Sunday, June 28, 2009

Two Donkeys

Four months ago I took a two month break from watercolour painting. That was the last thing I should have done as I am now really struggling with my watercolours.

I love the medium but freely admit that oils are my preferred choice. But the discipline and clarity of watercolours will always attract. As a result I have spent ages on paintings, only to tear them up in frustration. Overworking again and again, even though I know I'm doing it but can't help it!

But if nothing else, I'm stubborn and will persevere until I get better at it. After all, isn't that what art is about?

This comes from a photograph taken in the Baviaanskloof area - there was a handler in the picture, but I just concentrated on the donkeys.


18 comments:

Carol Schiff Daily Painting said...

Liz, This is very fresh and clean. I too, know the frustration you are going through. I did the same with pastel, although it has been 3 years and not 2 months since I used them. Wanted to bring my oils up to par, but it seems I am only able to work in one media at a time with any skill.

Dean H. said...

Very well done, Liz. This one isn't overworked! Very fresh and inviting!

Charlene Brown said...

The first thing I thought when I saw this was that every stroke had gone down exacttly as you'd intnded -- amazing to then read that you'd been having problems with overworking! Glad you persevered and got your watercolours doing what only they can do...

Unknown said...

Wow... the bit's of white you've left make the donkey's glow as if backlit by the sun. My favorite part is that they look so happy as if they knew they were posing for one of the kindest and talented artists around.

Marian Fortunati said...

Hi Liz.. I like the little donkeys...
Isn't it funny how "stubborn" and "persevere" are valued differently but mean pretty much the same thing... especially in your case... SO KEEP ON being stubborn... DON'T give up... PERSEVERE!!! You always do wonderful things and it's yourself that you have to please!!

FitFoodieMegha said...

Wonderful work with water colors...Its a different ans gr8 side of your art!

Becky said...

They look content and like they are posing just for you! I like the softness of the colors.

Art with Liz said...

Hi Carol, thank you for that. I'd hate to think what my watercolours would be like after 3 years!


Hello there Dean. Thank you - I tried hard with this but still have a long way to go.

Art with Liz said...

Charlene, you are so good for my ego! Thank you.


Hello Sheila, thank you for those wonderful kind words, but I've got a lot to live up to compared to you - you're my kindness hero!

Art with Liz said...

As you say, Marian, stubborn and persevere in one sentence - I'm a true blue Capricorn (stubborn old goat) in that respect. Thank you for your wise and kind words. LOL


Hi there Megha - thanks for the visit - I'm having trouble with your blog at the moment - it's registering last posting a year ago! I'll just have to keep checking!

Art with Liz said...

Hi Becky, I hope they bring a little peace into your home and this week is less hectic! Thanks so much for the visit.

Diana Marshall said...

Lovely painting, I know what you mean about using water colour after painting with oils.

Angela Elledge said...

Hi Liz - Oh my, I find watercolors very painful...no wiping off, no scraping, no forgiveness at all! Perseverance always pays off and it certainly has here; you've certainly handled soft edges vs. hard edges beautifully!

Thank you so much for visiting and commenting on my blog; I really appreciate it!

Art with Liz said...

Hi Diana - it's so comforting to know that I'm not the only one struggling with transference! Thanks for the visit.


I love your work Angela and thank you for being so kind and commenting on my work.

Gary Keimig said...

struggle or not. You have really done a nice one with this watercolor. So simple and to the point. Love its subtlety

Art with Liz said...

Thank you Gary for your very uplifting comment.

Fábio Cembranelli said...

Hi Liz! Nice watercolor, I like it because it's transparent and full of light. Thank you for sharing!

Suzanne McDermott said...

I like this pair, Liz! They (and the watercolor) remind me of an old watercolor my mother had up on the wall by George Biddle with a gang of working donkeys.