Moleskine Art

My break from painting oils has continued throughout the entire month of February. I have also cut way back on my computer time this month in regards to posting what I'm doing on my blog, putting on Facebook, Pinterest, my website, etc. I have put a few photos on Instagram, mainly because it's so easy! It has just been a lot lately, and I was missing too much time with my little guys.

However, I have found little windows of time to pull out my pen and little watercolor set. That has been a great learning experience for me. For one, pen can't be erased, so if there are drawing mistakes, oh well. That's part of the fun and taking some of the pressure off--it's not going to be "perfect". I am trying to select things to paint that I might not consider with my oils and palette knife. I am looking to push myself and grow while I "rest".

Have purchased lots of neat supplies, including awesome Moleskine books for drawing and watercolors. Seems there is quite a community of users, and lots of fun looking at all of the inspiration out there. Here are some of the things I've been doing in my Moleskines (all are 5x7 or smaller):

Orchid in Watercolor

Here is another orchid painting done from a photo I took at The US Botanic Garden in DC. I always liked this orchid, but was not sure how it would look with oils and knife due to all of the spots and stripes. I'm happy with the way the flower turned out.

4x6 watercolor on paper

www.halliekohnart.com

A Black Swallowtail

I took this photograph years ago and have always wanted to paint it. With watercolors I can just grab my little papers, pen, and travel paints and do it. The process for what I'm doing is just so much more convenient, especially with two boys underfoot. I mix as I go instead of mixing out the whole palette as I do with my oils. Hmmm. Maybe I will give this a try with oils--risky!

4x6 watercolor on paper

www.halliekohnart.com

A Watercolor Excursion

Now I'm not sure if I've ever told you this, but the very first paints I purchased were watercolors. I tried them for a few weeks, and decided I wanted brighter, thicker, shinier... You get the idea. Was at an art shop with my three year old, and decided to purchase a Windsor and Newton travel box, a water brush, and a waterproof pen. Then I came home and cut up some large pieces of paper into smaller, less intimidating sizes and had a little fun with all of my new "mini" stuff. Not too bad for a first attempt!