Palmabella's Passions

Tuesday I spent a lovely morning learning some watercolor painting techniques. My friend, accomplished artist, Maria Hunt, invited me to join her sister, Dorothy, another friend, Elizabeth, and the four of us had a great time around Maria's kitchen table. I learned the importance of good paper (what I have been using was on sale, and crappy), good paint, (I need to upgrade when I use mine up), and good brushes (mine were fine, but there are two sizes I should add to my collection).

We all painted the same scene from one of Elizabeth Cochrane's notecards.

I learned to paint "wet on wet" to let the colors of the sky blend, and how to mix colors. We learned some tips of shading, and I tried to "let go" of my need for details, and start with light colors, adding darker shades for depth. In about an hour, we all had scenes of Tuscany we were happy to take home, and even frame!

Check out Maria's work here. Her grapes are WONDERFUL!

I will keep practicing! I have many, many scenes of Italy floating around my brain!