Wednesday, January 14, 2009

jan's studio

(4x6 HP Fabriano)

Not much time to paint the last couple of days ... and maybe not in the upcoming days either.
I made a few little sketches on a HP block--this, from a photo taken in Jan Hart's New Mexico studio, is one of them.

I'm really dissatisfied with this HP paper and may just put it aside for awhile. Or maybe it's my paints, or, actually, my paint to water ratio.
I noticed when I used my Possum Palette--which I hadn't used in nearly two years! Not since my teacher Carolyn Howard died-- a few days ago for my Half Measures post that I got better results: the paints were moister and so I used less water.
Getting the paint:water ratio right makes all the difference, but it's so hard for me to do.


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11 comments:

Mineke Reinders said...

This is a lovely vignette, Laura. I love the variety of blues! And such a nice, light touch you have in this, your frustration with the paper doesn't show at all. But I do sympathize with it. I've been having trouble even with my trusted Arches HP today. Maybe it was the dry air in my studio, or maybe it was just me...

debwardart said...

Love the possum palette - I have 2 of them and am personally responsible for getting at least 20 people to buy them (I should have taken stock in the company!)
HP paper is certainly different to paint on; hang in there!

Teresa said...

I like it. Light, airy, yet colorful.

It seems every medium has its challenges and drawbacks. Moisture not a problem with CP's....time required is!

Unknown said...

I love the old skulls!

Craftymoose Crafts said...

I love looking at your watercolors & reading your posts. Since I love the southwest style--this is one of my favs!

Sharon said...

Very pretty, love the blue/orange combo!

Sharon said...

HP paper is really a challenge for me, too, but I love it when it works.

Anonymous said...

Nice painting. Love the colors. I love most things southwest. Your problems certainly don't show.

A Brush with Color said...

I know just what you mean about the paint/water ratio. I never get it right and then I fiddle and it's all bad from there on. But I love these! They're beautiful! Lovely work!

BARBARA WEEKS said...

This is beautiful!

Lindsay said...

Laura, have you every tried Fabriano Soft press paper? It's something in between cold and hot press. I like it very much and am using it for my new series on police work.