New Watercolors

You can tell by these paintings that I finally bought a tube of ultramarine blue. I have been without it so long that I revelled in the fact that I had it, possibly to the point of over-doing. Both of these are paintings I've done before in different mediums. I can't seem to think of any new subject matter, yet I want to paint, particularly watercolor. I suppose at some point I will get interested in what the painting is of rather than playing with the paint itself.......but not now.

Camp

For the first time in years I left the dogs and went to stay with my old friends at their rented camp. I have known this family since I was eight years old. The original five children I grew up with have multiplied into three generations, the youngest singing kareoke in the last picture. Eliza and Nicholas, the grandchildren of my brother's friend, the grand neice and nephew of my lifelong friend...........

The camp was a kind of stereotypical rented cabin on a lake. The beach in front was strewn with boats and other floating paraphernalia. Dogs ran wild everywhere....chasing sticks thrown into the water for them to chase, playing with each other. Children swam like porpoises, and adults lounged in chairs or on floats. Meals were a joint effort, with potato salad, rice, corn, steaks, salmon, salad and burgers appearing on the huge table each mealtime. People slept either in one of the two bedrooms or on beds positioned in various corners of the big room, usually under deer heads and guns that graced every wall. In the evenings we all sat at the table and talked, reminiscing as well as discussing more contemporary times and issues.

On the second day after my arrival Jack took us for a day-long boat trip, wandering from lake to lake on streams that connected them. We were loaded with coolers of drinks, sandwiches, sunscreen, hats and sweatshirts(in case we got cold). At times Jack took the boat to the shore where we briefly explored the woods and peed. The first picture shows Jack, Lorraine, and Gina, all of whom were the companions of my childhood. Cindy was also there, and representing the next generation, Becky, who perched on the bow of the boat watching for dangerous rocks. Paula, the other sibling, had left early that morning with her two grown daughters (one of whom is in the second picture in the canoe with her dog), driving a truck and hauling a huge camper.

Usually I am nostalgic and sad when I am in a situation that brings back old memories, but this was different. I felt connected to my past in a nice way, and the passing of time seemed natural and correct. When I was young, Lorraine's parents were there taking care of us. They have both died, and their children have stepped into their place, caring for different children, different dogs, in different camps on different lakes. Yet it was still the same, with people flowing through the generations seamlessly. I felt privileged to be a part of it. I was a part of it despite the lack of the right genetic material. I had a place in the picture, a place of long-standing and security. It was a great time.

Yupo Paper

In my continued pursuit of watercolor proficiency, I tried some Yupo paper that Diana had given me. Once again, this is from a picture of an old painting of mine done in acrylic. I was looking out the third floor window of Sydney's house.

The paper was really unlike anything I have ever used. It has a slick surface that doesn't absorb anything. The paint slides and runs all over the place. It will wipe cleanly off the paper with either a brush or a paper towel. Because of that, going over what you have already done is impossible, since touching it lifts the first layer up off the paper. I played with this for two days and find the result interesting. It's hard to see in the picture, but it is reminiscent of finger paint. Every drip (and they are everywhere) is evident. No mark is undocumented. Therefore the finished work is very painterly.

I can't imagine trying to do anything precise with this paper, though I suppose with small brushes and a very controlled hand it would be poosible. This is a fairly good sized painting. As enamoured of experimentation as I am, I had a good time doing it.

Watercolor Trial

After thinking about watercolor the other day, I decided to give it a try. I painted from a photo of one of my own paintings (an acrylic) that Thelma set up once for us. To give myself the best chance, I used a bigger piece of paper....probably around 18x24....to keep from picking. I tried to conjure up the spirit of Thelma and Betty Lou as I worked, imagining them there with me. Yesterday, when I started, I thought I was going to fail miserably, but today I am pleased.

Painting from a painting is like having a head start. I had already translated the objects into paint. It gave me an edge that I thought I would need, as well as chosing a still life, which I associate with so many pleasurable occasions. Thus setting myself up for success, I was rewarded.