more poppies

I think I've become obsessed with painting poppies.  Each one comes out different.  I'm either satisfied with the poppies itself, but not the background, or the stem and leaves don't come out the way I see them.  So I'll be painting poppies until I get them right.  I normally don't have this much problem when I paint, but I'm painting these free hand, wet-on-wet.  I'm still not certain if I like painting wet-on-wet.  In one way it's rather freeing to paint this way,but  frustrating because I'm not getting the results I want.

Afternoon delight...wet-on-wet

 Yesterday the weather was so nice that I spent the afternoon painting in my backyard patio.

I'm trying to paint more wet-on-wet and really love the the fact that I can build up color fast.

With each painting I applied paint to form my image without having to use a pencil to sketch in the subject.

Daisy's and Pansies with Dr. Ph Martin

These paintings were quick 10 minute paintings using Dr. Ph Martin watercolors and a round brush and finishing with a black sharpie fine tip.

Tulips with Dr. PH Martin

This was a quick painting using Dr. PH. Martin watercolor paints.  I just love the richness of the straight color.

Poppies and more

I don't think I'm tired of painting poppies.  Each painting seems to take it's own life.  I'm playing around with different size of watercolor paper, different brand of watercolor paint,different sizes of watercolor brushes, and finally drawing my image with a watercolor brush, instead of my usual H pencil.

What I've learned:  Watercolor cold press paper 140lb, 5 1/2 by 7 inch paper is the perfect size; I still love my Daniel Smith watercolors, but I also like using Dr. PH Martin watercolors.  As for the brush size, a # 8 round seems to be my favorite at the moment.   I've also have used 1/2 inch angle brush and a #6 flat brush.  I've also have been using those watercolor brushes that hold water,but I find I use way too much water; they are good for quick, small paintings, but for a little larger painting, I need a brush that can hold a lot of water and cover a large area.  I'm also trying to use larger brushes...from a 12 to a 36.