San Francisco Pacific Palisades DSDF 21-22 and an Award

"Pink Yellow Blue and Black" about 5x7 watercolor on paper

Another impressive challenge from Karin Jurick at Different Strokes by Different Folks. This was a daunting challenge for me. Straight lines and I usually don't get along well lol However when I was 10 minutes into the drawing, I realize that it was going to be a really good project to undertake because it's an opportunity for an excellent refresher study on basic shapes! Good grief, I was feeling sorry for the builders as their challenge was far bigger than mine! I was able to start over halfway through my drawing because that's when I realized the tops of the cone roofs (I bet there's an official name for those lol), were not going to fit and that's just not acceptable! Part of the reason why I took so long to make up my mind about painting this was that I was drooling over painting the molds and cool shapes in oils! But I don't think I would have enjoyed it as much if I were to paint it smaller than 11x14. I might still do it at some point, don't be surprised! Also, I try not to see what other people do with their DSDF challenge when I can help it so I can focus on my approach. As usual this challenged attracted a wonderful variety!

DSDF 15-16 Watercolor Boots Oscar Myers

"My Winter Thoughts" 5.5x8.5 watercolors

Sung to the tune of the Oscar Myers jingle:
"Oh I wish we had a California winter
'cuz Arkansas just gets too cold for me!
My feet get cold and only Ugg shoewear keep them warm,
And those datburn things just do not come for free!" *curtsy* :)

Painted as my challenge response to Karin Jurick's DSDF

DSDF #11 Upside Down Walker and Charles Reid thoughts

"Upside Down Walker" 7x10 watercolor

Oh my, this week's challenge is pretty challenging. I laughed to myself when I turned my painting upright and I was a bit disoriented that the woman was facing the opposite direction from when I was painting her LOL! Ok, maybe you can understand more what I'm talking about when you visit this week's Different Strokes by Different Folks, a blog hosted by Karin Jurick.

I need to note that I've determined an additional benefit I've inherited from Charles Reid when I took his workshop. His painting technique has allowed me to not discriminate against most papers. In fact, I haven't encountered a watercolor paper that I can't paint well enough on. This paper is Portofino Aquarello Cartiera Magnani. I didn't like this paper when I used it the first time. The paper wasn't letting me get crisp edges; I guess not enough sizing. But I am perfectly happy this time around.

DSDF #9 Alabama Cow

"Sunny Alabama Cow" 8x5 watercolor

I really wanted to paint Karin Jurick's Alabama Cow for her DSDF week 8 challenge but I never found the momentum so watercolor was the quickest. Anyway I'm pleased to have painted this beautiful cow! You know we pass many cows when we drive around some lingering farm areas in Northwest Arkansas but I guess my California eyes have never really had the pleasure of observing how CUTE they look! She actually looks like the cows they portray in Disney cartoons LOL!