Watercolor trip to Italy, Lesson #9.
Frankly, I was dreading this one, so I’m glad it’s done. Here’s how mine turned out:
Which one do you like better? I just realized how much fatter the tree trunk is in the second one. Also, I seemed to have added another mountain to the second one. The instructions on the tree for this painting were too vague for me. By the time I was working on the “half tones” and the “shadows” and giving “shape to the leaves,” I neither knew what I was doing nor cared. It’s all a big mish-mash to me.
I found out something interesting this week about watercolor paper. You’re supposed to stretch it first. I thought that just meant taping it down before applying water, but it’s much more involved. You’re supposed to immerse your paper in water for 5-10 minutes until it reaches a certain pliability, like cloth. Then you tape it down and let it dry for 24 hours (or so) before painting on it. No wonder all my watercolor paper buckles – I figured it was due to the quality of the paper. I don’t know if I’ll ever do this – I might try it once just to see if it makes a difference.
That’s it for my watercolor adventures this week!
I’ll probably make this post into mish-mash in the morning.
Lynniebeemuseoday 
I’m certainly no expert, but I’d say your paintings stand on their own. The instructional videos are over. The instructional book is making suggestions. It is offering launching points for your own flights. Compare your paintings to what you see in your mind. Don’t let the book hold you back.
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Thanks, I needed that. You’re right, I need to launch out and quit comparing! It goes against my nature though. I guess it’s time to kick my nature in the pants!! 😁
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