Detailed Realistic Style + Me = Perhaps a Good Match

So, I admit that I am sort of embracing the more realistic style of watercolor painting, and while I knew from the beginning that style is much more “me” than the loose (place a bit of wet paint on wet paper and spread it around) style, the times I tried it in my early days of watercolor painting resulted in a feeling that I just might not be able to do it. In other words, there’s no doubt it’s a lot harder. But “a lot harder” also means “more challenging,” and that, too, MIGHT describe something that would appeal to me.

Still, though, I don’t like working at something if I don’t feel like I can eventually “get it” (not to be confused with “mastering it,” which I do not feel will ever be the case, when it comes to watercolor painting).

I have been applying myself to stick with some tutorials in this detailed, realistic style, and now I am beginning to think I might be able to get to the point of feeling a bit successful.

The previous post contained three of those types of painting (snowdrop flower, green and red apple, and monarch butterfly). For the last few days, I have been working diligently on this “Opening Rose.” It is getting more and more enjoyable for me to paint in this style (that is synonymous with saying I am feeling more and more like I can do it). 

I have always loved this Bible verse:

“And whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” - Colossians 3:17 (CSB).

And another:

“Whatever you do, do it from the heart, as something done for the Lord and not for people,” - Colossians 3:23 (CSB)

I do want to try to do my best at things I attempt to do. That said, a balance is needed for someone like me, who tends to expect perfection from myself, even when I know it’s not possible. So, sometimes, I allow myself to not expect so much. But I can always do it from my heart, while giving thanks to God.

That part of the first verse about doing it in the name of Jesus, giving thanks to God—that part plays well in the arena of painting botanical subjects, or animal subjects, for that matter. Every time I paint a flower or a plant or a bird, for example, I am made aware again of God’s marvelous creations. Take the monarch butterfly on the previous post, for example, or the rose in this post. These things are such great reminders of the majesty and miracle of God’s creation. Painting them really allows me to delve into the depths of the creation, and it is inspiring to me.

#watercolor #watercolorrose #watercolorbotanicals #rosesarecreatedbyGod #annamasonnaturestudio #detailedrealisticstyleofwatercolor #workatitwithallyourmight

Latest Artwork, Inspiring Verses and a New Journal

As promised in the last post, I am focusing for awhile on a detailed, realistic art style, as opposed to the loose style from the previous post. I like both styles, but there is a part of my “being” that kind of prefers detailed realism, although it is honestly much more difficult (i.e., challenging). I will probably go back and forth between the two styles, because I also like variety.

Following tutorials by Anna Mason (Nature Studio), in the last few weeks, I painted these three pieces:

Aside from my artwork, I would like to share a couple of verses that are among my favorites and happen to be verses that our pastor (my grandson Conner) recently led our congregation through, in our corporate prayer time. (As I recently confessed, I am drawn to verses that have to do with generations of believers…also, the Chris Tomlin song “Holy Forever” practically has me on my knees from the first line: “A thousand generations falling down in worship….To sing the song of ages to the Lamb…” Oh my…)

“Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, O God, till I declare your power to the next generation, your might to all who are to come.” - Psalm 71:18

“But from everlasting to everlasting the Lord’s love is with those who fear him, and his righteousness with their children’s children—with those who keep his covenant and remember to obey his precepts.” - Psalm 103:17-18

And speaking of grandchildren, mine are all special, of course. My wonderful granddaughter Tory just blessed me with a new Prayer Journal for my birthday. She is such an inspiration to me. According to the foreword, the “Pour Out Your Heart” Prayer Journal is meant to be “a tool to help develop a lifelong pattern of gospel-centered, Scripture-based prayer…It is not something you will complete in a week or even a year. But over time, this little book will grow into a valuable treasure, a safe place to pour out your heart before the Lord, and an ever-deepening reminder of his promises and faithfulness…” I started working in the prayer journal today.

#watercolorsnowdrop #watercolorapple #watercolormonarchbutterfly #AnnaMasonNatureStudio #generations #legacy #athousandgenerations #HolyForever #prayerjournal