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Sunday, April 26, 2015

Trying to Control the Uncontrollable ... and Getting More than Frustrated with It!!!

My nemesis right now - trying to create some softer, nebulous interpretation of this %$**#@ magnolia.

First attempt

Start of third or fourth attempt - losing count
Thin w/w washes of cobalt blue and some quinacridone-type pink

Second w/w wash of quin. gold and cobalt blue, then lift whites.

More gold and blue ... more lifting ...

Looks like I have been lifting so much that most of the sizing is gone from the paper.

I did this as a quickie demo for class yesterday. The softness looks so damn good, but to keep it ... that's the hard part!!!

As you can tell, I am extremely frustrated with watercolor. It's as difficult as riding well - trying to "control" the truly uncontrollable. I have made my peace with horses and riding [well ... almost all the time], and that only took thirty years. I have been painting for fifteen years - looks like I have a way to go yet. Today, I feel that if it wasn't for the teaching, I would give it up. I can paint within the lines reasonably well, but moving beyond that ..... that is the quest.

Thank you for visiting, and listening to the rant.

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14 comments:

  1. Carol BlackburnApril 26, 2015 at 12:58 PM

    All in due time............(breathe).

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  2. DukeApril 26, 2015 at 3:17 PM

    We're not artists but we thought the first painting was on its way to being fabulous!

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  3. Tweedles -- that's meApril 26, 2015 at 8:31 PM

    We think you can make it happen!!
    love
    tweedles

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  4. AKApril 26, 2015 at 11:15 PM

    I think you had done it in the first attempt itself. Probably I am not a perfectionist. Frankly I did not find anything wrong in your work. Have a nice day.

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  5. JudyApril 27, 2015 at 12:26 AM

    You'll find the solution, I'm sure! Sleep on it. I love the softness of the demo.

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  6. Karen Johnston Daily PaintingsApril 27, 2015 at 3:48 AM

    Watercolor is the hardest medium and you make it look beautiful. I have been painting for more than 20 years and I still paint within the lines. Don't ever give up you are too good at what you do:)

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  7. hmuxoApril 27, 2015 at 4:21 AM

    It's coming along so beautifully Kathryn! I love the softness of this flower....😃

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  8. Sandra BusbyApril 27, 2015 at 5:11 AM

    That softness is quite beautiful! I am sure you will master it i no time :0)

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  9. AriannaApril 27, 2015 at 12:03 PM

    The third attempt is very soft...me and watercolour are not closer friends :P Arianna

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  10. JaneApril 27, 2015 at 12:38 PM

    I admire you so much , can't believe you are having any doubts !! And I love your swearing :-)))

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  11. Angelsdoor * PennyApril 28, 2015 at 8:15 AM

    Kathryn, I think it looks beautiful.. I find watercolors to be the most difficult to control. I believe that most viewers want to see the crisp look of watercolors.
    Thank you for visiting and leaving such a kind note...
    blessings,
    Penny

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  12. Gatepost productionsApril 28, 2015 at 1:40 PM

    Hi Kathryn! I'm back from my world tour!! Looks like you've been busy. love the magnolia, it is coming along beautifully! I'm trying to get back up to speed!

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  13. Debbie NolanApril 29, 2015 at 7:45 AM

    Dear Kathryn-so soft and lovely. I think it is so hard to paint this way but when pulls it off so grand. I love what you are achieving here. Thanks too for welcoming my new addition. Will email you after I catch my breath from chasing him around! Hugs

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  14. isabella kramer - vereditMay 5, 2015 at 1:26 PM

    Glad to find your blog!! Love your works and thoughts ...

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