Elephant's Pyjamas

How do you know if an elephant is in your bed?
You'll see the 'E' embroidered on his pyjamas.

Okay, so I've started playing with the paint again. I'm so happy! When I'm working with watercolour paint I feel so sensual and liberated!

Funny thing is, I have never been partial to the finished look of most watercolour paintings. But making them is such a joy!

I remember how little I liked watercolours before I started making them. I always preferred the look of gutsy opaque mediums with their strong, dense colours and ability to rework ideas. (An inspiring example of this is shown in this wonderful stop motion video of a painting by Gillian Warden - have a look !).

It is a surprise to me that I have chosen to paint in water based media. But there it is. I feel good when I'm doing it.

So far I have only just started playing again. Making a few experiments in a small square area, based on magnolia blossoms I drew in April.

Today's inspiration: I'd like to say the sun, but can't as we haven't seen much of it. However, roses are blossoming everywhere! And I'm enjoying the yellow ones particularly.

Likes: New toy - Derwent Inktense pencils. They are so much more vibrant than pencil crayons!

Comments

[wilsonian]

Wow... for experiemnts, they sure are gorgeous.

[Jeanne B.]

Ohhhh... what lovely work. My Mother was a watercolorist. I prefer oils myself because it took so long to dry I had time to "fix" my "mistakes". It's always amazed me how someone can work so beautifully in such an immediate medium.

[Linda Harre]

I absolutely LOVE your watercolors! Have since I first found your blog.....your work is so inspiring:)

[Nicquiltz]

Love that magnolia painting - just gorgeous!! Viva la experimentation!!

[ingrid petrini]

You are SO talented and THANK YOU for sharing your work. Means a lot to look at now and then.

[Martha Marshall]

I just love your watercolors! Thanks for sharing these.

[Miss*Laurence]

What fabulous blossoms! I find watercolour tricky - i've always loved to paste thick paint on canvas, watercolour in comparison is so unforgiving ( when I do it) - if the colours are too close, if the line is not straight.. but I like the dreamy qualities of it too, so I'll keep at it! I like how you completely cover the surface, without any paper showing.

[ninimakes]

Beautiful! Those images would make great cards. I'd like to try the Inktense Pencils - do you use them with water or just for drawing?

[margie]

love your watercolours yes the sun is lovely it is the first day of winter in australia and it is a pleasant 25 degrees so no real need for wollies yet.. happy sunny day margie

[Mae]

I have a weakness for watercolours - yours are beautiful! I love the painted-in frame idea too. I did take a brief class but it was all about landscapes and it initially turned me off altogether. This is the time of year I always find that I am reviving the watercolours once again. Do you draw your image first and then fill in or ...?