The thing about taking an art class, if you are really going to get anything out of it, is that you must stretch yourself to try techniques and subject matter that you wouldn't usually do. In fact, some subject matter I have made a point of avoiding in order to focus on my strengths*. (*read comfort zone) Waiting for those people to get out of the way so I can get a clear reference photo of that landscape scene. Pausing while the animals or birds move on so I can more easily see that tree or flower. Shoo!This past week the watercolor pencil class was all about animals and people. Now I had to confront my most dreaded subjects. I did learn that if I want to become comfortable with these subjects I need a lot more practice. That's something to work on.
Above is a watercolor pencil sketch from a photo of my daughter, from our recent trip to the beach. It's about 6 x 8 inches on cold press watercolor paper.
The assignment here was to do a portrait of your favorite bird. I found the image of the bluebird in the Wet Canvas image library, again it's about 6x8 inches on cold press.
Learning about textures I tried a study of a feather in my watercolor moleskin. At least this was more familiar territory.
