[CR] Saturday Morning - Watercolor Painting

I Got The Inspiration ..

To paint this some time ago. The church sits along my ride to work. I pass it everyday. Sometimes when the weather is nice, I will park near it and walk up the old country dirt road, that leads directly to it. A bumpy worn road with lots of memories and ruts along its path. Gouges in the dirt from tires, horse hooves, feet, and bikes. Every so often there you may find a large root popping up through the traffic hardened soil and stone.. as if to stake its claim. A pasture to the right of the path is teaming with equestrian life, when the winter wind stops blowing across the open field just beyond the horizon. The horses will work their way along the fence lines, trimming back the slow growth of seasons past. Day after day, methodically grazing until the job is done or a better meal arrives. Either way, I am a visitor here, strolling along enjoying the scene.

I Could Not Abstain From Painting This Scene ..

Because of its gracefulness and peace. It's 'Saturday Morning', and things are a bit quiet. With the exception of winter song birds playing their mighty morning tunes with the utmost delight! The hustle and bustle of Sunday church goers has not arrived yet. No distractions from the beauty that surrounds me in this environment. No leaves on the trees to distract me from the unfiltered sun bouncing off the stained glass windows. Brimming with color, and specifically created for those humble walls of white. A master craftsman, somewhere far off and away.. with steady hands and a keen eye, they place each and every piece of glass. One by one the beauty is released until it is erected and unveiled in its new home. Here I am.. Alone and wondering the foundation. Peering at the glass.. the beauty of another artist. What fine work! I appreciate your keen eye and steady hands. Your vision and your ability to let it go free after she is done. How hard that must have been. I turn away, walking back to where I came from. Down the same uneven path full of weathered memories, laughter and smiles. I too am smiling. I have the inspiration I needed, and now I would travel back home to sit down and create this watercolor painting.. 'Saturday Morning'. I hope you enjoy it!

‘Saturday Morning’ Watercolor Painting ..

I painted this creation in a few sittings, and in a cumulative time of roughly 8 hours. It is painted on my favorite go to paper, Canson XL Series cold pressed 300g watercolor paper. I used only a single Derwent Ivory Black #67 watercolor, several small brushes, water, a paper towel or two, patience and of course a little bit of love and passion for creating. I started with the church itself and then pulled in the foreground and background. Just so all of you know, I kept out the dismal side of things. You see, there is a cemetery just to the left of the road. I chose not to include it in this piece as to keep the joyful feeling alive. I am able to find peace and joy in a cemetery, but not today..today I want to focus on the living and the memories of the past. Larger paintings and works are a bit overwhelming for me, so this is a accomplishment for me. As you may or may not have noticed, I tend to create smaller works. I am not saying this is huge by any means, but a step in the right direction in overcoming my fears.

I encourage everyone to get out and enjoy the inspiration around us! Take a walk today.. You may just find your next creative idea, just waiting to be discovered out there in the world!

Have a great weekend my friends!!