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Tag: watercolor painting

January Watercolor

January 15, 2024 ~ wordancerblog ~ 11 Comments

of spring, I love the crisp, clean colors of winter.  The cold air seems to freeze every form in place: the red berries on the evergreens, the sleek black of the crows, and the silver icicles hanging from rooftops. I want to capture these images in watercolor, but I haven’t painted in a long time. 

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  • One Little Word, 2026
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  1. Trish's avatar
    Trish on One Little Word, 2026January 7, 2026

    I can't add anything but, "Brava" to the comments here! The stanzas that begin, "Remember me as..." speak so clearly…

  2. Lainie Levin's avatar
    Lainie Levin on One Little Word, 2026January 7, 2026

    Well, first of all, the older I get, the older "old" is =)And I love the mindset you are bringing…

  3. Jessica Carey's avatar
    Jessica Carey on One Little Word, 2026January 7, 2026

    Remarkable. Flashy and spunky. I love your attitude approaching this year and your upcoming birthday. So inspiring.

  4. Leigh Anne Eck's avatar
    Leigh Anne Eck on One Little Word, 2026January 6, 2026

    I love all of this! The word, the thinking behind it, the poem, and the picture! I just reacently purchased…

  5. Fran McCrackin's avatar
    Fran McCrackin on One Little Word, 2026January 6, 2026

    I like the way you build up to your word reveal. And with the perfect photo!

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11 responses to “January Watercolor”

  1. I MacArthur Nickles Avatar
    I MacArthur Nickles
    January 15, 2024

    Jo I love it. The watercolor somehow looks like a moon that has suddenly gotten warmth and water. My grandkids like to paint. The poem paints a lovely picture of what this winter is like. Just turning really cold here.

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  2. margaretsmn Avatar
    margaretsmn
    January 15, 2024

    I haven’t painted in a long time. Like you, I have a set of expectations that I’m sure I won’t fulfill. I do love your circle and berries. Would make a beautiful glass Christmas ornament or notecard. I hope you keep at it. There is something so satisfying about the creative process.

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    Reply
  3. Glenda Funk Avatar
    Glenda Funk
    January 16, 2024

    I very much enjoyed learning from Libby and her free watercolor spirit. I’d love to learn to paint but don’t have a clue where to start. My favorite winter color is seeing a deep blue sky against a snow covered mountain. I’m so glad you ended w/ a poem. It’s lovely. This whole post is cathartic.

    LikeLiked by 1 person

    Reply
  4. Diane Anderson (newtreemom) Avatar
    Diane Anderson (newtreemom)
    January 16, 2024

    So much joy in this writing!

    LikeLiked by 1 person

    Reply
  5. kimhaynesjohnson Avatar
    kimhaynesjohnson
    January 16, 2024

    The joy in the creation makes any amount of creative mess all worth it, and the lasting feeling of working with her hands is sure to build the love of art. I look forward to seeing more painting that you do. Your poem is ultra-sensory and gives me a winter blast that I love.

    LikeLiked by 1 person

    Reply
  6. Stacey Shubitz Avatar
    Stacey Shubitz
    January 16, 2024

    I love sitting down to paint, but I only do it with my kids. I used to work with soft pastels before they were born, but somehow that has faded away. If it weren’t so cold outside, I’d resurrect them from the basement and use them today since your slice has inspired me. However, I think the frigid temps will trump my desire to create a piece of artwork.
    Stay warm!

    LikeLiked by 1 person

    Reply
  7. Ramona Avatar
    Ramona
    January 16, 2024

    I have a set of watercolors I’ve never used. I bought them at a book sale probably a decade ago. I’ve saved them just for me, even though I don’t paint. Maybe sometime soon I’ll play with them, letting heart and hand lead the way. You and Libby have inspired me.
    I love your poem. It is so evocative of this season. I especially like those spring colors warming the winter snow. Keep creating!

    LikeLiked by 1 person

    Reply
  8. Stay Warm – Steph Scrap Quilts Avatar
    Stay Warm – Steph Scrap Quilts
    January 16, 2024

    […] Word Dancer […]

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  9. Barb Edler Avatar
    Barb Edler
    January 16, 2024

    Stunning poem and watercolor/acrylic. I love how you describe your process and how you want to immerse yourself into your art as Libby did. Beautiful post!

    LikeLiked by 1 person

    Reply
  10. Trish Avatar
    Trish
    January 16, 2024

    Oh for “the child’s mind,” Libby’s spirit of adventure, the mess-making marvel that she is. I also love the last lines of your poem, those vivid colors against the white winter palette, people bringing their flower-spirits with them: “Mint, berry, lilac, daffodil.” That same voice that undermines your free painting reminds me of the writer’s critic. Why are we so hard on ourselves? The world is unforgiving enough!

    LikeLiked by 1 person

    Reply
  11. maryleehahn Avatar
    maryleehahn
    January 17, 2024

    Keeping your “child’s mind” is so hard but so essential!

    LikeLike

    Reply
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