On 01.02.02, I was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer. Too late for surgery, I had chemotherapy, which failed. In May the chemotherapy was changed and I was soon in remission which was celebrated and welcome and lasted nine years - until October 2011. There was progression in 2011 so more treatment was indicated and I am now back in partial remission. But I'm not only a cancer patient - I also enjoy my family, walk my dogs and am learning to draw and paint. Life is good!

Tuesday, March 25, 2008

Try and try again

Today and tomorrow are my two most tightly scheduled days this week. Beulie and I went to chemotherapy this morning and than ran a bunch of errands all the way home.

Our watercolor class met last week but we didn't paint. So today was the first time I used real watercolors in two weeks, everything else I've tried in that time has been brushed over watercolor pencil. It felt great to be back but the same disappointment happens every time. What is acceptable from a distance looks quite raggedy close up. I'm so inexperienced I don't even know if that goes with the territory or if great watercolorists get great results at every possible distance -- and I have a sinking sensation that that is the truth of it. (long deep sigh)

14 comments:

  1. Oh, I think this is very nice! I love the composition and color, especially the way you depicted the leaves. I have a feeling that watercolor takes a lot of practice which is why I haven't jumped right into it myself:)

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  2. Hi Ann -- Thank you so much for stopping by! - Barbara

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  3. I think your colors are gorgeous and loose, and your flower looks great. Watercolors take some getting used to, and I am by far no pro at them. But I remember experiencing that same frustration when taking my first course. Keep on going!

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  4. I just wanted to tell you that I absolutely LOVE your blog! I look forward to seeing what you've created or your stories about your dogs or the kids at the Hall. You are one wonderful person!!

    dot

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  5. Anonymous5:40 AM

    Don't beat your head on a wall... I think this is really nice! I understand your frustration though when things never seem to turn out on paper the way you see them in your mind.

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  6. I love. Your flower painting. Have you considered the flower illustration books. Many of them use watercolor.
    sherrie

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  7. Wonderful flower... I was SHOCKED when I read that you weren't pleased with it. I think it's great, intense colors... I almost feel like I could touch the actual flower...
    You're too hard on yourself... really.

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  8. I use watercolor but am not a watercolorist. I think your flower is very nice with some great textures. I like the way that watercolors most times seem to have a mind of their own, moving and blossoming together even after you think you are done. A watercolor instructor once told me to try painting the same thing numerous times. This really helped me discover how watercolors work. Keep it up, you're on the right track. It's a practice thing.

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  9. Good heavens, Barbara,
    That's a masterpiece! Hey, be as generous to yourself as you would be to another artist! Pure gorgeous in terms of design, color, cropping! YAYYYYY!!!!

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  10. Watercolors are indeed a challenge. I think your flower looks pretty cool. Great color too. Looks like you're not affraid to dive right in to learn and conquer. Enjoy the adventure!

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  11. I really like this, very strong.

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  12. Kudos.. and I can't wait for the report on the JD kid's VanGogh reactions.

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  13. Thank you so much, all of you, for taking the time to look and comment. With your kind enthusiasm I'm going to try to redo this one and see if I can improve it so that I like it as much as you do! - Barbara

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  14. I think it's a great picture. I think watercolors are the most difficult medium to use although it's perhaps the easiest to carry around.

    I am enjoying your blog and like knitting painter woman, I am waiting to see what the kids think of Van Gogh. I've added your blog to my blog list. I think lots of people would enjoy visiting you.

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