Thursday, May 24, 2012

PPF: Outside my Box

Welcome to Paint Party Friday - a wonderful gathering that encourages bloggers to take out their paints at least once a week and share their results.  You can find the rest of this week's party at this link. As for me, today, I'm sharing a couple of pages that took me outside my box.  The first one is a simple watercolor of a local pier. What makes it different for me is that I started by loosely painting the shapes and then followed later with pen and watercolor pencils to add definition.  I almost always sketch first and then paint.  It was a little scary, but I'm reasonably happy with it. I especially like the water.  Here's a photograph of the pier which I found on the web at this link:
I'm lucky enough to live near this pier, and I often have this view during my morning workout.
The other thing I want to share is an abstract work in progress:
I've been so impressed by the abstracts I've seen during PPF that I decided to try one of my own. This is the first layer, and I'm happy with where it's going. 
Have you tried anything outside your box lately? You should - it's scary fun!

28 comments:

JKW said...

I love the movement of the water. . you have absolutely captured it. The abstracts are colorful and I look forward to watching them unfold. Blessings, Janet PPF

minnemie said...

Good for you to paint before pen(cil)! I find that intimidating too... The water is fantastic!

Heather Foust said...

I don't often do a painting without drawing. You are very brave and you did a great job!

Mandy said...

Love your pier...its inviting...your abstract looks gorgeous thus far...oh yes...my this week ppf entry is so outside my box......xxx

Amy said...

I am a fan of abstract art so I am looking forward to seeing how your piece progresses!

Helen Campbell said...

What a fun way to approach water color... it would be outside my box for sure. I'm looking forward to seeing your further work on your abstract. Happy PPF!

Lynn Cohen said...

I love how well you did the water in this pier scene! Wow!
Looking forward to more of the abstract too.
What do I do outside the box? I am in so many boxes every time I shift to a different art medium I am in a different box! so I am outside the box of what I was doing before! ;-) HPPF!

Robin Panzer Art said...

Ooooh I'm really liking the colors in your abstract, can't wait to see the finish! Happy PPF!

scrappyjacky said...

Love your pier....the colours completely say 'summer' to me...and summer seems to have finally arrived in my part of the world.

Netty said...

Loving the colours in your abstract and look forward to see what happens next. Happy PPF, Annette x

Elisa Choi said...

love the pier painting! good for you for trying something different:) Your post is pretty much same as mine. Stretch our horizon. have a great day!

Hybrid J said...

The Pier work is so refreshing and adorable. A joy to look at!

Cheri said...

can't wait to see where that abstract goes next!

Carolyn Dube said...

I've been noticing a lot of abstract lately too and it looks very interesting. Congrats on leaving that comfort zone with your watercolor - I think it turned out fabulously!!

ComfyMom~Stacey said...

Great pier painting, the water is looks really nice, what a lovely view you have!

Marji said...

The pier painting is great. I think that abstract is off to a good start. Happy PPF

Tammie Lee said...

lovely to see your charming pier and your abstract as well.

Terry said...

What a lovely view and I can see how that would so inspire your beautiful paintings! Love these both! Hope you have a great Memorial Weekend!

Anne Manda said...

Lovely pier scenery and very promising WIP! Happy PPF!

carol l mckenna said...

Courageous ~ Bravo ~ lovely creations and continue to explore ~ thanks, namaste, ^_^

Molly said...

I can see why you want to paint such a beautiful view.

The colors in your abstract painting are very dark and moody and a completely different tone than your pier painting. I like the different moods you're capturing.

Giggles said...

I can't imagine not living near some body of water!! This is awesome!! Love the colors coming together on your abstract!! Look forward to seeing it completed!

Hugs Giggles

laurie said...

the water looks so good it almost makes me sea-sick! and i like the yellow backdrop. lucky you, with a view on your walks such as this.

Mary C. Nasser said...

Sweet painting of the pier!
What a great view you have!!
♥♥♥
Happy PPF!!
Mary
Mixed-Media Map Art

Ayala Art said...

That is the cutest pier ever!
And your abstract is looking great.. they are more difficult to do than what they seem, ha? I find that myself...

debs14 said...

Anything painty is out of my comfort zone! Love your interpretation of the pier and you have really captured the movement of the water in your version.

kristin maynes said...

Great painting! I sketch, almost always, before I paint. You're lucky to live near a pier. I grew up in Cali and loved going to Pier 39, I miss it. I'm happy you get to live so close to a beautiful place. Love your artwork! Happy PPF!

GlorV1 said...

Rinda, great job. How great that you have your exercise near that pier. Must be awesome. It looks great. Have a wonderful weekend and thanks for sharing.