Get Out Of Your Rut

Sometimes, we artists get into a rut. Don't know what to draw or paint so we do nothing. We just need to adapt!

A trick I have learned from Cathy (Kate) Johnson www.flickr.com/photos/cathy-johnson/ from one of her fine watercolor instruction books, is to just throw some wet washes down on paper and let the color mix or spread wherever it wants. From those colors, start painting an image--or an image may develop from the basic mix of colors--use your imagination. In this case, I chose flowers. Nothing looked very real but I used more watercolors, color brush pens, and Micron ink pens and I developed my flower images. It's a great way to pull out of a rut.

Check out the work Cathy has produced. If she can't inspire you, no one can!

Classic Woody

Who remembers the classic woody?

Most of you viewing this image were not even born when these automobiles were the "in thing" if you were a surfer. This woody is all cleaned up but I remember these cars owned by surfers that were filthy and used to carry anything as well as being used to sleep in, eat in and party in if was too cold out on the beach. Swarms of these vehicles filled the parking lots.

I was not a surfer but I remember these old classics. They were the "in thing". Ink and watercolor. SOLD

Birds Talking

This half-cracked sketch shows that birds actually do sit and chat. Bird #1 at the far left is hearing something from #2 and is in disbelief. Bird #3 is showing no emotion as she listens to #4 who is hoping she is really believing him. Ink and watercolor.

Windmill And Barn

This painting was developed using a "pouring" technique. Image was sketched in with pencil. Areas of the image were masked to preserve white space. Primary colors were then poured onto the watercolor paper and allowed to mix and blend and allowed to dry. I drew in ink over the penciled drawing. More watercolor was brushed in on trees, shrubs, windmill and barn roof--wherever I thought they were needed. 11" x 14"

Gleaming Lighthouse

A strong but silent lighthouse sits beaming in the sunlight as the morning overcast fades away in the background. I masked off the lighthouse area then painted in the background sky.

The shadow at the top of the lighthouse really accentuates the shape of the structure and gives this painting some impact. Loose pen lines and minimal brush strokes allowed this work to be done in about 45 minutes. 8" x 10", ink and watercolor.SOLD

Pine Branch Sketching

Sketching is very contagious. Once you get into the habit, it just becomes a part of any artist.

As I was sitting in a small park in Wheatland on a sunny, spring day, I noticed this sagging pine branch off to my left shoulder. Started sketching and came up with this little piece of art. I do not know why I started painting over some color swatches but I did. Turned out OK and the note cards look great. Ink and watercolor. Mounted in a 4" x 4" mat.

May Bouquet

Color bouquet of flowers done simply as a demonstration in class. Too many times students feel they must draw and paint every single leaf or petal. This demonstration showed them how to do a painting quickly and not worry about every detail. It's great to see them all loosen up eventually. 8" x 10", ink and watercolor.

Parade Of Steeples

A village surrounded by trees is highlighted by the steeples from the local churches. This drawing is done with ink and color pencils and is a vision of my mind. 5" x 7", colored pencils.

Shanty Town Corner

Shaggy looking old buildings give this painting a lots of character and the execution was easy to do. Nothing seemed to be straight so I continued drawing with that in mind. Even the shutters and windows are shaggy. I should have put some dogs, cats and birds in this painting but I forgot. Next time. Ink and watercolor. 8" x 10". .

Colorful Swamp

This colorful swamp painting is mostly fiction and a combination of various photo references. No one can ever say that they saw this swamp on their last vacation or this swamp is near their aunt's backyard. Anyway, swamps are swamps and many look the same. What I don't like about them are the poisonous little reptiles lurking in dark places. Mostly watercolor with bits of ink. 16" x 20".

Heirarchy Of Pleasure

I am not much of a golfer but I always like the beautiful green courses that would make a hot day seem less hot. Many courses abut up to clusters of rock (like in Arizona) or above the blue oceans (like coastal California courses) which make picturesque scenes.

The number one pleasure when I play golf is to take in the outstanding scenery on or near the golf course. Improving my golf game comes next, comradery with my partners comes next and the pain I feel in my knees at days end ranks the lowest.

I hope you like this scene shown at the edge of a golf course. Ink and watercolor.