten up and relax. It's a fun learning process and I do have to admit I love the immediate results of watercolor. Just some days I do envy those who have that undo button a click away.
