Monday, 23 October 2017

Painting Planets

I was inspired to get out my paintbox after seeing planets painted by Melanie April Houten.  It was a good exercise for me to make colour swatches and get a feel for using paints again.  I discovered Melanie on one of Anne Butera's series on sketchbook conversations. Reading the sketchbook conversations is a highlight of my week as I know that they always manage to spark my interest and imagination.

It is wonderful to paint - not for an end product particularly - but to just blend paints on the paper and see what special effects emerge.  I have missed painting and should really get back to it even if only as a meditative exercise.  I can imagine playing some magical sounding flute or haunting Celtic music as I blend the paint and water across the page.  It is a wonderful form of mindful relaxation!

If you are looking for a hobby, I would definitely recommend watercolour painting.  You do not need a lot of materials to start out: a watercolour paper pad, a small pan of paints or a few tubes and a couple of paint brushes.  They needn't be the best quality when starting out.  Just get a feel for using the materials.  Wet the paper and then drop on colours and see what happens!  It is addictive!

7 comments:

  1. The planets are beautiful. I love the way the colours swirl into one another and enjoy this aspect of playing with paints too. I took a look at sketchbook conversations and can see why you were inspired! xx

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  2. That's a very pretty universe Simone. :)
    V x

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  3. It sounds very relaxing, Simone especially with the music you describe. The colours you have used are wonderful:)

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  4. Hi Simone - I have missed your crafty work and painting too so glad to see you have your paintbox out again - it is very absorbing sketching and painting, I wish I had more time to do it. I regularly follow The Sketchbook by Shari Blaukopf - she does a sketch a day and is so inspiring.

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  5. When my mother-in-law lost her husband she found her painting classes a god send for a variety of reasons.
    Lisa x

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  6. This is lovely, Simone. You've caused me to remember how much I used to love painting with watercolor. And I love your describing it as a form of meditation. xx

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  7. So happy to see you painting, Simone!! And I'm glad that you've been inspired by my Sketchbook Conversations.

    Wishing you many more days of creative exploration, play and joy!!

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