Red, red wine...

...leaves such beautiful purple tones on corks (probably Cuvee Rouge and Roaring Red, two faves from this excellent winery). Pencil, watercolor and a wee bit of water soluble pencil, 5 1/2" x 8". I tried this subject again to make sure, but yes, corks are surprisingly difficult. Bear with the artist notes here - even though they are a basic cylinder shape, the color is hard to achieve with watercolor. If I was using oil or acrylic I would go to town mixing titanium white with yellow ochre and burnt sienna and just a smidge ultramarine blue for what I imagine would be the right color, but in watercolor, without the opaque white (or any opaque for that matter) their elusive color just isn't very strong. I am determined to try again because the wine color, the shadows, and the reflections created are just wonderful to paint.

A Pair of Paintings

Ripe pears are a classic still life, the bright colors and interesting shapes never failing to delight both painter and viewer (at least in my opinion). Pencil, watercolor and water soluble pencil, 5 1/2" x 8". I was happy with this 20 minute painting, so then I decided to try another 20 minute painting of a more challenging still life - these corks and grapes in a small bowl (same size and medium):

I've been wanting to paint wine corks for some time, inspired by Michael Naples (an excellent contemporary artist who creates 6" x 6" oil paintings almost daily, but obviously without a time limit). His paintings are generally classic still lifes, lit beautifully, and are just incredible in their simplicity. I am trying to learn a lot from his approach, though I certainly prefer watercolor to oil paint. With more time, I think I could have come closer to achieving the rich deep colors in the grapes and more texture in the corks, so I'll try this subject again, perhaps without a time limit.

Reading material

With no shortage of books in my house, I could paint them often without repetition (though I much prefer reading them). Pen and watercolor, 5 1/2" x 8". These books are upside down because I set the long novel down to see how far I've come - about halfway - and didn't want the words on the cover of either book to distract from their color/shape once I decided to paint them.

Mental Health

Though I am not always a fan of abstract art, I admit I do need to test myself with raw color and design every once in a while. Sometimes great truths can come out of abstract art (though not necessarily here, and not necessarily in 20 minutes). But for that reason I like to do what I call "stream of consciousness" drawing. Nothing particular in mind, other than a state of relaxation and a conscious effort to move the pencil across the page. I believe my subconscious was tapped into here, I did not make any effort to pick specific colors other than what jumped out at me. It is what it is, no more, no less. I truly believe it's not supposed to "be" any particular thing, except a very relaxing way to spend 20 minutes drawing and removing stress from the brain. Everyone should try it once in a while, it does soothe your soul.

Finished Fraktur

With another 20 min. (40 min. total time) I was able to finish this fraktur-style image I began 2 days ago. I am much happier with it, obviously the color is more saturated and the details enhanced the way I imagined they should be. I will make a mental note that images of this type need at least 40 min. to look the way I think they should, and avoid them for future 20 min. challenge subjects, even though I do enjoy drawing them so much.

Klompen in color

The other small klompen we own are slightly less detailed (but no less charming) than the first ones I drew in pen and ink a few weeks ago. I enjoy drawing these, they have neat curves and shadows from several angles, and remain a challenging 20 minute sketching subject. Pen and watercolor on watercolor sketchbook paper, 5 1/2" x 8 1/2". I am still eager to finish the fraktur painting from yesterday but it will have to wait until tomorrow or another day.

Family Love

A classic heart design seems appropriate today in honor of Valentine's Day, love is in the air! I don't know why I keep attempting to finish these pen and watercolor fraktur-style images in 20 min., it seems impossible. I will most definitely come back to this one with another 20 min. to achieve richer, more saturated color. These are fun to draw - the equivalent of folk art doodles. Some artists do mandala designs on a regular basis, I am tempted to try one of those soon and see how far I can get in 20 minutes. I am always looking for other ideas of "what to draw!"