Miniature Watercolor Painting - Abstract Tree Twenty-Two

Miniature Watercolor Painting - Abstract Tree Twenty-Two
Originally uploaded by Benita S.

"Abstract Tree Twenty-two"
2.5" x 3.5" ACEO (6.35cm x 8.89cm)
Watercolor on paper

The latest in my obsession with trees. This one was painted wet-on-wet.

On the Easel - Abstract Landscape Painting in Progress

Here are the latest developments in the painting.

I added two trees and some grass. Sorry about the photo. I got a late start today and had to use the flash so there is a glare.

I signed the painting but I am still unsure if it is finished. I am thinking about changing the shadows at the base of the trees and/or maybe adding more trees on the opposite end of the field. It would be easy to overwork this one though so I am going to hold off on making any more changes at least until tomorrow. Maybe longer. And as usual, a title as yet eludes me.

Whats in a Name?

I am not always very good at communicating with words. As a matter of fact, it can be quite a struggle for me. I have thought about this fact quite a lot. Especially after a particularly embarrassing miscommunication or days of agonizing over the title of a painting. I believe this to be due to several factors. 1.) I am a visual artist and as such tend to be more of a visual person. 2.) I am very hard of hearing (almost deaf in fact) and 3.) I tend to think in images rather than words (probably due to reason #1 & 2 combined??).

Recently this is really driving me crazy! I am having a terrible time trying to name my paintings and I am getting really frustrated. So many times when I name a painting I feel it doesn't really "fit". The title should be an extension of the painting right?

I have even tried listing words that come to mind when I think of the painting. This is not really working. I think maybe the reason is because the words end up being manufactured as I think in pictures not sound. Probably the most honest name for any of my paintings would be something like "picture in my head #10,929" lol . But even that doesn't convey the emotion or thought pattern I meant to portray.

It is all very frustrating.

Miniature Watercolor Painting - Study of Bamboo One

Miniature Watercolor Painting - Study of Bamboo One
Originally uploaded by Benita S.

"Study of Bamboo One"
Miniature 2.5" x 2.5"
Watercolor on paper

I painted these miniature studies of bamboo purposely using only one stroke of the brush for each detail.

Miniature Watercolor Painting - Study of Bamboo One

Miniature Watercolor Painting - Study of Bamboo One
Originally uploaded by Benita S.

"Study of Bamboo One"
Miniature 2.5" x 2.5"
Watercolor on paper

I painted these miniature studies of bamboo purposely using only one stroke of the brush for each detail.

Miniature Watercolor Painting - Study of Bamboo Two

Miniature Watercolor Painting - Study of Bamboo Two
Originally uploaded by Benita S.

"Study of Bamboo Two"
Miniature 2.5" x 2.5"
Watercolor on paper

On the Easel - Abstract Landscape Painting in Progress (Part One)

I had already worked on this painting some before I decided to share its progress. In this 1st photo I had already applied about 5 - 7 layers of paint. This painting measures 40" x 24". When I paint in acrylics I use any tool needed to get the paint to do what I want. So far in this painting I have used brushes, fingers, rags and old credit cards.


As you can see this photo was taken at an angle in order to get the whole length. The lighting wasn't great today and I was using my daylight lamps so the colors may be a little more off than usual.

I then added in the background treeline. This was also several more layers and I ended up with a lot of paint on me instead of the canvas. lol

I will add more photos as I progress so be sure to check back.

Miniature Watercolor Painting - Abstract Tree Twenty-One

Miniature Watercolor Painting - Abstract Tree Twenty-One
Originally uploaded by Benita S.

"Abstract Tree Twenty-One"
Miniature 2.5" x 2.5" (6.35cm x 6.35cm)
Watercolor on paper

This square miniature size is sometimes hard to work in. That is one of the reasons I choose it. It forces me to concentrate on developing the objects with as few brush strokes as possible. I wanted to study an individual limb in this one. Although not one of my favorites I did succeed a bit in creating the movement of the tree limb with only minimal strokes of paint.

Miniature Painting - Abstract Tree Twenty

Miniature Painting - Abstract Tree Twenty
Originally uploaded by Benita S.

"Abstract Tree Twenty"
2.5" x 2.5" (6.35cm x 6.35cm)
Watercolor on paper

I really like how this one turned out. I will probably use this one in another painting.

Small Watercolor Painting - Early Morning

Small Watercolor Painting - Early Morning
Originally uploaded by Benita S.

"Early Morning"
6" x 4" OSWOA (15.24cm x 10.16cm)
Watercolor on paper

This one is a little different than what I usually paint but that is the point of creating studies in small formats. I enjoyed this one and I thought it turned out "happy".

Miniature Painting - Abstract Tree Nineteen

Miniature Painting - Abstract Tree Nineteen
Originally uploaded by Benita S.

"Abstract Tree Nineteen"
4" x 6" OSWOA (10.16cm x 15.24cm)
Watercolor on paper

#19 in my "obsession with trees in abstract" series of studies.

Mini Watercolor Painting - Abstract Study

Mini Watercolor Painting - Abstract Study
Originally uploaded by Benita S.

Abstract Study of Boats on a Canal
4" x 6" OSWOA (10.16cm x 15.24cm)
Watercolor on paper

I have felt really rotten today. I am grateful however, as I had a fairly good day yesterday so I had the opportunity to spend some time with my family. Meniere's is a real pain to live with. So I think maybe todays study reflects some of the vertigo I have been dealing with today. lol I actually like it though. I love painting loosely in watercolors. This one was done using a photo as reference as there aren't any canals such as this around here. I found the composition really interesting and thought I would give it a try.

Mini Watercolor Painting - Abstract Tree Eighteen

Mini Watercolor Painting - Abstract Tree Eighteen
Originally uploaded by Benita S.

"Abstract Tree Eighteen"
4" x 6" OSWOA (10.16cm x 15.24cm)
Watercolor on paper

Not a Christmas theme but I did get one done on Christmas! Merry Christmas everyone!

Small Watercolor Painting - Abstract Tree Seventeen

Small Watercolor Painting - Abstract Tree Seventeen
Originally uploaded by Benita S.

"Abstract Tree Seventeen"
4" x 6" OSWOA (10.16cm x 15.24cm)
Watercolor on paper

For everyone who celebrates Christmas "MERRY CHRISTMAS!"
For everyone who celebrates other winter holidays "HAPPY HOLIDAYS!"
Peace and happiness to everyone!

Small Watercolor Painting - Abstract Tree Sixteen

Small Watercolor Painting - Abstract Tree Sixteen
Originally uploaded by Benita S.

"Abstract Tree Sixteen"
4" x 6" OSWOA (10.16cm x 15.24cm)
Watercolor on paper

Perhaps my obsession with painting trees will slow down some, or maybe not. Either way, here is the latest.

Miniature Watercolor Painting - Abstract Tree Fifteen

Miniature Watercolor Painting - Abstract Tree Fifteen
Originally uploaded by Benita S.

"Abstract Tree Fifteen"
2.5" x 2.5" Miniature (6.35cm x 6.35cm)
Watercolor on paper

This one turned out appearing fairly simple and stark but I liked it so I left it. I have felt rotten the last few days (I just can't seem to get rid of this cold!) so I am really surprised the paintings are turning out with bright and sometimes cheerful colors. Between the rain and feeling rotten I kind of expected them to start getting dark.

It warmed up here for a couple of days but now it is cold again. :(
I'm starting to wish for spring already!

Miniature Watercolor Painting - Abstract Tree Fourteen

Miniature Watercolor Painting - Abstract Tree Fourteen
Originally uploaded by Benita S.

"Abstract Tree Fourteen"
6" x 4" OSWOA (15.24cm x 10.16cm)
Watercolor on paper

#14 in my "Obsession with Trees" portion of my Smallworks Series. Today I will be working on a painting quite a bit larger than this one. The plan is that it will be on a full sheet of watercolor paper.

I spent the day Christmas shopping with my sister yesterday and I didn't work on any other paintings other than the one I posted. I love spending time with my sisters. I am lucky in the fact we have always gotten along well with one another. They are my best friends. So I knew I wouldn't be getting much work done yesterday as once we get together that is out the window. lol

Mini Watercolor Painting - Abstract Tree Thirteen

Mini Watercolor Painting - Abstract Tree Thirteen
Originally uploaded by Benita S.

"Abstract Tree Thirteen"
3.5" x 2.5" ACEO ( 8.89cm x 6.35cm)
Watercolor on paper

I have always tried to hide my own efforts and wished my works to have the lightness and joyousness of a springtime which never lets anyone suspect the labours it cost.
-- Henri Matisse

Ramblings... on developing your own style

Artists are told they should develop their own personal style. Unless you copy someone else's work exactly (and yes, I know there are those who are good at doing just that) well then in my opinion that is kind of a stupid statement. If you pick up a pencil, brush, glue etc. ... You have your own style. It may not be what you want it to be. And it probably isn't what it will be in say 5 years or so but if it is... well, I hate to break it to you but you are stagnated. (If that's the case may I suggest a few creativity exercises?) But usually when this sort of thing is said what they really mean is paint the same way and the same subjects over and over. And over, and over and over. I have always had a problem with this. Maybe it is because I have such varied interests. So, from time to time my style changes some, a little or a lot, and I paint many different subjects. So what if it can't be said I am a "landscape artist", a "portrait artist", or so on or so on?? I paint what I want to paint, what I am moved to paint. In other words, I paint from my heart. If, according to some, that makes the way I paint "incorrect" (puhlease!!) then so be it. This may sound a little harsh, but I don't paint for anyone other than myself anyway. Don't misunderstand me, I, like many, many artists, have an ego and I love it when someone likes my work. But its still not why I paint. The only reason I really know this about myself is because... well, when I wasn't displaying or sharing my artwork at all, guess what? I still painted. A lot. All the time really. Then, as now I just painted because I felt compelled to. Who knows why. I have thousands of paintings floating around in my head just waiting for their turn and believe me, it will keep me awake at night if I don't do something about it!. Some of them may never get painted. :( Unless, of course, they improve medical technology really quickly and I get to live to be 200 or so. Maybe not even then. lol

So, I will just keep painting, and painting, and painting. Many subjects, my own style(s) lol. If you are an artist, you should too. Let's take our creative efforts back to where they should be. Art should never be just about marketing.

Miniature Watercolor Painting - Abstract Tree Twelve

Miniature Watercolor Painting - Abstract Tree Twelve
Originally uploaded by Benita S.

"Abstract Tree Twelve"
3.5" x 2.5" ACEO (8.89cm x 6.35cm)
Watercolor on paper

I have been so busy lately that I have only finished these small paintings. I have, however, done several of them. Here's the next one of my obsession with trees.

Have no fear of perfection, you'll never reach it.
-----Salvador Dali