Watercolors by Celia Blanco

Spaghetti Sketch  watercolor on Garza Papel paper  20x14 cm.  180 grs The inspiration for this sketch came from last night's dinner. I thought it would be a fun way to practice my negative painting technique. This particular dish is with capers and anchovies...quick, easy and delicious... I worked from a photograph I took before eating my dinner, my memory isn't that good. I wish everyone a nice and creative week!

Shady Business watercolor on Fabriano paper 23 x 30.5cm / 9" x 12" Available  The inspiration for this painting came from a photograph I took last summer as I waited for a bus. A striking character came along with a stack of colorful cowboy style hats for sale. He plopped them on the ground in front of him, naturally yelling out "Due euro" ( two euros) every few seconds. I couldn't help but watch him as he provided a little comical relief from my endless waiting. I discreetly snapped a photo as he looked the other way, he seemed rather impatient to sell his hats and did not stop looking around nervously. I love the long shadows the sun makes at that early hour, I wished to portray the sense of chaos of the busy street corner. ********* I was very happy to hear your sketchbook stories! In case any one is interested, I would like to share the link I found helpful in making my Coptic sketchbook . I find her instructions very clear and I sub...

A sketchbook is great place to experiment new ideas. The funny thing is as much as I love painting in watercolors, I do not own a watercolor sketchbook. I thought making one would be a great solution, something I have never done. I imagine it is not new to many of you, your homemade art journals are the source of my inspiration. It was easy to make, I used dental floss as a binder! I have already filled it up with several sketches. Sketch of my dinner  salad -includes corn, tomatoes lettuce, carrots ...  I have also been reading Jean Haines book, Atmospheric Watercolours: Painting with Freedom, Expression and Style . All things I long for! It's a great book and I love how she encourages you to use her methods while using your own creativity.   Begonias I feel my last two sketches are close to my goal. I am testing myself with the loose washes of color. I would love to hear if any of you have tried making your own journals. Thanks for stopping by...

  Garden Joy watercolor on Fabriano paper 23 x 30.5cm / 9" x 12" available Every rose has a particular meaning as expressed by its color. Light pink roses express deep joy. This is also the emotion evoked while attempting to reproduce it in my imaginary garden. The fun of art is it can transport you anywhere! I found the inspiration for this rose at Paint My Photo by photographer Janet Ellington Horton. They have a wonderful collection, I felt compelled to paint one. My photo archive is filled with roses. I fell in love with the beautiful light shining through the rose. I've worked very slow, for some odd reason roses seem to make me nervous. Maybe it's their intimidating perfection.  Below are some work in progress photos Thank you for the visit!

Parsley watercolor on Garza Papel paper 20x14 cm. 300 grs Parsley is my favorite herb, I always keep a pot close to my kitchen. It is an interesting subject to improve leaf painting skills. I did minimal prelimanary drawing to keep the painting spontaneous. I focused on layering the shapes and observing the fresh colors in front of me.  I found parsley leaves fun to paint and instrumental in gaining more awareness and control when painting leaves! working from life is always my favorite! finding the right mix of color I can't believe this is my 100th post. Thanks for stopping by!

  A Rose watercolor on Garza Papel paper 20x14 cm. 300 grs I love observing the delicate temperature shifts within rose petals. There is always a little warm yellow among the pink which turns to a bit of blue. It's easier said than done to transfer it onto paper but at least I finally got the dust of my brushes! I enjoyed using Garza Papel paper for the first time. The paper allows for smooth washes and it had a nice grain and absorbency. Delivery to my doorstep is an added plus! Thanks to my friend Bruce from The Art of Bruce for the suggestion! I hope everyone is having a nice day and taking a little time to stop and smell the roses!

I received a beautiful bouquet in the mail last week. It came in the form of a book from my artist  friend Michelle Endersby. I love how she has chosen to paint roses in a larger than life circular canvas, giving a modern twist to a classic subject. Each painting is accompanied by an inspiring quote about roses. It is a book I enjoy again and again. Thank you, Michelle, for making me feel better! Awakening Around Roses is the name of Michelle's book and recent exhibition. Please pay her a visit  and read the inspirational story as to why she has chosen to focus on painting roses. She is remarkable as a person and as an artist! I also want to take the opportunity to express heartfelt gratitude for encouraging me during this time. I am happy to be feeling better, hopefully soon I will have some of my artwork to share... maybe even a rose painting inspired by Michelle!