Straddle the Turtle

Learning to slow down, because life's too short ~ ~ ~

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Morning Exercise

04.27.2022 by Barbara Grant //

Here’s my morning routine once I’ve made coffee. I grasp the banister leading down to my studio with my left hand while doing my best to not drip from the mug in my right. At the landing I make my way straight to the watercolor table . . . 🎶 A n t i c i p a t i o n . . . 🎶 because, if I’ve left this space the way I love it, it is with something unfinished… when I left it yesterday it was still drying… I can hardly wait to see what’s next to do. Is it finished? This is the problem solving time – assess, consider options… ☕️(coffee emoji)

painting of birds
Through a Screen

Watercolor is not my only medium. In fact, I came to love this habit late in my career. It snuck up on me as I learned to use it working with sufferers of Alzheimers disease. It’s so fun to play with! Not that it is an easy medium to work with. Not by any means; it is probably the most difficult in my humble opinion, and the least forgiving. But if you just want to goof around and have fun, it’s a blast.

painting of butterfly & dogwood
Blue with Dogwood

I had been using scraps of paper at first, but soon realized good watercolor paper makes for better fun. Then I started using my little experiments for Bookmarks. Then bigger pieces for Postcards to send to family & friends. Then larger papers folded into blank Greeting Cards. Finally I $prang for nice paper with matching envelopes and have so many extra watercolor exercises I’m putting them on my Etsy Shop for sale. This is my spiel:

“I enjoy painting notecards as warm-up exercises: a way to test various color combinations, designs and motifs. If they turn out nice, I send them to family and friends. No two are alike; freehand, including my unique quirks and slips. They are originals – not prints! But since they are exercises and may include bloopers, I put a lower price on them. It’s still quality paint & paper and interesting composition. You will find them in my notecard section $4 each, free postage 🙂 “

painting of fish
Polka dot Fish

Categories // Creative Process Tags // don't waste anything! learning as I go, fun in the studio

Creative Energy from a Visiting Artist

07.20.2020 by Barbara Grant //

Roxy & Ringo

A lot is being accomplished in my studio these last few months. Roxy & Ringo hang out with me all day, and I lose track of time as I become engrossed in various projects. My sweet husband pops in now and then to see what we’re up to. It’s not a lonely environment…

…but it’s been a while since any new energy has been injected into my work space. A recent FaceTime with friends reminded me of their son’s visit to my studio last summer and the zesty vibes he cooked up during some painting fun. I’m so glad I thought to record this episode!

View this video to watch the creation of Goddess of the Sun and to witness the joy of expressive painting!

Young artist
Young artist

Categories // Creative Process, Limelights on my friends Tags // expressive artmaking, fun in the studio, joy of painting, watercolor, young artist energy

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