Saturday, November 13, 2010

Nightmare of a Novice


My friend, Patrice (who is an artist) talked me (who is NOT an artist) into taking a Soon Y. Warren Watercolor Class.  Oh, my goodness!  We are on day 2 and I hope I make it through tomorrow!  It is so overwhelming if you don't have a clue what you are doing.  That's why I call this post the Nightmare of a Novice; but I will say, that today, I had a few, tiny, flashing, brief moments of excitement... that some minuscule portion of my work would almost come out in a way that pleased me.  Almost.  I could catch glimpses of possibility... which were quickly dashed by the glare of reality.  Glimpses, never the less.


The layers in this process seem endless.  We started at home by doing our drawing and adding frisket (a rubber-like substance) to keep some areas (highlights) free of paint.  Then we did a yellow wash over the whole sheet, except over the flower area.


Then we added  layers of green and red to the bowl... a layer of blue to the cloth (which will be red!).  Then we worked the first layer on our flower... then a background layer...


Then the red layer... over the blue... over the yellow for the cloth...


Then, one more layer over the background... and, it is drying until tomorrow  morning... when we will begin again!

This is Patrice hard at work on hers, which looks much better than mine!  I'm exhausted and about to hit the sack.  Hope the nightmares of the day don't continue into the night... lol...

21 comments:

Kim @ Savvy Southern Style said...

If that is your first time painting then you are a very good artist. I could not possibly paint like that. Furniture yes that no.

The Little Adventures of LueLee said...

I promise there will be no more late night driving it shook me up quite a bit especially thinking I could have hurt someone else... This little adventure will go down in the lesson learned books...
Your water coloring is GREAT I think you should continue to do it :) and I love your new shaw it looks so comfy and warm :) Hope your having a great weekend I Love you and Tell Uncle Evan I said Hi and I love him too.
Love Lindsey

Christine said...

Your talents have no end!
I applaud you for taking the art class and coming away with so much knowledge.
I think it's beautiful!

Vickie said...

Tanna, you're doing a wonderful job! Those little "flashes" are what keeps us artists going! The more you do it, the more "flashes" you'll have!

Keep up the great work!

From the Kitchen said...

You'd never painted with watercolors before? I'm amazed at what you've done here. Two days and I'd just be figuring out which brushes to use and how much water to use--assuming that one has to decide such a thing. The colors are great. I like the composition. Wow!

Best,
Bonnie

Nita Stacy said...

You picked the hardest kind of painting of all...watercolor...I love it but you have to plan for the light and can't correct mistakes. You are brave. Looks like you are doing a great job.

Julie Harward said...

You have the talent...it is amazing! I can feel the cuts in the crystal and the lightness of the flower, love the red cloth...is is very good! :D

Schnitzel and the Trout said...

For a novice, you are doing far more than I ever could. I am greatly impressed.

nanny said...

Wow....I'm thinking "masterpiece"....
It is beautiful.
Your talent(s) amaze me!

Solar Powered said...

Holy moly, you've struck again. You will cherish that art piece and all it stands for foreveer :)

We gotta plan better and go to the lakewood home tour next year. The leaves in the neighborhood are perfect!

Amanda said...

I'm eager to see this "nightmare" in person! Because it sure looks darn good to me! I'm curious - did you start your day with a trip to the bar to get "loose and dirty?" LOL!

Chatty Crone said...

Well I think it's pretty and I admire you for just taking a chance and going out and doing something different. YOU GO GIRL. sandie

Teresa@1800 Farmhouse Rd said...

Looks like a professional to me. I could never do that. Great job. Teresa

Deb said...

good for you...stepping outside the box....

podso said...

I'm impressed, but I can see why you are exhausted. There's more to it than I guess the non artist realizes, but yours looks wonderful.

Buy Wow Warrior Accounts said...

you really have the talent. I so love what you did.^,^

California Girl said...

Hadn't seen this before today. I am contemplating taking beginning watercolor this year as the local Art Association is just down the hall from where I work. I don't know though...this looks super mind boggling. I haven't tried to paint in 30+ years.

sandy said...

Ohhhh I think this is beautiful!

Unknown said...

wow Im loving your art

Doreen Grace said...

I think your first attempt at watercolors is wonderful! :)

Linda Leyble said...

Hi Tanna - watercolor is not easy...at all. I'm an artist and even I have trouble with it! So - I think that your first attempt is FANTASTIC. Keep going!

Linda

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