July Journal

I have managed to do some paintings this month. Putting paint on paper is half way there. Right? Even if the end product isn’t what you thought it should be. I must admit, it seldom is with watercolour but I can’t not do it.

This painting was an exercise in washes and colour layering. The watercolour looks more like the density of acrylics and less like the loose fluidity I like in my watercolours. It allows me to go back into the painting, adding shapes and line, with also using white gouache to introduce patterns and light. Although I enjoyed painting my Life’s Journey I feel the need to further the exploration into how to use this technique without loosing the fluidity of the medium.

I think it has a lot to do with the student grade paints I am currently using, as I wait for my professional grade ones to arrive. They tend to produce a more opaque texture.

Both of these paintings have an opaque quality that I find disappointing. It proves my point when I tell my students that always buy good quality paper, paints and brushes. If you are on a limited budget buy the minimum, but always quality.

Waihi Plein air painters met in June at Karen’s lifestyle property where there was many spots to sit and draw.

We’ve just had our July Plein air session at Terry’s garden in Waihi. A magical spot with interesting mosaic paths around the property.

This is a great place to stop for an art and craft fix if you are travelling between Auckland and Tauranga. The guest artist for July and August is Pamela Lines. Check it out.

Another great place with an awesome display of artists. Some of my work included.

Thought I would leave you with my painting River View. An image I have while staying on the banks of the Waikato river earlier in the year. Stunning.

Til next month. Ka kite.

Pamela