"Daydreamer" finished

I was just putting the finishing touches on this when I learned 

another painting of mine had been accepted into the LWS show in New Orleans.

So yesterday was a great day.

There are so few days like that in this work that you just have to soak it up 

and store it for those slow days ahead.

You may notice that I cropped this in a bit from the right side and more from the bottom.

As I got into the work more something felt off.  

I realized that all that greenery at the bottom was distracting 

from my focal point of the girls face and the flowers.  

So if it doesn't contribute it has to go!

This was a different subject for me but a pleasure to work on.
I don't paint figures often and when I do they are usually of some random person out in public just minding their own business.
Interesting to think of how they will never know the many countless hours
I spent over my work table painting their likeness.
Well, where ever my daydreamer is I hope she found her dream.

"Daydreamer"

Watercolor, 17" x 21"

©Carmella Tuliszewski

Laying in the first washes and setting the warm color palette to come.

Focusing on the girl because if I cant make her work, there's no need to continue.
The mask over the flowers has been peeled off.
I absolutely love Winsor and Newton's Art Masking Fluid.
I add a few drops of water to it for an easier flow and it works like a charm every time!

What I enjoy about watercolors, even though it is one of the most difficult media to work in,
is that it takes only a few simple supplies to get you going.
Here I am working on Arches 300 lb cold press.
On paintings this large its nice to not be encumbered by a large board under the paper.
Also I prefer not to strip away the sizing that soaking will do.
And I love my butcher trays.
I usually keep two or more going while working.

What's next?  I have an idea brewing.
But first I might take you with me as I shop my favorite thrift store in search of propts.

As always, I appreciate you stopping by!