My virtual creative retreat ended Saturday. It is always a sad day, when I say good-bye to the structure of classes and time tables.
Probably my number one reason for falling for bullet journaling so hard.
I did have one last class to make up on Sunday, so I was able to prolong that feeling of structure. I don't know why it is so hard for me to continue a regular practice of creativity on my own. My craft site subscription to Craftsy satisfies that to a point but I am surely going to try to schedule my own art class time going forward.
At any rate, the class I made up yesterday was actually a watercolor class. But being the lazy one that I am on Sunday morning, I just grabbed whatever I had nearby and tuned in.
I had a looseleaf notebook and some brush markers.
The end result of what was supposed to be a watercolor 'crazy cake' painting wasn't too bad! I mean, some of the blending resulted in some very thin sections of paper in the end, but I think I did pretty good with what I had!
When I sit and pay attention to the classes, with the proper tools though, sometimes I get really excited by the outcome!
These 'happy plants' done with watercolors, black micron fineliner and white gel pen were so much fun and I really love how they turned out.
The instructor was Sweet Seasons Art (on Instagram).
Now last year's retreat was 2 full weeks long. One of the instructors, Thea Ong taught a class on painting a watercolor jellyfish.
It was my absolute pride and joy of the whole two weeks. My first really impressive watercolor. (by my standards and in my opinion of myself)
So when I saw she was teaching another class this year, I could not miss it!
She does start with a sketch and her guidance there is the real game changer for me, I think.
When I come up with a sketch that is actually recognizable, I am always so excited.
But let's be honest, the real magic happens when the paint goes on.
I was again, pretty proud of how I got colors to blend, or not, and how I could add enough detail to the face that It didn't look too cartoony.
I used my cheap paints in Persian blue and violet. I did add a bit of metallic purple to the plates near the dorsal fin, but it doesn't really come out in the photo.
I of course, because I am messy, had two little drops of dirty water that I simply added a dab of white paint over. Not ideal, but less distracting than blue water smears.
It IS moments like these that encourage me to continue to schedule time for an honest-to-goodness sit down art 'class' as often as I can. Make it an appointment that I must keep. Treat it as school and get there on time, and do the work.
I am sure I'm not alone in needing to TRY to get those creative moments in, but I also hope I'm not alone in trying to rectify it!