Boats, Boats and More Boats!

Reference is always made to the "lazy days of summer"; not for me. This summer I decided to increase my knowledge and , hopefully, enhance the way that I express myself. After a couple of trips out of town, I took the batik class which I thoroughly enjoyed. After this class, I decided to purchase the tools necessary and continue creating in this manner. If that was not enough to keep me busy, I decided to take an earring/jewelry class to use the tools and beads I was given when I first retired. After a few pairs of earrings, I think I will retire from that. Watercolor continues to be a big part of my life. Here in South Florida, we are surrounded by water and there is always some relative or friend that owns a boat. I don't sail or fish, but I love to paint boats and the ocean in general. Here are my latest works.

www.artistamundo.com/rosiesart

WATERCOLOR BATIK WORKSHOP - Day #3

On the third day, we added more texture and detail to our pieces with the tjanting tools (wax dripping tools) and most of us completed our paintings. We were then ready to use many gorgeous metal stamps. These stamps were dipped in bigger pots of wax and then on our rice paper to create a design. Our images could be endless depending on how we placed the stamps, overlapped the shapes and the possibility of the glazes in between. Our instructor brought such a variety of stamps: fish, flowers, coral, dragonfly, etc. It was fun to see how different artists chose the use of these stamps. The end results were awesome. This was a very worthwhile three day class. Many of us have now found another way to express ourselves.

www.artistamundo.com/rosiesart

WATERCOLOR BATIK WORKSHOP - Day #2

We arrived on the second day with our own pictures to sketch. We now had the process down and had made most of our errors on our sample batik on the first day. I had decided to paint a heliconia and do it larger than the first batik. I felt the reds and yellows with the green background would really stand out with this process and on this beautiful paper. It was interesting to see what the other artists had selected to paint. I was so involved that although I had my camera, I hardly took any pictures or ate because the painting totally consumed me. It was a good thing that Lynda LaRocca, Fairchild photographer, was there to capture it all. She captured the entire class showing off their work from the first day. By the end of the second day, I had practically completed my painting with the exception of a little touch up and the ironing which I left for the third day. More on the third day later.

www.artistamundo.com/rosiesart

WATERCOLOR BATIK WORKSHOP - Day #1

I had enrolled in a watercolor batik class a while back and the day was finally here. The first day in class was spent getting familiar with the supplies. Many of us paint, but never using melted paraffin, blowers and irons. The class took place at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden; just walking in to the garden makes you want to paint. Our instructor, Lynda Wellens, welcomed us with a board with samples of the process, step-by-step. Right away I felt that, at least, I could refer to that board and be able to follow. We were given rice paper and were shown how to cut it. This paper is way more delicate than a 300 lb one, but it is so beautiful and with lots of texture. I immediately loved the way the colors show on this paper. We were also given our individual containers with hot, melted paraffin. For this class, we brought inexpensive brushes to dip in the wax. Each of us received a beautiful color picture and drawing of a bird named Nazca Booby. I was in my element. I love to paint tropical birds and the ocean. We sketched the bird and started with what would be the batik process. We started saving the white of the paper with the melted wax and letting it dry. After many washes of colors, blow drying, followed with layers of wax to protect the various mid tones and areas, we had a finished sample. Of course, we were not quite finished, we now had to remove all of the layers of wax and reval our creations. This is where the iron and newspapers came into play. We were all amazed at our final results. This was only a sample of what is to come. We will be bringing our own photographs and go through the process on the second day. We should be able to manipulate the materials better; having done the sample on the first day. We will also be working with other tools to add more interest and textures. I can't wait.

www.artistamundo.com/rosiesart

STAY COOL

As an artist, I am constantly inspired by what I see. The non-family/friends pictures I take are taken with the thought that they could possibly become a future painting. After my vacation this Spring and over the 4th of July week in Georgia, I returned with a camera full of images. Needless to say, I have more pictures than time to paint. Family happenings and traveling have not allowed me time to paint for over a month, but starting today, I will return to my passion. I am also looking forward to a batik and watercolor workshop this summer with the very talented, Lynda Wellens. I am intrigued by this technique, but I am not really sure that I will be doing it on my own. One thing I know, it will be fun to be with other creative friends. I will be telling all of you about this experience next time. For now, stay cool, have fun, and make yourself a glass of lemonade

www.artistamundo.com/rosiesart