Watercolor Painting

I got a new watercolor set a few weeks ago.  Funny story.  I got a comment from a new reader, Janine, who lives in Tokyo.  So, I visited her blog and enjoyed it, and saw that she had an Etsy store.  I visited it - and fell in love with her hand-sewn bags using beautiful fabric.  I also love to support fellow crafters, so I ordered one.   They are unique in that you can roll them up and carry them in your bag so you always have a shopping bag with you.  Isn't that cool?  She checked out my Etsy shop and liked my Sumi ink cards - but said she liked to use post cards and if I made some she might buy some.  SO.. I went to the art supply website to buy some watercolor card stock post card stock.. and found also a new set of watercolors.  So that is why I got the new watercolors.. it's CraftyTokyoMama's fault.  :-)  Yesterday my son's family went to a birthday BBQ at his wife's sister's house - so while it was quiet I pulled out my big art board, filled a jar with water and got to painting.

Then Buddy the dog decided he needed to sit on my lap, what was left of it, and after he got settled in - then I could begin.  I printed up one of my designs for inspiration as I painted.

I took a class long long ago in Sumi Ink Painting -- so I could do bamboo on my pottery pieces.. but the art of Sumi has stayed with me all these years.  You use simple brush strokes to create iris leaves

Then you lightly paint a stem and then your iris flowers, which are made by quick brush strokes of purple or blue.  I added a hummingbird feeding on the flower.

You should try this!  

This is my sumi painting book, you can see it's well-used and loved.  FYI - you can google this title and author and buy this online.  I visited Wing's shop and studio in downtown Portland on several occasions, buying rice paper rolls, brushes and paint.  It was full of treasures, paintings, art supplies and was an artist's heaven, with an aroma of incense.

I am proud to say I was able to take classes by the master - Wing K. Leong at Mt. Hood Community College.. let's see.. 39 years ago when I was a young mother of 3 children.

If you want to add a bird to your painting, here is how, step by step.  It's very helpful.  Buddy naps while I paint.. the house is quiet.. my husband sits companionably by my side in his easy chair.. life is good.

Here is bamboo for each season.

I then painted some black bamboo with a bird.  

Then some golden bamboo in Spring with new green leaves.  I will put these 3 post cards on my Etsy store.

After our quiet afternoon - we headed to Bumpers Grill and Bar for an early dinner - I wanted to treat my Veteran husband to a good steak dinner in his honor.  We both had their filet mignon with red wine Bordelaise sauce, twice baked potato and fresh sauteed green beans, carrots and zucchini.  They also bring you a wonderful green salad and fresh baked dark bread before the main course is served.  

We shared a fresh made creme brulee for dessert.  :-P

I thought I should add a photo of CraftyTokyoMama's bag rolled up and...

I stuffed Caleb's crochet blanket in the bag to show you how much it holds.. and Caleb modeled it for me.  :-)

I hope you had a good weekend and have fun plans for the coming week.  I'll be swimming with Gracie tomorrow - she is finally feeling better after suffering through a flu bug.  ((hugs)), Teresa :-)