Diving off the High Board

Getting out of messes is really what it's all about, problem solving. Stan Kurth

I was first introduced to Stan Kurth through Jen Jovan and immediately fell in love with his work.  At the time he only did one to one workshops so since living in Israel it was sort off limits for me. Well, the pandemic changed a lot of things and Stan has gone online and I took part in his first one-day workshop The Intuitive Sketch .

For me, it was like diving off the high board. Mainly because of the medium that I have shied away from, watercolor and gouache, and penwork. But I was so surprised when working that it was almost like working with oils. Yes a strange comparison I know, but this medium kept that paints alive and not dead like with acrylics. Even the paints in the palette can be used. And watercolor is so portable and making small compositions can be done almost anywhere. WIN-WIN!
I may even challenge myself to a 100-day challenge. I bought some gouache tubes more than 5 years ago, and my watercolor set a year and a half. It's about time they got some use! Always fun with new/old toys

Peek a Boo I See You

8" x 8"  FSC Organic paper 350gm

Water-soluble pen  watercolor  gouache

This was sent in for critique. He liked the balance and the color gradations. Made a point of the strong line element. One suggestion was to lighten the top area above the bird's head.

WIP

8" x 8"  FSC Organic paper 350gm

Water-soluble pen  watercolor  gouache  Chinese Pen

WIP

8" x 8"  FSC Organic paper 350gm

Water-soluble pen  watercolor  gouache

I learned that I have to rely on my instincts and be bolder even when treading in new territory!

Spells of Calm

Every life needs spells of calm,

every life needs expanses of time when nothing much occurs, 

when one may sit for several hours 

in the same place and gaze upon static things, 

upon some waxen-leafed desert plant, 

perhaps,or a patch of dried grass. 

Alexander McCall Smith, The Limpopo Academy of Private Detection

Nothing like going to the pool early in the morning. Quiet, not many swimmers, sun is not high, and if you are lucky, might catch a slight breeze.  After my 16 laps, I like to sit and rest with the book I am currently reading. (Trying to get more into the reading mode) One of my favorite authors is Alexander McCall Smith, he has several series, but my favorite is The No1 Ladies Detective Agency.
Set in Botswana I find the naive fresh philosophy enchanting and easy to read.

Background

20" x 20" cardboard

First layer from the previous purple and magenta painting  Keep adding marks and this morning I dropped a small container leftover yellowish-orange paint that a spread with a sponge, then another with a little thin magenta paint spread with the container's rim. (bottom right) So now I found a great quote and a nice background two good reasons to make a post!

Tread Lightly on the Stones

“ The only difference between stumbling blocks and stepping stones is the way you use them.” American

Treading Softly on the Stones

WIP

20" x 20" FSC Organic paper 350gm

Acrylics and Mixed Media

Bossypants#4 on toned canvas