The inspiration for this week’s challenge came when we went apple picking with my cousin and her husband a couple weekends ago. The trees were so lush with apples that this branch was actually touching the ground, as so many were. It was a crisp day, and in the middle of picking apples we had a picnic there in the heart of the orchard. It was the perfect way to kick off the fall season!
As you well know by now, there is a war within me each week as I paint. I always see in my mind’s eye how I want that week’s painting to look (fluid), and while it usually starts out well, in time I inevitably overwork it; not jeopardizing the painting itself, but compromising the look that I am trying so hard to achieve. While I have seen definite growth in my brushwork loosening up, I have really been struggling to obtain fluidity in my work…REALLY struggling. Watercolors are such a beautiful medium, yet when I do so many layers in order to create rich hues (which makes it look photorealistic), I quickly lose any semblance of ‘fluid’. In addition to my photorealistic work, I want to be able to create work that actually looks like a painting and showcases the beauty of watercolors; but I first have to let go of some strong tendencies and practices. This is all so much harder for me than you’re probably able to understand, but one thing I have going for me is that I’m not giving up!
If you missed my post which explains this year-long challenge, please read You’re Invited To The Unveilings.
Comments...
Aunt cookie says
It looks so real to me that you just want to eat it. Beautiful. Love aunt cookie
Amy says
They look good enough to eat! I love the coloring, reds and greens, but for some reason I especially love the shadows on the apples.
I love your determined spirit to keep reaching that point of fluidity that you desire. Cheering you on as always!
Christie says
When you mentioned the fruit hanging low to the ground, it reminded me of a saying about not settling for low-hanging fruit which can be of lower quality because of its proximity to bugs and animals, etc. Strive for excellence–the fruit higher up on the tree. Harder to reach, but worth the effort!