Tropical Heart watercolor 30x22" by Meera Rao
This is a full sheet painting I completed some time ago but forgot to post :) It was in the Peninsula Watercolor society show 2014 and is now at the end of six month hanging at the Hampton Convention center. This painting was a challenge I took on - to paint full sheet after only sketching in 5x7 sketch books for four months in India! Painting those shadow backgrounds and layering paint on the banana heart was fun. I also learned how much easier the process is if I have all my values figured out ahead -since mostly I paint first and figure out a plan as paint ! I really loved the process and all I can say is that sketching everyday definitely improved my drawing skills!!
"A slow sunny day" watercolor 2.5x6.5" by Meera Rao
On another note, my painting "The slow sunny day" won 'the award of excellence' at the TAA miniature show -- really surprised and pleased as it is also one of favorite paintings. I am grateful for the judge for boosting my confidence :) No matter how many times I tell myself 'just paint' there is something to be said about being noticed!
Just recently I read "The Art Mistakes: Unexpected Painting techniques & the Practice of Creative Thinking" by Melanie Rothschild. The book is about losing the fear of mistakes and to have confidence in one's own abilities. I liked what she had to say about creativity : "Of all places, art is a spot where mistakes should be considered honored guests." I am grateful that a copy of this book was gifted to the Poquoson Public Library by the Friends of PPL in memory of my mother who was indeed a very creative person.