More of the Challenge

Here’s 5 more from the June 30x30 direct watercolor challenge. I still have one to go to catch up. It’s been quite interesting, as I’m an oil painter- which is so forgiving! And direct means no drawing first, so that makes it even harder. Practice…. And sharpen those skills!

Here’s a day where I played catch up…the same set up twice. By looking longer, you really do see more!

These two were also done on the same day, down at Second Beach in Middletown, RI. The girl boogie boarding - I just kept painting her as she moved around. I’d like to try this again- figures at the beach. All of these were from direct observation- no photos!

30x30 Direct Watercolor

 I’m always up for a good art challenge and this one pushed me out of my comfort zone. Direct means no preliminary drawing, and watercolor is definitely not my medium. I missed a few days and had to play catch up, but learned quite a bit. Here’s a few of my favorites- by which I mean most successful! 

Day 1/30. View from my deck.

I also used gouache, painting only from direct observation. Not doing any drawing first help improve my drawing skills. I’ll post a few more tomorrow!

And now it’s June

 I’ve continued with my series of family portraits- this time focusing on my daughter Jessica. I’m happy with the colors, her expression, and those earrings! You can see my underpainting- starting more directly there, instead of with a drawing first.

And for the fun of it- here’s a self portrait in charcoal I found while trying to declutter my studio. My best guess is about twenty years ago.