Watercolor Animals – Then & Now

I’ve been having fun painting animals lately. It seems like a good time for a then and now post on watercolor animals.

In January I painted this Elephant in my 8×10 inch watercolor sketchbook. I looked back through my notes to find that my Elephant below is painting number 289.

Elephant watercolor

I recently painted this Giraffe on 9×12 inch Saunders watercolor paper. I’m so in love with this paper! I worked on a few giraffe sketches before I started painting and I think that made a difference. I am amazed that this is painting number 498! I’ve really been cruising along along this year, that makes me so happy.

Giraffe watercolor

I tried to work with the water and allow the color to mix and mingle as much as possible. The painting came together rather quickly and without much fuss. My second giraffe is the featured image on this post, she is more playful and is peeking out with those big eyes and long lovely lashes.

I hope you enjoy seeing my work and are inspired to keep painting, creating, and having fun. If you would like to receive notifications of new posts by email, simply click the follow button on the right. I would love to have you follow me on this journey.

You can see more of my work on Instagram and my website, PattyAnneArt.
I hope you have a great week.

Happy Painting!

Patty Anne

 

Then & Now – Tulips

Tulips have been a bit challenging for me, but I think I’ve come a long way.

Watercolor Tulips – Then

Tulip Garden – March 2016 watercolor painting

and now, April 2017 (hopefully, you will agree that this is much improved)

Blushing Tulips – April 2017 watercolor painting

Today I framed the Blushing Tulips watercolor painting to give to my Mom on Mother’s Day.   I really hope she likes it.

What I’ve learned:

Keep painting and journaling.  Note what works and doesn’t work for you.

Loosen up and have fun.  When I’m playing and not trying so hard, I usually have better results.

The Rigger brush is great for adding in fine details, a splash of color, or extra definition at the end.

Know when to put down the brush and stop so that you don’t overwork your painting.

Happy Painting!

– Patty Anne –