Tell Me . . . What Do You See??

9x12 mixed media on watercolor paper

Who knew it could be so much fun to paint with a squeegee!  Lou gave a an extra one he had from home depot (which btw is a great place to look for painting tools!)  and I wasn't sure if I would ever use it.  I quickly gave it a try on watercolor paper using a limited palette of payne's gray, quin nickel azo gold, and some titanium white.  These are colors I don't normally use together but I was inspired by a lesson in Misty Mawn's online class "Open Studio"  and thought I would give it a whirl.  

I only used my hands to lay down the initial layer of colors and then started scraping with the plastic scraper thingy.  I was nervous at first wondering how much of it I would mess up as I just randomly scraped away, blending and removing color all at the same time.  It also came in handy to scratch some lines which I often love to do.  

I was just about to add another layer over it because I did not like it at all when my husband came in and said he liked it.  He told me to leave it overnight and look at it with fresh eyes in the morning.  Pretty good advice.  He told me he saw a white house, and I realized I saw a bird in the center.  I also see a waterfall in the right lower corner.  When I posted this on facebook a friend told me he saw a nativity scene!

This is what I love most about painting abstract . . . each person who looks at it sees something different.  I love the discoveries!!  I love the images that just show up!

So now its  your turn.  What do you see??

Sharing at Paint Party Friday

xo

See Yourself . . .

"see yourself as you are"
mixed media on 5x7 watercolor paper
©cathy bueti


I was inspired by the colors used in the landscape I shared in my last post.  Its something about reds and blues lately that draws me in.  I usually stick with neutrals or earth tones.  Nothing too bold.  Maybe I need the bold colors to help get my angst out.  I may have overscribbled on this one but I don't care.  It is still my favorite part of the process when I work on these pieces.

The question mark in the top left appeared in the red paint all on its own as I was fingerpainting.  I brought it out more with black marker and the white out pen.  The words I wrote around the circle say "see  yourself as you are".  And at one point I do recall scribbling "who are you?"  Its really how I am feeling these days.  Not knowing who I am anymore.

I had a truly difficult day yesterday full of anxiety and tears.  It was mentally as well as physically exhausting.  My arm is not healing as well as I had hoped.  More anxiety over this issue that is now in 3 months of development.  I just want some relief, mentally that is.  I was on the phone yesterday with the doc again and she calmed me down.  I may end up seeing her again on Tuesday.  Apparently I have a deep stitch that may be working its way out when it should be dissolving.  I guess it doesn't like me.  I will try not to obsess over it this weekend but she assured me that she will be available by phone if I need her.  At least I have a really patient and nice doctor as I continue to deal with this arm issue.

Hope you have a great holiday weekend.  Here it will be quiet, hubby is working for the next 3 days. I will be on my own trying to stay calm and keep anxiety at bay.

I am sharing this piece today at Paint Party Friday.

Its always fun over there!  Come and join us.
xo

Graffiti And My Favorite Color Palette

"Grow"

mixed media on 9x12 hot press watercolor paper

The only painting I did this week was this new graffiti inspired piece. I am still feeling the effects of the stomach bug that hit me last week. I just can't seem to shake it. I have no patience for feeling down and out. I don't like to rest even when its needed.

But it did make me feel better to smear some paint around in my favorite colors. I used payne's gray and raw umber with some black and white for this one. I also used a new alphabet stencil and my favorite tree stamp which I have no ruined with white paint! lol I was going to add more to this but after leaving it for a few days I think I am done.

Sharing this over at Paint Party Friday. For those of you celebrating Easter this weekend I wish you a happy holiday! Of course I am wishing everyone a fabulous weekend!

xo

Image Transfer Update . . . New Painting :)

Let Us Grow . . .

mixed media on 9x12 watercolor paper

Good morning my friends! Hope you are enjoying a lovely Sunday morning wherever you may be! Excited to see so many of you entered my giveaway! Yesterday I had some studio time so I decided to get back to my image transfers that I shared with you a few days ago! I wasn't really sure what I was going to do so I just grabbed pink and green paint and started randomly brushing it on the paper being sure to maintain my images.

I really hated the colors I chose so I grabbed some white gesso to tone them down. And then I added some yellow since it still wasn't looking how I wanted it to. I was trying to work off of the yellow tones I saw in the tree image transfer. Then I grabbed some of my water soluble crayons in an olive green and raw umber and shaded around the outside to give some perspective. I used the raw umber to draw in the tree branches and leaves. Just as I was finishing with that those words popped into my head and I quickly grabbed my letter stamps before I forgot them!

Here is how it started out in case you missed that post!

I typically don't work on watercolor paper but I liked how the transfers came out on the paper and wanted to complete the piece. This scanned image is not as rich as the colors in the original. Ahhh, still struggling with photos of my work! I don't often get in the zone but yesterday I was and I think that is when I connect the most with my work . . .