Sunday was cold and rainy--very rainy. And we got word that Josie had been exposed to Covid at her school on Wednesday and we had been exposed to Josie on Friday. Plans to have a friend over for supper were scrapped and I settled in for a day of reading and watercolor.
I've never been comfortable painting 'from life' but generally take a picture of the subject to work from--that way the light and angles don't change. But after having a go a few days ago at painting Blue Elephant (2) without taking a picture first, I was emboldened to try to capture the magnificent variegated poinsettia my friend Sue gave me.
It was too big and complicated for me to do more than a portion. I sketched in pencil then inked the sketch. Then I began layering color. The gorgeous shadings were challenging, to say the least.
I like to work on two pictures at once, to allow time for the paint to dry in between bouts. A primrose on the table was less challenging than the poinsettia. (Also, you may notice that I was reading Hamnet, of which I'll have more to say tomorrow.)
I actually like the plain pen and ink but can't resist adding color.
By late afternoon when both were done, I had a text from Claui to say that Josie had tested negative, and life could go on--though preschool will be closed this week.
There's something about drawing and painting--trying to capture a likeness-- that engages my full attention, slows my breathing, and erases worry. A great way to pass a rainy day with the possibility of Covid.
