Pottery

Yes, I still make pots! This little piggy bank came out of the kiln this week. I just love how the glaze has some nice purple blush in all the right places. It's already boxed and ready to head to it's new home in Illinois.

Putting paint to paper

Peaches and Lemons on Arches paper

I was finally able to get out my paints and give the Arches watercolor paper a go. While it is a nice thick paper I really didn't think that it shaded that much better than the Canson paper.  I also think that it buckled a little more than the Canson.

Canson paper on the left, Arches on the right

I did treat myself to another pan of watercolors. I have been curious about Arteza brand. They are advertised everywhere. All of their paints are very affordable. I have watched a few youtube artist reviews and after watching one on the watercolors, I decided to give them a try. I received 10% off of my order, along with a small Ebates reward. The free shipping was also a plus.

So far I am happy with them. I know what their drawbacks are (too many browns and yellows) but for the price, I can deal with that. The set was a little less than $30 and there are 36 half pans.


... and to change the subject completely, I made this awesome vegetable bake the other night!

Zucchini and summer squash, sliced fresh tomato, garlic and onions. At the very end I topped it with a little parmesan and fresh mozzarella.. I can't wait to make it again when we have tomatoes from our garden. Yum!

Kicking it up a notch

I have been using affordably priced watercolor paper. Not the cheapest, but pretty darn close. I have two pads, one is Strathmore, the other Canson (which I prefer). I recently watched a video comparing the results of the less expensive paper and Arches 100% cotton paper. The difference was rather dramatic. I decided I needed to give it a try. I ordered a pad to start with. It's also sold in blocks that are a little more spendy. If I like this perhaps a block is in my future. My other splurge last month was some better brushes. They weren't too expensive and were recommended by a few different "youtubers". While I have tried out the brushes and love them... I haven't given the paper a go yet.
Maybe tonight.
Stay tuned for a review.