February 28, 2018
Yesterday I started a new watercolor. It's of the first antique basket I ever collected, back in the mid 1970s. It's still my favorite. They called these baskets 'gizzard baskets' because of their shape. This one dates to circa 1850, and is made of splint oak. As you can see, some of it's ribs have lost their wrap. That is part of the charm it has for me. It's like so many other precious items I have around my studio, worn with a history of usage. Also known as Wabi-Sabi, a Japanese aesthetic of what makes something beautiful.

The photos of the progress, show that I started with the apples, and then on to the basket. A violet color was laid down in the shadow areas of the apples first. After that had dried the red was applied. It's all about building up the richness of color...slowly. To get to this point took about nine hours of work.

Colorfully,
Sandy

 BROKEN III

Watercolor 11 1/2" x 15"

It took a long time to complete this piece! Almost three weeks. That old saying comes to mind, "The best laid plans of men and mice often go astray."
That's always true fort art work too. As I work on a painting, there is an idea of how it might look when done. Many times the finished piece is far different than the original thought. That's the case with Broken III. Another comment often heard from working artists is this: "The work takes on a life of it's own." This piece did exactly that. Colorfully yours, Sandy

Due to the flue, it's been a little over a week since I have been able to do any work on BROKEN III. Thanks to everyone who wished me well! It worked...or was all the many prayers that were offered? Thank you. One good thing about being down with the flue...I did lose 6 lbs!
Here is the progress image for today.