Watercolors by Celia Blanco

Fresh Pick 26cm x 18cm watercolor on paper I started this painting this summer, left it unfinished until recently. The lady wearing the striped dress caught my eye while out shopping. Her outfit with the horizontal lines is remarkable amidst the chaos of the market.

Rocky Wave 17 × 11cm watercolor on paper available This was started on location in Greece and finished at home. I thought the rock formations would make an interesting subject. It almost looks like an abstract design.

Peaceful Isolation   17 × 11cm watercolor on FABRIANO ARTISTICO cold press paper available I painted this on location while on the Greek island of Ios. I was mesmerized by the jewel color of the ocean and the beautiful color shifts it created. One of my favorite spots had this dinghy left at anchor, I was immediately attracted by the similarities between the colors of the dinghy and the surrounding water.  This is the first sketch in my sketchbook. The sun dried everything on contact, which took some getting use to.  I discovered that it was better if I filled my palette wells with water and worked smaller. This is the second sketch. The little red dot you see in the water is my husband snorkeling.  He wears a red swim cap to make it easy for me to find him. This is as far as I got on location. I didn't bring my finer brushes. I left the fine details for when I got home. Thank you for your visit!

Watermelon sketch The last days of September mark the end of summer in Rome. The longer days of summer, full of always unbearable heat, allow to do things I normally don't have time for.  I took a moment to flip through my sketchbooks, I would like to share some of my impressions.  A chance to explore new places in my town.  Observing the clouds from my window.   Planted something green and watched it grow. Spent quality time with whom I love. Visited new places.

Tropical 17 × 11cm watercolor on FABRIANO ARTISTICO cold press paper I painted this for the August challenge from my Artist Daily friends on-line group. The photo was kindly provided by Kim Ty (check  out her blog   here ) . It is of a flower from the tropics,  unfortunately I ignore the name. I love the way the flower slowly turns from pink to deep purple. I enjoyed playing with the range of colors of the flower and the unusual shape. Thank you for the visit!

Radicchio Leaf 17 × 11cm watercolor on FABRIANO ARTISTICO cold press paper While making dinner for my family,  I saved one leaf from a head of radicchio to begin the painting from life that evening.  While it was still fresh I took a picture,  I finished it from the photo reference later.  I fell in love with the beautiful designs in the leaf and the contrast of intense purple against white. Something I have been trying to focus on is adding repeated layers to create stronger colors.   detail Thank you for your visit!  

Turkey watercolor on paper 25 cm x 18 on Fabriano Artistico cold press I painted this from a photo kindly provided by Geri Berkenstock, artist and friend. It is a turkey that belongs to his grandson, he was recently awarded a blue ribbon at a local fair. In the reference photo his feathers are something amazing, really beautiful colors! I don't think I managed to recreate their beauty but it was great to practice.   Thank you for the visit!