Over the past 6 months I’ve been diving into watercolors and I’m absolutely in love with them! I used to be mystified and afraid of them because I didn’t know how to apply them to the type of art that I wanted to make. I love details and it seemed to me that watercolor art was anything but detailed. Impressionist paintings and blurs of color washes made me steer clear for a long time.
Recently, though, I came across a lovely website, annamasonart.com and was awestruck at what Anna was able to accomplish with watercolor. She was offering a sample tutorial for free (I believe she still does). Here is what I created at my first attempt with watercolor.
Needless to say I was convinced that she could teach me more, so I signed up for her program. Over the past few months I’ve grown in ability and confidence. Enough so to add a new item to my shops: pet portraits. Here is my sister and brother-in-law’s Josey girl.
She is a rescue dog who is an absolute angel. I’m saddened to see so many bull terriers in animal shelters. I think they’ve received an undeserved reputation for being a “mean” breed. Oftentimes, but not always, these traits are a result of inbreeding and poor training. I’ll admit it takes a strong and assertive trainer to handle them, but that is because they are naturally strong and assertive themselves. Understanding the breed is vital. I would encourage plenty of research before adding any furry new member to the family. Perhaps this will keep down the number of surrendered dogs in shelters. I’m not an expert, I just speak from what I’ve seen and experienced.
Back to Josey…
The most important thing to me, besides painting her details accurately, was to capture her sweet personality. Here is my watercolor painting of her.
Pet portraits are the most time-consuming artwork that I offer, but it has become my favorite as well. I’ve known and loved Josey for years, but through painting her I feel I know her even better. And in the process I’ve learned a little about myself too. This is what I love about art. It is not just about the result, it is the process. Just as life is not about the destination, but about the journey.
I am in awe of our Creator. He is the maker of everything, including pets! It takes me hours to simply make a watercolor image of Josey, yet he formed and created every aspect of her in an instant. As I painted each of her hairs on her body, I reflected on how God knows each hair on my own head. Painting her wrinkled nose and lopsided pout brought a smile to my face. It reminded me of how each one of us has individual personality that can influence others. We have the ability to make others smile. God gifts each one of us. It is my desire to share my gift with others and bring a smile to a face or two.
I have a couple more pets lined up for painting so stay tuned for more updates! And in the meantime, be sure to check out Josey in my stores at etsy and spouse-ly!
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