from Bluebird Hill

I have been encouraged by friends to open an Etsy shop for some of my paintings, and other items that I create. I have always loved the creative aspect in life, started with my design career.  But now I have a chance to go in a different direction and I would love to share it with you. My painting will be very reasonably priced, as I am not a professional, and will be unframed.  That is something that was discussed on Facebook, and oh my... So, check it out and let me know your thoughts!

Over the holidays I received some great books on how to watercolor, and one I especially like is The Modern Flower Painter by Anna Mason. Her tips can be used for any watercolor scene you might be doing, but her thoughts on building up the color with layering was really useful to me in this rose. Now remember, I just started this 6 months ago so try not to be too critical because I know I will never be Rembrandt! Here are some other tips that I have learned and would like to share.  Learning and being self-taught, I have had many frustrating moments that knowing these few tips could have saved me from. ( I also could have taken classes to learn these things, but that is not me!) Buy good brushes.    Research them for the type of painting you want to do and then get the best you can afford.  When I first started I just bought a bag of brushes.  I have now disposed of all of them.  A good brush will hold the water and your paint, as well as keep...