Blank paper/canvas syndrome

I know pretty much every artist has faced this affliction at one time or another. Staring at that blank piece of paper or canvas and wondering where in the hell to start.

I found this meme that I keep on my inspiration board. It has helped me SO much. I now buy watercolor paper and sketchbooks on sale and use them to play and experiment. I am gradually encountering the blank canvas phenomenon less and less.

I hope it helps you.

The Holiday Bear is here!

I just listed my little holiday polar bear with his warm cup of cocoa and red scarf, all bundled up against the snow. This is an INSTANT DOWNLOAD and only $2! Just think of the adorable holiday cards, gift tags, ornaments, mugs, t-shirts/sweatshirts or totes (and I’m sure even more things I haven’t thought of) you could make with this.

Christmas Bear. © 2013 Aprille Lipton. Original watercolor and ink painting on paper.

By the Light of the Moon… Wolf painting

Inspired by the last supermoon of the summer and my recent trip to the Southwest U.S., I’ve painted a very large (for me) 15″x20″ watercolor wolf. I love the textures and shading. It’s been a long time since I’ve done anything in this size in watercolors and had to overcome a few challenges to get back in the groove. It’s been literally years since I had to deal with glazing, softening edges, deepening shadows and unifying color on such a large scale. Fun times! I’m happy with the result. The original will be available once it’s been photographed for reprints.

By the Light of the Moon. © 2014 Aprille Lipton. Original watercolor with acrylic painting on paper.

The humpback whales are going crazy!

I’ve mentioned before, I’m a certified cetacean nut! And humpback whales are my favorite. The humpback whales have been so numerous and active here this past week that I’ve actually strained my eyes and given myself headaches from going out several times a day to watch them with my binoculars while they feed, lunge, breach and play just offshore.

Needless to say, I’m in heaven.

And, they’ve inspired me to paint and sketch them almost non-stop. Here’s a watercolor painting I just finished. Do you love whales, too?

Deep Blue Humpback. © 2014 Aprille Lipton. Original watercolor painting on paper.

A quick break

Took a break from the series to mess around in my sketch book and with some acrylics on paper. I did one in my sketchbook with horses negatively painted out of a background. I liked the effect and so went on to do Blue Appaloosa on paper (9×12). I’m sure I will be doing more of these and expanding upon the concept.

Blue Appaloosa. © 2014 Aprille Lipton. Original acrylic painting on paper.

 

Blue Appaloosa – Closeup. © 2014 Aprille Lipton. Original acrylic painting on paper.