Artwork & Play: watercolor

Showing posts with label watercolor. Show all posts

An Owl Furze Wisdom

Most of you know I love painting animals not only for their beauty and unique characters but also for their interesting and rich symbolism.
I'm sure you also know that most plants and trees have an abundance of historical meanings, as well.

In my latest watercolor, I have paired the wisdom and intelligence we associate with the owl to the gorse, or furze tree.

: Work in progress.

This shrub, or hedge tree, is also sometimes called furze and is native to Europe and northwest Africa.
The bright yellow blossoms have a very long flowering season.
Between all of the different species of gorse, there will most always be sunny flowers to admire, hence the saying,
"When gorse is out of blossom, kissing's out of fashion".

The gorse has many layers of symbolism.
I won't bore you with more dry botany facts, but it's a fascinating plant and understanding its history and many facets can help you understand why it represents so many different things. Look it up sometime. :)

Here's a quick rundown of the powers or the furze;
Intelligence, protection, healing, love, vibrancy, light, industry, independence, fertility, symbiosis, intuition, hope, courage.

: 12" x 16",
Watercolor on Arches Cold Press

While the furze does represent intelligence (because yellow is the color of the intellect), I choose the gorse blossom because its meaning is so much deeper.

Wisdom is not intelligence quotient.
Wisdom is a culmination of the head, heart, body, and soul.
Wisdom is discerning when to use what and just how much.

Just like most of my paintings, it was a personal reminder to seek balance and nature is where I find it most. :)

Kiss Me, I’m Irish (sort of)

I’ve added another wet one to my watercolor kiss series as my annual March/ St. Patrick’s Celtic tribute.

The popular colloquialism actually stems from the legend of the Blarney stone.
The ‘Cloch na Blarnan’ is a stone built into the battlements of Castle Blarney in County Cork, Ireland. Kissing this stone is said to endow one with the gift of gab (excellence in flattery and persuasiveness).
The legends are varied and many regarding the stone’s origins, but one says that Cormac MacCarthy, the castle’s builder, asked the Irish goddess Clíodhna to help him win a lawsuit. She told him to kiss the first stone he found in the morning on his way to court. He did so, and won his case very successfully. He then placed the stone into the parapet of the Blarney castle. There are other legends that attribute the stone to the Holy Land, but the first legend has more of a Celtic flair, so that’s the one I’ll stick to. As a sidenote, the staff at Blarney castle believe a witch saved from drowning told the MacCarthy family about the stone’s power.

Kiss Me
Watercolor

Whatever the source of its power, heads of state, literary giants, and Hollywood stars have gone to Ireland to plant one on a rock with the hopes of being supernaturally blessed with great eloquence. Millions of people from around the world have traveled to Cork to kiss the famous stone. If someone mentioned wanting to kiss the legendary stone, an Irish person would jokingly say, “Kiss me, I’m Irish”.

That’s how the phrase, and its proliferation, began. Whether from the mouth of a full-blooded Irish citizen, or a tipsy lass whose great, great grandmother was from Ireland, <em>sort of</em>, those words are now part of our vernacular, and we love ‘em. Even if you aren’t Irish, who could blame you for saying that bit of ‘blarney’ to get a kiss?

The colors of this kiss painting represent the national flag of Ireland;
Green represents the Gaelic tradition of Ireland, orange represents the protestant followers of William of Orange, and the white middle bar is the hope for peace between them.

The original watercolor painting has already been spoken for,

but you can order a hand signed print by clicking the buy now button below,

Until next time~

The Yearling; Fawn Rising

If you follow my work at all, you know the ‘trail’ is a very important part of my artwork and play. I take to it almost daily to get exercise, find inspiration, recharge, and just occasionally zone out. It was during one of these zone out moments that the fawn found me.

I have come across many deer in this particular area of the trail. They usually bound in front of me when I’m racing home against an oncoming storm (leaving me standing in awe for several minutes and giggling with delight only to get soaked in the rain).

This deer crossed the trail and then came back out onto the path to watch me. It was small, and therefore was hard to tell if it was a large yearling or a small doe. However, it’s usually a buck yearling that enters a clearing alone first, and antler sheds would have just been starting to occur in the last two months as daylight hours grow. At a few points, he/ she was close, but not close enough for me to see an exact gender.

I was soon fairly convinced that this was a fawn rather than a doe, due to its curiosity and lack of wariness an older doe would have had. I adjusted my pace accordingly, letting the fawn stay a comfortable distance while he examined me. This lasted for several minutes before I decided it had to be documented. Try as I might, the velcro sound from my armband may as well have been firecrackers. The fawn ran down the trail and into the trees as I took my cell phone out to get a photo. I made my way down the trail, trying to focus the iPhone camera, and the fawn popped back into view. I also got a video after this shot, but somehow managed to delete it. (I’m ultra tech clumsy like that.)

All in all, these moments left me with a great sense of peace and wonder. The innocent curiosity of the fawn was energizing and brought me such joy, yet a slight sense of sadness. I knew the other deer had always been around before. I hoped they were just too wary to step onto the trail while a human was near. This encounter was very meaningful to me. I had to paint it.

I thought I would work on Yupo paper to continue the look of my latest pieces like True Blue Jay andCardinal Direction, but keep it small.

Boy, was I in for a lesson. It was actually really quite appropriate.

If you’ve ever painted on yupo paper, you’ll know what I mean. It’s a non-porous surface, meaning the paint isn’t just absorbed into the paper if applied in a fluid manner. It pools and flows, makingreally cool and visually interesting marks. The paint doesn’t just sit on top and dry as such. It has a mind of its own. If you are wanting your subject to be representational, or recognizable to the viewer, this requires much patience and vigilance. However, I really like the look of this medium, and it’s worth the sometimes arduous adventure that comes with the territory.

Fawn Rising

When the drips ran down from the legs, I grabbed my paper towel to dab it up, but stopped myself.

Not only did the watercolor runs resemble a reflection in water, but they symbolized growth.

What is this pool of paint doing? How is this pigment interacting with that one?

The fawn would grow into a deer that knew when to be curious and trust and when to dart away from predators before they could even be heard.

The deer teaches us to be keenly aware at all times.

What’s going on around us? How can we be gentle and graceful while protecting ourselves?

The slightest breeze or movement could signify a change.

The fawn is curious and playful, exploring and trusting;

and the deer is ready to change course at a footfall.

The fawn is rising.

Bid on the original Fawn Rising and add it to your collection, click here.

Click here to customize your own print.

Thanks for joining me in my artwork & play!

Happy trails,

From Gray to Scarlet; Some science and spirit behind the red legend.

Last week I kept seeing Cardinals everywhere. He was on the trail everyday when I ran.

He showed up in my yard. It was one of those things where I knew it wasn’t going to stop until I painted him.

I’m really glad I did. I needed him to remind me.

There is so much I could write on the cardinal, but I'll save a few tidbits for the next painting he graces. ( I know he's not done with me.) Cardinals hold significance on many levels for me. I was born a Buckeye, so these fierce little songbirds will always hold a place in my “heart of it all”. (Along with Ohio, the cardinal was also named state bird of Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, North Carolina, Virginia, and West Virginia.)
They are gorgeous birds with a song that truly does sound like “cheer”. Seriously, youtube it.
It’s even more special to me that the reddish brown and gray females of this species, while not as bright and bold in color, actually do sing. This puts a damper on the former theories that birdsong was only a male trait for sexual selection. For me, it’s a great metaphor for women everywhere. We have a voice, and it’s not all about mating. Sing on, sister!
Although cardinals do mate for life, which leads to this next interesting fact-
Male cardinals actually lose some of their brilliant crimson color while helping to rear nestlings.
They are great parents that fiercely protect the nest. Dad birds. What?! I know, right?

Artwork & Play in-progress

But when they aren’t being awesome bird fathers, they are territorial and aggressive. They are known for fighting with other crimson cards, including those they see reflected in glass.
Warriors, indeed. Cardinals can also be a warning symbol of aggressive vanity that might be holding us back.

It’s easy to see why the male cardinal’s fiery crimson plumage always captures our attention, especially on those bleak winter days. But there really is so much about these birds that brings me awe and peace, it’s no wonder that the final and most important symbol of a cardinal is that of an esoteric nature.
Many say that seeing a cardinal is representative of a visit from a loved one that has passed.

All of us live our daily lives with a certain amount of heartache for those we have lost.
Some days can be a proverbial blizzard. The forest is whipped with icy winds, the snow is blinding, our feet and hands are numb, and the tears freeze on our eyelashes. It makes it hard to see the path let alone keep on walking.
Then a brilliant flash of red reminds us it won’t be winter forever. The sun will shine. The snow will melt. The wind will subside. A song of Cheer.

I titled this painting Cardinal Direction with that in mind.
When we are mindful, seeing these birds can influence how we direct our steps and our thoughts afterward, even through the bitter cold winds. Thank you, Cardinal.

Do you have a cardinal story?

I'd love to hear it. Please, leave a comment or Contact me. :)

Click HERE for details on the original or to order a hand signed print of "Cardinal Direction".

Leaf Peeping

Once again, we see my autumn obsession peeping through.

This piece is another version of my test sheet transformations.

I often have pieces of Yupo paper test or scrap sheets that call out to be transformed into pieces of their own.

I noticed some textures and forms that were asking to be shaped into a leaf peeper's vision.

I achieved this by lifting sections out with alcohol and a scrubber.

Click here for a larger view or to add this original to your collection.

So, that's what I saw!

What do you do with your art "scraps"?

The Supplication

I always have a few test pieces of cold press or Yupo on my work desk.

I use them to test out my palette and see how textures and mediums will look before officially committing them to the painting. (Watercolor is not very forgiving.)

Test sheet before.

Every now and then, one of these colorful sheets really speaks to me. Forms and shapes whisper to me from the watermarks. I pick up a pen and their stories begin to unfold.

The Supplication

Watercolor & Ink on 140# cold press

click Here for a zoom view.

This particular sheet held a harrowing narrative. I won't divulge the entire tale, but this piece certainly sings of the trappings of society, risk, and compassion.

What story is this scene telling you?

Web of Watercolor; Wordless Wednesday

Wordless Wednesday

Click here to download yours. (without the watermark ;)

Keeping it simple

Sometimes, simplicity is the best way to appreciate and capture what inspires me.
I am constantly inspired by birds. Their grace, freedom, and beauty is only the beginning, but feathers are at the heart of each.
This small piece is a study on the simplicity and beauty of a feather.

Click here for a larger view or to bid on this painting.

Visit the Daily Paintworks auction for your chance to own this original piece.

Granny's hateful cat.

Today is the last day I have to paint before my husband's birthday weekend. I wanted to keep up with the 30 in 30 pace, so I planned on cranking out 3-5 small, simple, (maybe even abstracted) expressive watercolors. I had tons of ideas, and today was even National Wildlife Day.
So many animals are running around in my head waiting to be painted!
However, today also would have been my grandmother's 77th birthday.

I was sad for a bit at the beginning of the day.
I pondered our mortality, but that soon gave way to a shift in my painting plans. Much like a four year old, I delight in using my artistic talents to create gifts for those I love. I decided to paint my grandmother a birthday present, but there's only one animal that comes to mind when I think of my grandmother; cats.

Specifically, a Siamese cat named Baby. (There was Bubba, too, but it was Baby that was around most when I was a kid.) Baby was beautiful.

Baby loved my grandmother. Baby did not exactly love everyone else. In fact, that cat was downright hateful. She was prone to scratching and biting, and I'm pretty sure all of the grandchildren feared that cat more than we could ever let Gran know.
Now that I've had the experience of loving a pet that does not like many others (especially children) and would just as soon bite them as say hello, I understand why Gran loved that cat so much.

She lived alone.
When she sat outside on her porch shelling green beans, the cat was her companion.
When the grandkids couldn't visit, it was Baby the cat that laid in bed watching The Golden Girls with her.
That cat was her companion, and if somebody didn't like her hateful cat, so the hell what?!
I understand that, now. And now, I love that cat simply for loving my Gran.

Hear that, Gran? Your cat had an attitude, and your cat was awesome. Just like you.

Love you, Granny. Happy birthday. <3

Crow Moon

For wordless Wednesday, I'm simply posting my latest painting.

Crow Moon

9x12, watercolor on cold press

Original in private collection- Click here to order a print.

Or visit my Etsy shop.

Size Doesn't Matter

tbd (help me title him on my Facebook page!)

5"x7" Watercolor on Aquabord

Click here to see a larger photo of the painting.

If you know me or are fairly familiar with my art, you know I love animals, especially dogs.
All dogs are great. Allow me to explain and get Seuss-esque for only a moment;

Fluffy or sleek, loud or meek,
Agile and spry, or just happy to lie,
I love dogs, the great and the small.
I love the dogs, I do love them all.
Yes, breeds A to Z, their pups I adore,
Except that I love,
Small ones a bit more.

WAIT! Don't get me wrong, and don't sic your Staffie on me. I've loved my fair share of medium and large dogs. My first dog was a chow chow and my 2nd, 3rd, and 4th were Aussie mixes. (Super smart and loving dogs!) Neapolitan Mastiffs simply melt my butter. If we ever live in a colder climate and have the acreage, Husboo will certainly be in search of a Russian Caucasian before we unpack. I'm also in love with Irish Wolfhounds. But when you've had the experience of being rescued by a teeny tiny canine and her becoming your companion, it's hard not to project those same feelings onto similar sized pups.

I may like small dogs, but guess what;

I hate painting small.

For my second September painting (I'm not even going to say it's the 2nd of 30, because that's just insane) I attempted my first teeny tiny watercolor portrait.
For me, watercolor is so nice because it flows and has a mind of it's own. You think you know what will happen, then the paint laughs in your face and you either readjust or go with the flow and see where it takes the painting. This aspect of the medium is also what can be ultra annoying if you have a specific end in mind. Couple that with a 5"x7" portrait on aquabord and quite a bit of strife can ensue. By no means was this a fast, whip it out in under an hour, quickie painting.
I struggled to retain a wet-on-wet technique and still have the detail I wanted for this piece.
(A couple of paper towels were harmed in the making of this painting.)

I have a new found respect for the daily painters that crank out small works all the live long.

It's not the size of the dog in the fight, it's the size of fight in the dog. And this one gave me a pretty good round, now to give him a name...

Look at the birds of the air...

September is upon us and another challenge has been posed. However, this month is pretty busy for me. I have a few prior commitments, so I don't think I can realistically crank out 30 paintings and get anything else done. (One painting usually takes me 2-7 non-consecutive days to complete.)
I've been a bit anxious lately with all I have to get done. Most of those things are self-imposed, but sometimes that's even more pressure. I'm resolving to at least try to post weekly (and daily if I'm lucky) the smaller paintings I do finish, here on my blog.
Yesterday was a somewhat stressful, worrisome, and overall blah day.
I took a walk to clear my mind and look to nature for some respite. I set the intention to see something that would bring me clarity and peace.

Birds of the Air

Watercolor on cold press

Total size 15" x 17.5" including frame.

Click here for limited edition prints.

As soon as I rounded the corner, I saw an unbelievable sight. Several dozen sparrows were flying around a churchyard field. They were diving, soaring, and circling at a frenetic pace.
In awe, I stopped to watch them for a bit. By the time I realized I really needed to take a photo of the birds, they were flying away.

This painting is inspired by that brief and beautiful encounter. It had an unexpectedly profound effect on me. Sparrows are a symbol for many things, among them freedom, creativity, and Love.
It was just the lift I needed.

Birds of the Air cheered me. Marvin Gaye cheers me, too. I'll leave you with this Marvin version of a sparrow themed song. An oldie, but a goodie.

Fly high, my friends.

~D. Renée

Slow and Steady

I often come across tortoises on my daily trail route, but this guy made me stop and rest for a bit.

It's not the most exciting trail sighting, it's actually very common. Somehow I usually go right by the slow pokes, a quick nod and smile, then I continue looking for more exotic creatures to ignite my creative spark.

Although I often whine about needing to, I rarely take the time to slow down. Life gets busy and it all seems to pile up so high that I can't see the green grass all around me.
This tortoise was exactly what I needed this week.
I had the chance to snap a few pictures of him (or her!) eating, and I when I got home, I decided to clear my schedule for the day.
I ignored emails and texts, I ate a weird concoction of all the things I was craving (sauerkraut, almond cheese, and pepitas)
I enjoyed an afternoon thunderstorm, and then went into the studio and painted myself a tortoise.

(New meaning of fun with alcohol)

See? Going into your shell isn't always a bad thing!
This original painting is a very unique piece of my work unlike my other watercolor paintings, as it combines watercolor and alcohol on a canvas panel coated with watercolor grounds. The alcohol drips and mediums make a very unique effect on the non-traditional watercolor surface.

Visit me on facebook and comment for a chance to win an art print.

Do you need to slow down and draw into your shell?

Let the tortoise remind you to protect what's really important; you!

If you would like to add this "Slow & Steady" original painting to your art collection,

Dragonfly Druzy

After dragonflies kept appearing to me, following me, and even landing on me, I was a little baffled.
I would see literally dozens of dragonflies every day that I went on my trail run or ride. (Ummm, ok, so it's actually not very cool when you're zoned out while running and one of these big guys flies right into your face or lands on your neck.)
When they started showing up at my house, I knew I couldn't ignore it as coincidence. It was time to learn more about this mesmerizing winged animal totem.

A few years ago, I was a volunteer at Hospice Savannah. As the art activities facilitator of a children's bereavement group and photographer at Camp Aloha, I often came across the lovely and comforting story of dragonflies.

(Here's a brief re-telling by Walter Dudley Cavert.)

I can't say that I undoubtedly think these visitations are a sign that a departed loved one is trying to communicate with me, but I do know that a wise woman looks deeper and considers how she might apply the traditional myths of such a coincidence to her own situation.
Transformation, transition, transcendence, light, and seeing past illusion are just a few things dragonflies symbolize. They have also been seen as a sign of good luck, and the loose style I felt needed to communicate their energy fits perfectly into my luck series, so of course, I painted a dragonfly.

Glittering light on dragonfly wings is very reminiscent of a druzy.
A Druzy is a fine coating of crystals that have grown on a rock fracture surface, and I've always been drawn to them. I thought it was a fitting title since the dragonfly can symbolize light and transition. Through brokenness and loss, we can often see light that would have otherwise remained hidden.
Since I painted the dragonfly, I haven't seen quite as many on the trail, but I'm keeping my eyes open for the next muse mother nature sends to me.
This Dragonfly Druzy is titled and ready to find a new home!
Does the dragonfly speak to you?
It may be time to look past illusion and toward transition. Let the mystery and magic of the dragonfly guide you through growth and transcendence.

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Do you have a cardinal story?