Today I’m sharing what I’ve been up to lately with my simple botanical watercolors. I’ve had a lot of interest in my artwork lately which is very encouraging. It all started a few months ago with a request to create a logo for someone who’s starting a new business. Then I had a request from a new friend for a peach botanical and now I’m painting almost everyday.
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I can’t even begin to describe how happy and maybe a little anxious this make me feel. I recently described my apprehension to a friend, and she said no matter what, you should just paint for yourself. That was the best advise. Don’t try to paint what you think someone else will like, instead paint what makes you happy.
Well right now botanicals are making me happy. The inspiration for my current watercolors are from Scotland travel photos. I may not be able to travel for a while, but I’m reliving those great memories through painting.
What’s My Style
I’m really not sure how to describe my style, however a professor in my one and only college art class described it as childlike. It’s as if I’m hovering out there somewhere between trying to be technical, and not taking art too seriously. Sounds ridiculous I know, but maybe that’s normal for someone like me with little or no formal training.
So my message if you will, is to create what makes you happy. If you try to second guess what you think someone else wants to see, it’s not going to be from the heart.
You may not be aware but I have a storefront on Society6. Over the weekend I cleaned house of most of my first watercolors and freshened up the space with six new botanicals.
Six Simple Botanical Watercolors
So far I have a thistle (no surprise there), bluebells, pink heather, pink foxglove, purple oxalis, and lily of the valley. These are meant to be a bit witty, light hearted and a cheerful way to brighten a spot on a shelf.
The purple oxalis is currently growing in our garden so as you can imagine I’m enjoying having the real thing to study and paint. If all goes well this growing season, I might be able to capture some of the other botanicals in our garden.
On a side note, I’m giving you a peek of my studio table and some of my supplies that I enjoy using. I must admit the creative clutter gets a little out of hand at times. Although I did manage to clear a little area for a watercolor photo shoot.
I find it so interesting to see the creative spaces of other artist and the type of supplies they prefer. Mine are rather limited with brushes stuck in a tea tin, pens in glasses and an art eraser in a mint tin. Pretty fancy I know! 😉
The newest watercolor paints to my collection are from Winsor & Newton, which I highly recommend and I’m including links for those interested. I’m also trying out mixed media paper and like this little 6X8 pad.
For more watercolor ideas see my posts Book Page Bird Garland and How To Make Book Page Botanical Art.
Cheers!
©2020 Simple Botanical Watercolors post first appeared on Thistle Key Lane™.
These are beautiful Michelle. You’re very talented. How I wish I could do watercolors. Oil paints no problem but I struggle to control my brush strokes when it comes to watercolors and I do so love the softness you get when you mix water with pigments.
Thank you for your so sweet comments Michelle. Every time I sit down to paint I learn something new. Figuring out this medium is like a fun adventure.
These are beautiful. I wish I had the talent to paint; I’ll just have to live vicariously through you!
Thank you Sara, I’m learning as I go.
I LOVE these watercolor flowers! Simple but beautiful. Painting is definitely not a talent I have, so I really appreciate the art others create and watercolor is probably my fav art medium.
Thank you Nancy, I’m just having fun and learning as I go. Watercolor is so fascinating because there are so many techniques to study.
Hi Michelle,
You’re amazingly talented. Love the lilies of the valley. I would love to see your take on lavender for this lavender lover.
Cindy
Thank you so much Cindy, lavender is coming soon! Hugs!
This is so pretty
Thanks Maria! Hugs!
They are very beautiful, you have a great talent. I love the colours that you used.
Thank you Anita, I’m trying out some new (to me) paints and discovering new possibilities.
I love seeing other people’s painting places and supplies and I recognize a lot of my favorites in your photos. The eraser in the mint tin is a great idea and I’m going to steal that one as soon as I hit post on this comment. Mine is in a small plastic bag, which is fine but sometimes it is a little tough to get out.
I’ve been painting a medium amount during all this and once I get to my summer house (if I ever GET to my summer house) I start painting in the morning and go all day. I’m always so inspired by seeing the work of others and you make me want to stop checking blogs right now and get out the paints again! Thanks for this!
Thank you Jeanie, I’m even more inspired to paint after reading your sweet comments. I hope all works out with your travels and you get to enjoy what you love doing! Hugs!
These are so pretty! I haven’t tried watercolor painting yet. You inspire me!
Thank you Kim, once I tried watercolors I was hooked!
Michelle, I think these are beautiful. I love the light earthiness and the depth at the same time. Beautiful.
Thank you Deana for your sweet comments. Hugs!
These are so beautiful, Michelle! What a talent you have! Seeing all these art supplies always makes me smile and watercolor is my favorite art medium …you’ve inspired me to start painting!
Thank you Janet, I started painting about three years ago. I’m self taught and learn something new every time I pick up a brush.
Oh Michelle, These are so beautiful! I have always wished I had the gift to be able to paint. I will have to live through you! I truly love them. I hope you share them with Charming Homes and Gardens Link Party this week!
Thank you Kim, your encouraging comments mean so much!
You are so talented, Michelle! I just want to come hang out with you for 5 minutes and soak in all your genius. These are amazing. I would frame this in a heartbeat! Love, love, love, CoCo
Oh thank you CoCo, your sweet comments made my day!
These are beautiful Michelle. Look for your feature on Wednesday’s Charming Homes & Gardens Link Party.
That is so sweet! Thanks so much for sharing the post! Hugs!
Michelle, Wow… that’s how I feel every time I read your posts! I love your styling, your artwork and your recipes! Thanks for continuing to share the inspiration at Charming Homes & Gardens!
Thanks Kristin, I’m enjoying your link party so much!
I am so excited to be featuring you tomorrow on Charming Homes and Gardens! Thank you so much for sharing with us. I just love this post, and your talent!
Thanks so much Kim for sharing the post. I’m so excited to be featured. Hugs!
These watercolours are gorgeous, Michelle, you’re so talented!
Thank you so much Katerina!
Hi Michelle, I think painting with your inner child is wonderful. And your beautiful watercolors prove that it works!
Thank you Rachelle. Half the fun about painting is that I never know how they will turn out until I’m through. 🙂