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

Miniature Watercolor Painting - Abstract Tree Eleven: Willow by the River

Miniature Watercolor Painting - Abstract Tree Eleven: Willow by the River
Originally uploaded by Benita S.

"Abstract Tree Eleven: Willow by the River"
3.5" x 2.5" ACEO (8.89cm x 6.35cm)
Watercolor on paper

Imagination is more important than knowledge...

Albert Einstein

Miniature ACEO Watercolor Painting - Study of a Peacock in Abstract

Miniature ACEO Watercolor Painting - Study of a Peacock in Abstract
Originally uploaded by Benita S.

"Study of a Peacock in Abstract"
3.5" x 2.5" ACEO (8.89cm x 6.35cm)
Watercolor on paper

Daily Painting - Stormy Beach in Abstract

Miniature ACEO Watercolor Painting - Stormy Beach in Abstract
Originally uploaded by Benita S.

"Stormy Beach in Abstract"
2.5" x 3.5" Miniature, ACEO (6.35cm x 8.89cm)
Watercolor on Paper

Miniature Watercolor Painting - Abstract Wildflowers One

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

"Abstract Wildflowers One"
3.5" x 2.5" ACEO (8.89cm x 6.35cm)
Watercolor on paper

Miniature Watercolor Painting - Abstract Tree Ten

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

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

Study of a tree in abstract.

Miniature Watercolor Painting - Landscape Study in Abstract

Miniature Watercolor Painting - Landscape Study in Abstract
Originally uploaded by Benita S.

"Landscape Study in Abstract One"
3.5" x 2.5" ACEO (8.89cm x 6.35cm)
Watercolor on Paper

Another winter landscape. This time I kept this one more abstract. My intent was to give the impression of a frozen lake with only a few brush strokes.

Miniature Watercolor Painting - Abstract Wildflowers

Miniature Watercolor Painting - Abstract Wildflowers
Originally uploaded by Benita S.

"Abstract Wildflowers Two"
3.5" x 2.5" ACEO (8.89cm x 6.35cm)
Watercolor on Paper

Watercolor Painting - Tree Nine: Winter Scene

Watercolor Painting - Tree Nine: Winter Scene
Originally uploaded by Benita S.

"Tree Nine: Winter Scene"
3.5" x 2.5" ACEO (8.89cm x 6.35cm)
Smallworks Series
Watercolor on paper

I have three small paintings to add today. All three are watercolors. This is the only ACEO size though. This painting was so peaceful to create. It just kind of painted itself!

Watercolor - Red Flower

Small Watercolor Painting - Red Flower
Originally uploaded by Benita S.

"Red Flower"
6" x 4" OSWOA (15.24cm x 10.16cm)
Smallworks Series
Watercolor on paper

Watercolor - The Blue Forrest

Small Watercolor Painting - The Blue Forrest
Originally uploaded by Benita S.

"The Blue Forest"
4" x 6" OSWOA (10.16cm x 15.24cm)
Smallworks Series
Watercolor on paper

I usually paint in layers. This one definitely has the layers. There are probably seven or eight layers minimum in this tiny painting. In larger paintings I may add many more but that is a lot for a small painting.

Miniature Painting - One Red Tree

Miniature Painting - One Red Tree
Originally uploaded by Benita S.

"One Red Tree"
6" x 4" OSWOA (15.24cm x 10.16cm)
Watercolor on paper

Although my painting style is usually much more abstract than this, I really like this one.

I love working with watercolors. The unpredictability of the medium is so thrilling. The bloom on the right side turned out in the perfect area I think. Many watercolor artists try to control blooms, meaning prevent them, but I think they add character when they happen. I welcome the unexpected in this wonderful medium.

ACEO Painting - Abstract Tree Eight with Bird

ACEO Painting - Abstract Tree Eight with Bird
Originally uploaded by Benita S.

"Abstract Tree Eight with Bird"
2.5" x 3.5" ACEO (6.35cm x 8.89cm)
Watercolor on paper

A quick little painting. I am not totally satisfied with the bird. I wanted him a little more abstract than he is but the tree turned out much looser.

Daily Painting - Untitled Winter Landscape

ACEO Miniature Painting - Untitled Winter Landscape
Originally uploaded by Benita S.

Untitled Winter Landscape
3.5" x 2.5" ACEO (8.89cm x 6.35cm)
Watercolor on Paper

This one is one of several studies for a larger landscape. I like the way this one turned out and am planning on using elements from this tiny painting in a larger composition.

I spoke too soon about not getting much in the way of snow and ice. We now have ice here. lol Brrrrr it's cold here!

Mini Watercolor Painting - Abstract Tree Seven

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

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

My latest somewhat abstract study of a tree. This painting is much "tighter" than I meant for it to be. I like the color of the foreground in this one and the hard line created between the foreground and the background horizon line. While this one is ok, I still feel it should have been looser.

It has been storming and raining here for more than two days now. When the weather is nasty like this it really affects my work. I try to ignore it but so far I haven't succeeded. I sooo wish it would stop raining now!

Miniature ACEO Watercolor Painting - Abstract Tree Six

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

"Abstract Tree Six: Ice Storm"
2.5" x 3.5" ACEO (6.35cm x 8.89cm)
Watercolor on paper

Well, I thought my mini obsession with winter scenes was over... but I guess not. Here is my latest ACEO of trees during an ice storm. This one was created just for fun, not as a study.

Watercolor Painting - Abstract Tree Five

Watercolor Painting - Abstract Tree Five
Originally uploaded by Benita S.

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

Since this painting is so small, I had to use a very tiny brush to drop the colors onto the paper. Otherwise, they would blend too much and turn into "mud". I thought the background turned out quite interesting.

Painting - Senseless Joy

Painting - Senseless Joy
Originally uploaded by Benita S.

"Senseless Joy"
Acrylic on Canvas
18" x 24" (45.72cm x 60.96cm)

Unfortunately, I am nowhere near being a professional photographer. Since this one hasn't gone in to be photographed yet, I tried my best to get a shot of this painting without the glare but no go.

Abstract Painting - Patience and Persistence

Abstract Painting - Patience and Persistence
Originally uploaded by Benita S.

"Patience and Persistence"
Acrylic on Canvas
24" x 18" (60.96cm x 45.72)

This painting is based completely on emotion. Each shape and the direction it is placed each have a separate meaning for me.

Abstract Watercolor Painting - Waiting in Line

Abstract Watercolor Painting - Waiting in Line
Originally uploaded by Benita S.

"Waiting in Line"
3.5" x 2.5" ACEO (8.89cm x 6.35cm)
Watercolor on Paper

Miniature Watercolor Painting - Abstract Tree #4

Miniature Watercolor Painting - Abstract Tree #4
Originally uploaded by Benita S.

Abstract Tree #4
Miniature 2.5" x 2.5" (6.35cm x 6.35cm)
Watercolor on Paper

Abstract Watercolor Painting - Delicate

Abstract Watercolor Painting - Delicate
Originally uploaded by Benita S.

"Delicate"
Abstract Flowers
3.5" x 2.5" (8.89cm x 6.35cm)
Watercolor on Paper

Abstract Watercolor Painting - Moonlight

Abstract Watercolor Painting - Moonlight
Originally uploaded by Benita S.

"Moonlight"
Abstract Landscape
6" x 4" (15.24cm x 10.16cm)
Watercolor on Paper

ACEO Watercolor Painting

ACEO Watercolor Painting
Originally uploaded by Benita S.

I just can't resist the winter scenes right now so I'm going to go with the flow even though they really aren't much in my usual style. Now if I can just find a way to integrate that....

Abstract study of a cabin in the snow.
2.5" x 3.5" ACEO (6.35cm x 8.89cm)
Watercolor on Paper

ACEO Watercolor Painting - The Sun Turning Back

ACEO Watercolor Painting - The Sun Turning Back
Originally uploaded by Benita S.

"The Sun Turning Back"
ACEO 3.5" x 2.5" (6.35cm x 8.89cm)

A miniature, somewhat abstract dreamscape. The second painting I created today.

Bid on this tiny painting

Abstract Winter Landscape - Chilly

Abstract Winter Landscape - Chilly
Originally uploaded by Benita S.

"Chilly"
6" x 4" OSWOA (15.24cm x 10.16cm)
Small Works Series

We rarely get snow here. Instead, if we get any bad winter weather it is usually ice. This one is based on that brrrr feeling I get when I think about an ice storm! lol

I completed two small works today so there will be two posts :)

Bid on this painting

Abstract Watercolor Cityscape - Market Square

Abstract Watercolor Cityscape - Market Square
Originally uploaded by Benita S.

"Market Square"
Watercolor on Paper
30" x 22"

I had to really work at this one to keep it loose. Still, I created more detail than I had originally planned. It took many layers of wash to get the exact level of transparency and color I was looking for. Overall I think it turned out ok.

Purchase this painting

Painting a Day: Abstract Watercolor - Winter Landscape

Abstract Watercolor - Winter Landscape
Originally uploaded by Benita S.

Here's another in my smallworks series and another winter landscape. I seem to be fixated on snow lately. I don't know why but there's no use in fighting it. lol Earlier this year it was hay bales. Wonder what it will be next! :)

Click Here to see what I have available on eBay

Painting a Day - 3 Studies of Snowy Landscapes

It is actually snowing here today! We don't see much snow here in Alabama. It is just a few flurries but it is still snow. lol With winter here I have been in the mood for painting chilly landscapes. Here are a few of the little studies I just completed.

"Second Snow"
Watercolor on 140 lb watercolor paper
2.5" x 3.5" ACEO (6.35cm x 8.89cm)

"Quietly"
Watercolor on 140 lb watercolor paper
6" x 4" OSWOA (15.24cm x 10.16cm)
Smallworks Series

"Where Peace Can Be Found"
6" x 4" OSWOA ( 15.24cm x 10.16cm)
Watercolor on 140lb watercolor paper
Smallworks Series

I sell some of the Smallworks Series on eBay. Click Here to see what is available.