Have You Experimented with Different Canvas Shapes? - Painting & Drawing Tips

Chocolate is my BFF!!

It calls to me!  I find it wants to play nearly every day.  I really try and limit it to 2 squares a day but. . . 

somedays it just wont listen. 

The Forest Floor - WIP Sketchbook study

I like to think I am open to new food groups.  The other evening I was out to dinner with some friends.  (I know hey, a real face to face dinner.  Our first in months)  Anyway, the desert menu came around.  My first impulse was to order 'the chocolate' whatever.  REALLY,  does it matter! 

 I think I was caught up in the moment and read further down the menu.  

Lemon white chocolate cheesecake.  Hmm. . .

Technically it does have chocolate but lemon? white?  Definitely outside of my chocolate box.  I decided to try it.  

Very Good!!

I am working on a new series Deep in the Forest.  For this series, I want to take my viewers into the forest and show them some of the Secrets that I see.  Sometimes it is just the little things - ferns cascading down the bank; a squirrel resting on a stump; mossy rocks in the creek bed.  

CASCADING - Framed 20 x 16 $650

Sometimes bigger things: a big old stump hundreds of years old covered with new growth and probably home to many little critters; a deer caught in my sight as it quietly ambled along an old trail.  Life Deep in the Forest. 

FORAGING - Matted 5 x 7 SOLD

As I work on my pieces I find I am pulled out of my traditional creative box.  Most of my work requires protection to be displayed ie. under glass. This has made me very aware of framing costs and I have gradually moved to standard frame sizes. 

But life has changed this . . .

Wood Cradle - 8 x 24 inches - Isn't that a really cool shape?!

I have been experimenting more and more with varnished watercolour on paper.  I am really pleased with how this area has improved in the Art World, more materials and research focused on it. I particularly like mounting my work on wood cradled panels.  

The cradled panels are wonderful!!

They come in so many different sizes and shapes.  I am totally inspired by them.  My study above - The Forest Floor- is headed for a wood panel 8 x 20.  I can just see that forest floor already on the wood.  My only decision now is should I draw it in ink right on the board or should I draw and paint it on watercolour paper and mount it on the board.  Still mulling that over.  So many ideas swirling in my head.  

BEACH BUDDIES - Heron - Ink on 3 x 2 wood cradle $30
Thought I would try drawing right onto the wood and I kind of like that.  😃 

I decided to try a drawing on the wood to see how it works. Now I have more decisions. I kind of like this little fellow and I am itching to try a few more.  I even have a name for them - Beach Buddies.  I am in real trouble now. 😆

Stepping out of my box has really inspired me to new directions.  How about you?  Have you stepped out and found new inspiration too?  

Further reading: 

Framing Watercolour without Glass   

Wendy is on Youtube:
Wendy has FREE Tips & Techniques on Video now, many with supporting blog posts and FREE download PDF's.  

See a full linked listing here - artbywendy.com - workshop - Videos by Wendy

OUTDOOR SKETCHING SEASON  is Quickly Disappearing !!

Next Sessions:  Wednesday, July 14  & Saturday, July 17

10am - 12:30pm 

Upcoming Dates: Wednesday  August 4 & 11
Saturday, July 31 & August 7 

Twice a week, Wednesday and Saturday mornings, I will take small groups out for Outdoor Sketching.  Get Tips and Techniques for Sketching in Nature.  Beginners to Advanced Welcome. Max. 3 per class. (Other times available upon request) 

Mediums supported: pencil, pen, watercolour, watercolour pencils and coloured pencils 

Location: Parks in North Surrey and Langley

Cost: $50 per session

Supplies: Bring your own supplies, don't hesitate to contact me about your supplies

Rainy Days: Not fun to plein air in the rain.  You can defer to another available day or join me in my studio and work with me. (when Covid rules allow small inside gatherings) 

Contact Wendy to Book Your Spot!! 

Looking to Move your work to NEW LEVELS?  

  Online Coaching/Teaching  (3 sessions 30 minutes each $75)

Are You and Your Inner Critic looking to expand your discussions.  Here's how it works: Send me a few pictures of your paintings.  I will prepare material to facilitate a discussion based on your goals.  I am a sounding board, coach and teacher,  with suggestions, techniques and tips to help you meet your goals and move your art forward.  More info here.   Looking forward to Zooming with you.  

  
Many find this post helpful: Turn your Inner Critic into your BFF

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Have a great Artful Day,

Wendy