©2012 Carolyn A Pappas, Silent Night. Ink and watercolor, 4 x 6 inches.
Now that I don’t have a studio with everything set up already, it’s getting tough for me to paint in watercolor in between all the baby stuff that I do every few hours. But yesterday, Cate took an extra long nap and I got to do a little painting. I did this for the January Virtual Paintout challenge in Summit County, Colorado. It was a good opportunity to paint a snow scene. I’m thinking I might use this painting for my Christmas card next year. The reference image was cloudy and gray, but I turned it into a night scene. I also took liberties with the trees as you can see.
©1994 Carolyn A Pappas, Seashore. Watercolor and watercolor pencils, 6 x 4 inches.
I’ve been scanning a box of photos so I can throw out the originals and declutter my space. Recently, I found this small seascape, painted in 1994. Back then, I usually copied from photos in magazines, but I made up this scene in my head.
At the time, I remember being so proud of myself because this was the first watercolor that turned out the way I wanted. I’ve kept it around all these years as a memento of that feeling. Now I’ve thrown out the original, but I still have the memory.
“right now” staying focused on the present, mindful and in the moment, an image from the week, with no words or a few words, that acknowledges the “right now”. Inspired by Ann.
Thursday, January 19, 2012
©2012 Carolyn A. Pappas, Rose (1-7-12). Graphite and watercolor on Fabriano Artistico hotpress paper, 4 x 4 inches.
I bought some hotpress watercolor paper to try out. I’m not sure how I feel about the surface; it will take some getting used to. Coldpress paper seems to allow me more time for “wiggle room” before leaving an indelible mark. Also, coldpress paper seems to take more abuse and “scrubbing” before the paper’s surface starts to disintegrate. I painted this rose, but I mangled the leaves badly so I cut them off with the paper cutter.
It’s frustrating to have something turn out badly, especially when I don’t get to paint whenever I want anymore. I know that it is to be expected though, and I’m glad I experimented with this new paper.
©2012 Carolyn A. Pappas, Wool Tufts. Ink in 9 x 12 inch sketchbook.
This abstract drawing is inspired by the tufts of hair of my flokati rug. These days I like to make abstract, repetitive drawings while Cate takes mini naps during the day. This drawing was especially fun to make with my Noodler’s Flex Nib pen.
Congratulations to Endment who is the winner of my notecard giveaway. Please contact me with your information so I can mail off your prize. If I don’t hear from you by Friday, Jan 20, I will draw another name.
If you haven’t signed up for my free email newsletter Delicate Paperwork yet, it’s not too late. I’m sending off the first issue tomorrow. Click here to sign up.
This month I’m sending out my first issue of Delicate Paperwork, my email newsletter. To celebrate, I’m offering a giveaway to my subscribers. I’m giving away a set of five notecards featuring my artwork from this past year.
To enter, subscribe here and leave a comment on this post using the same email address. If you’ve already subscribed, no problem, just write a comment below to enter. You have until January 16th at 8 am EST to enter and then I’ll randomly draw a winner and announce it on my blog that morning.
The concept of posting photos on Fridays is nothing new, but Ann’s post made me give it a second thought. I’ve been wanting to take more photos these days, and I think I will join her. The sky was truly breathtaking this afternoon and I had to run to get my camera in time to capture it.
Thursday, January 5, 2012
©2011 Carolyn A. Pappas, Whippet Sketch 1. Sanguine Pitt pen in large handbook journal.
I did some multitasking one evening, alternating between reading, listening to the TV and sketching Ruben (whenever he changed position). I felt so productive.
©2011 Carolyn A. Pappas, Whippet Sketch 2. Sanguine Pitt pen in large handbook journal.
©2011 Carolyn A. Pappas, Cate (12-27-2011). Graphite in 8.5 x 11 inch sketchbook.
My girl is two months old. I’m looking forward to getting to know Cate better over the upcoming year. I hope all my readers also have a year full of blessings.
