Sugar and Snow Is For The Birds: Daily Art Practice
Couch Talk
We are still having un-predictable weather with days of snow flurries scattered here and there. I love hearing the birds chirp in the morning and it makes Spring’s appearance imminent. I even have the bug to “Spring Clean.” I have been busy purging the house of all the things that I have held on to since we were married due to sentimental attachment. It is such a great feeling to have less “stuff” in our life.
I started a new job last week that allows me to be available for my children during the school year as well as the summer. It is a lot less stressful than being a nurse in the hospital, especially during this post-covid environment. Aside from working and household activities, I haven’t had a lot of time to paint. Hopefully soon I will get the inspiration and energy back to paint again.
Watercolor Art
A lot of times I feel pressure to make sure all of my paintings are “blog worthy.” I don’t consider my paintings professional quality by any means but I do have personal expectations which can be stressful at times, especially when the finished product doesn’t turn out as envisioned. As a result, I need to paint something easy and relaxing. The book, Watercolor With Me In The Forest , is one of my favorite tutorials when I need to have fun. Here are a few of the pages I painted recently.
Tea Day
I am joining the Tea Day ladies, hosted by Elizabeth and Bleubeard. My drink today is the Zevia Variety Pack. I have a major sweet tooth and it is a constant struggle to stay away from sugar. I can’t have large quantities of white sugar or sugar alcohols as they do horrible things to my digestive system. This is the first soda that I have ever had that doesn’t bother me and curbs my sugar cravings. I would highly suggest it.
Happy Tea Day,
Kate
Congrats on your new job. I picked up this book recently when you shared it awhile ago-and I was wondering if you painted right in the book-so I see you did. How did you flatten the pages to paint? this would have been nice as a spiral but I love the book. Have not tried anything yet.
Happy T
I have never heard of that drink before, Kate. Your paintings are beautiful, as always. I hope you enjoy your new job. Happy T Day.
Congrats on finding a job to fit perfectly for you and your family! It’s not always easy to find, but I was fortunate to find matches during the years our son was young too.
Loving your watercolor birds- especially the hummingbird. Beautiful! I have been so tempted to follow a tutorial to paint one but am quite hesitant as it just seems so hard…
Glad you could find a fix for your sweet tooth:) Happy T day!
Your watercolours are always good and very blogworthy! Happy T Day, hugs, Valerie
Congrats on the new job, Kate.
I consider your painting professional quality – you have much talent! Love the birds.
I need to try your teas here – they sound good. I will be looking for them.
Happy T-day! Hugz
I’m curious about your new job Kate. Nursing is demanding as I’ve had family members in that field. And good for you to purge. Although I do purge items, I like my “stuff” and don’t really want to live in an empty house. I should say I purge many items but have a hard time purging craft supplies because I always see potential uses for items.I’m going through that now as my studio space is being redone. It does feel good to clean out, though, doesn’t it? Have a great T day and week ahead. hugs-Erika
Sentimental attachments are making it hard for me to get rid of things. I admire you!
I’ve never heard of the Zevia drinks. I always have a cup of coffee in the morning and water otherwise. Happy T Tuesday
Many congratulations on your new job, it’s great that you can fit in with the kids school times and breaks – perfect 😀. Your paintings as always are gorgeous and the soda looks great, so many different flavours to choose from too. Happy T Day! Hugs Jo x
Congratulations that you found a family friendly job, with less responsibilities by the sounds of it.
Your bird pictures are beautiful. You really are enjoying that book (i remember when you bought it)
I’m glad you have found a soda that you can drink to satisfy your sweet tooth. Hubby is not allowed anything sweet, and he is ‘suffering’.
Happy T-Day,
Lisca
Your watercolors are beautiful. I am going to look for the book.
What a cute little hummer! Beautiful painting Kate! Happy Tday! Hugs! deb
Congrats on purging some stuff Kate, sentimental stuff is so hard to get rid of isn’t it? I have looked at that book on amazon and wondered if it was any good, thanks for sharing, I might look at it again now. Happy T Day! Elle/EOTC xx
Congratulations on the new job. Your watercolors are always so beautiful. Have a wonderful day.
That looks like a lovely watercolor book – I assume that the hummingbird and the bluebird were painted by you, is that correct? I don;t think that your artwork has to be perfect (I’m not sure that exists) and at least from my own experience I know that my pieces always turn out differently from what I had envisioned. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, but disappointing sometimes.
Congrats on the new job. That is really great news. I would have been here sooner, but I’ve been stuck with my new tax man most of the day. Nothing like waiting till the last minute.
You are doing a remarkable job with those birds. Both are very well done.
I’ve never heard of Zevia, but it sounds really good and even better, it doesn’t bother your tummy. Thanks for sharing it and your art with us for T this Tuesday, Kate.
The Japanese concept of Wabi Sabi took the stress out of doing museum quality work when practicing or learning a new technique. Wabi Sabi means nothing is perfect, nothing is complete, nothing is permanent. Your birds are delightful and the fun you had creating them shines through. Happy T Day