My Commitment:Watercolor Month

AD-Free Blog

Dear Reader, I have been trapped in our house for 8 weeks, with minimal outdoor time (small bits) because I'm nursing a serious knee injury. I'm unable to go up and downstairs to the basement, drive, or ramble anywhere on my own. I have been going crazy! Surgery for my knee-replacement won't be until October or November---SO---I've had to figure out--how to survive mentally and physically to enjoy this summer.

I decided to participate in THIS:
World Water Color Month July 2019 you can follow the links on this page for more information on this experience, sponsors, and charity for children's arts.

I ran across this World Wide promotion for the arts, with multiple sponsorships---All for kids and raising funds for art supplies. The Dreaming Zebra Foundation, is a charity providing support so that children and young adults are given an equal opportunity to explore and develop their creativity in the arts.

My challenge is to paint a different watercolor everyday, and try and remember techniques I once knew. I really need a challenge and kids need the ARTS! which has always been something dear to my heart.

During my art/career years, I volunteered in schools and demonstrated throwing pottery, even when my boys were grown. This meant hauling my 100# wheel up from the basement and into the truck and into the school--etc. But it was so worth it, as children are fascinated with the forming of the clay on a spinning wheel. I was also a volunteer Art Lady for local schools-bringing in historical paintings/sculptures of artists, talking about their history, and then leading a workshop in techniques used by those artists. All ages truly benefit from the arts, everywhere. I really loved doing this.

I haven't seriously painted for over 20 years. So, I dug in my old art supplies. In the late 80's early 90's I also worked for a craft store chain. I would purchase deep discounted art supplies--and have a selection of watercolors. All these paints are at least 25 years old, if not more.

I have lots of brushes downstairs, but unable to get down there---so, I'm charging ahead and using the few 'craft' brushes I had for the Grand to use in her 'craft' painting. This will really bare bones painting, I'm not interested in results---but more the journey.

 Supplies for watercolors: you will need a flat moveable work surface, cubbyhole palette, a spritzer bottle is a nice addition, tape, and I also add q-tips, absorbent paper and paper toweling. Two water glasses--one for cleaning and one for clear water. I hope to do some paintings outside on the porch, or even down on the deck.

Way back when, I must have been pretty selective because I have a great balance of colors, from multiple manufacturers. Mind you these were picked for their 'bargain cost' and not for specific quality in mind. Those 30 year old prices are a bit scary. Wonder how much they are now?

Reds can be the most expensive, if you are interested in ratings on watercolor brands/colors here is a good link for assessing what you might want to start with is

Quality ratings on watercolors. 

Look through the entire article as I think you can choose watercolors for all levels of artwork, including supplies for kids. 

My objective is to have some fun and maybe try and remember the techniques I once knew.

Yellows can be pretty expensive also, but a little goes a long way. Tertiary colors-(browns, golds-earth) colors are usually pretty reasonable. Craft stores have regular sales on sets as much as 40% off of list prices--great for a beginner. I'll make a color chart of the paints I have as I use them. This is always a good reference for when you are using old paints. 

At Christmas I had purchased this inexpensive Reeves Gouache set to use with my granddaughter at 1/2 price with a coupon. Gouache is a more opaque form of watercolors, and you can work on top of the colors. I really liked using these for detail work.

This is a very complete set---since six-year olds aren't really able to mix all the colors themselves. There is no waste, as dried up watercolors can be reconstituted with a little fresh water. 

I plan on using sketchbook paper for most of the paintings, because that is what I have, now. SOMEWHERE I have watercolor paper, probably downstairs, UGH! 

Watercolor month also gives artists different prompts for each day! I will follow this--as it will help me narrow down subject matter and focus. This doesn't mean I won't be spontaneous...hope you enjoy this journey with me.

This week's Prompts are:

Day 1 Primary Palette (red, yellow,blue)
Day 2 Sunny Sky
Day 3 Picnic Food
Day 4 Family Fun
Day 5 Loose and Free
Day 6 Window View

I'll post my painting projects in a post, on Pinterest, Flickr and Facebook with the hashtag

 #WorldWatercolorMonth 

I will try and respond to every comment and answer every question. 

Join me at these fine blog parties:

Tuesdays at Our Home

Creative Mondays

Make it Pretty Monday

Celebrate Your Story
Talk of the Town

 Please do not use photos without linking back to this blog without my permission. 

Thank you for your cooperation, 
Sandi