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.

"Decadent Pies"

I have been a little "under the weather" for a few days. For the first time in many years I have a head cold. Jeff came down with it first and then it was my turn. This morning I am feeling a little more human again. 

I was very excited to order new watercolor paints last week. I have had them in my Amazon wish list since February. Thanks to my bank card rewards, I received an Amazon gift card and decided it was time to put them in my cart and checkout. Of course the day they arrived I felt like crap and definitely didn't feel up to painting. But I was able to admire the packaging... and the names are wonderful. 

Watercolor Confections - Decadent Pies

Starry Colors

The day after they arrived I had to give them a go, even if I wasn't feeling great. I love the color palette of the "Decadent Pies". The colors are very harmonious and many have a beautiful shimmer to them.

The "Starry Colors" are a Japanese set of metallic watercolors. Great for accents and splatters, because who doesn't want a little more bling?!
I had a lot of fun with these small practice paintings. Watercolor paper is more affordable than Yupo so I am a little freer with it. But I still try not to waste anything. I will cut practice work up and turn it into greeting cards. I rarely buy a card anymore and I think that most people appreciate a handmade one.

I am heading back into the studio today. There are pots that need to be slip trailed and mugs to be thrown. Painting adventures will have to happen in the evening.

Exploration

I have finally been able to squeeze in time to explore with alcohol inks. My first attempts were very abstract. I experimented with diluting colors as well as using them straight out of the bottle. What did I discover?

That these inks are hard to control and it takes a lot of practice! Youtube videos have been very helpful. There are so many techniques for this medium. I was really happy to learn that the back side photo paper is a good surface for the ink. I somehow accumulated a lot of it over the years. I rarely print photo so I am happy to put it to good use. The paper of choice for alcohol inks is Yupo, but it's very expensive. I don't want to waste what little I have purchased on practice work. The only downside of the photo paper is that all of mine has a light water mark scattered across the page. Some colors hide it, on light colors it does show through if you look carefully.

I am starting to gain a little control over the process. I actually made a small painting that looks like flowers!

Last night I tried my hand at a landscape. I didn't think it was too bad for a first attempt.  I used a microperm black marker to enhance the trees. The water on the left side is a little too dark. I might be able to lighten it but I am a little scared to ruin the whole thing by trying. I think I will leave this one alone and declare it done.

Right now I am working with limited color selection. Once I recover from the purchase of these, I will order a few more. If anyone has worked with alcohol inks and has some tips for me, please comment. I would love to hear from you.