Sunday, December 06, 2020

Christmas Foliage

 Hello.. How's your Sunday going?

It's cold one today but so far no snow in my neck of the woods.

Well, I said I would share a couple more painted cards and here they are...

I've had fun doing these, though there were a few attempts that never made it, painting on cardstock can be a struggle. It's getting the right consistency of watercolour as any big images like the holly leaves can dry quickly and the colour doesn't blend - Too wet and it just doesn't work at all.

The next one (very similar) doesn't have a sentiment as I honestly think I'm going to keep it as a reminder of my first attempts
 

I recently bought a small pad of Fabriano extra white watercolour paper which I've yet to try... It not as white as the cardstock is and that's the compromise - I love bright white


I'll let you know how it goes... right now the cold is affecting the arthritis in my hands so I can't paint. I bought myself a pair of those compression gloves to help but I only had them 2 days and I've lost them! I tell 'ya things just keep on disappearing here Lol!

Take care of yourselves and enjoy your day

~ Ros ~



22 comments:

Viv said...

Stunning cards Ros. I am green with envy!
Snow here yesterday and quite a good dusting - mad considering I am only 45 mins just a little way up the M6 from you. Was lovely to look out on everything so white and bright - got disappointed that it simply melted all away by last night!
No change here - still in Tier 3!

Gail said...

You've really nailed this painting lark.Two lovely cards AGAIN .

Mac Mable said...

What beautiful painting and cards Ros...Yes I know what you mean about the compromise with the whites.....x.

Marcia Hill said...

Absolutely BEAUTIFUL Ros!! I would never have known you struggled getting color to move as they both look absolutely perfect to me!! Had to chuckle about your comment about liking the cardstock best because of the bright white color and the water color paper isn't...I'm the same way about needing my background to be the bright white, so for water color I only use Tim Holtz's cardstock. Pricey but I do like the bright white!! Take care. Hugs. :0)

Pat said...

Fabulous watercolouring Ros and your compositions are just wonderful..the berries are so beautifully 3D. I know what you mean about using cardstock. I do mostly work on it but it does tend to buckle if you use a lot of water. I sometime rescue pieces by placing them under a heavy book overnight which works quite well. x

Christine Alexander said...

amazing cards Ros, I can't believe they're hand painted WOW, WOW, WOW :)

I Card Everyone said...

Ros, they are stunning! One could never tell there was a struggle - I too understand the desire to have the bright whites, and they must match!
You will love the Fabriano ... just change up the card base to match and you'll be very satisfied, I'm sure of it. MFT has a cardstock that works perfectly: Heavy weight - whip cream. It's especially lovely for Christmas cards, I feel.
Hope you don't mind the suggestion. You're doing beautifully all on your own, my friend!
=]

Bonnie said...

Your holly is beautiful here too, Ros, and those berries and pine sprigs are awesome! I am amazed that you can do such beautiful watercolor on cardstock.

Diane said...

Beautifully painted, wow, I am always in awe of your creations!! No snow here and I am perfectly fine with having none all season, I wish lol!! Have a great day my friend!

Sandy said...

Beautifully painted and designed - I love this card!
Sandy Claus xx

Jan said...

Very pretty Ros....love all the foliage!
Paper Hugs,
Jan

Leslie Miller said...

Absolutely beautiful, Ros! They look like perfection to me. It's amazing how you're able to paint such beautiful creations on regular cardstock. I love the Fabriano extra white hot press, but was disappointed at first that it wasn't whiter. It's quite a bit whiter than other wc paper, but not as white as cardstock. However, it looks quite nice and bright with a colored image on it. I'm sorry about your arthritis. I hope you find your gloves!

Maria said...

Beautiful painted holly cards, Ros!! It’s cold and damp here today. It feels as if it could snow, but I’m hoping for snow only on Christmas day, lol! Take care and have a great week!!

nancy littrell said...

Gorgeous watercolored holly and greenery, Ros. Love your sweet tag and CAS design. Hope your new WC paper works for you. Stay safe and warm..Love and Hugs...Nancy

Loll said...

Your watercoloured greenery is so beautiful Ros!! Looks like you've perfected the amount of water to paint on card stock. So amazed that's what you use for watercolouring. I've never been able to do that ... have to have mixed media. Isn't it funny how different papers work for different people??!! xx

Darnell said...

Oh, my word, Ros, "your first attempts?" As if you hope to do any better than these two masterpieces which are sheer perfection to my eyes! My favorite kind of holiday images are evergreen branches and holly and you've killed me with these! They would sell like hotcakes in any boutique once Covid has ended. I would buy one, frame it, and enjoy it all year long! You are so blessed to have such talent and to have discovered it. I know I'm gushing, but words don't seem sufficient so I just keep going on, lol!

I love bright white, too. What brand of card stock do you normally use? I will be curious to find out what you think of Fabriano.

I'm so sorry Arthur flares up in the wintry months and I hope the gloves help! Happy Holiday hugs! Darnell

Darnell said...

p.s. You really should put a watermark on these, Ros. It's horrid to put anything over the image, but it really needs to be there in a pale gray or something that doesn't detract, but would deter thieves.

Pauline said...

WOW!!WOW!! Ros, these are absolutely gorgeous! Struggle?? doesn't look like you struggled at all. Love all the details, the tones of your greens, just magnificent! These would be beautiful framed in a small square frame, oh the possibilities! I've never tried Fabriano wc paper, but I agree I like my wc paper to be white white, and it is very hard to find. Oh no your gloves, hope you find them. This year I couldn't fine my new pair I bought last year, looked all over, so had to buy and new pair and guess what, yep found the old ones! Have a wonderful day Ros!

Greta said...

I never get tired of foliage & these are gorgeous, Ros! Hope you find those gloves!

Robyn Oliver said...

Ros your painting is amazing- I just love it --- your style and colours and fantastic... HOT here, air cons going all the time now... even ventured into a friend pool yesterday with our granddaughters 😊

My Paper Epiphany said...

Absolutely stunning crds Ros! You've got a prize at Stamplorations btw:)

Barbara said...

Well, running more than two months late in commenting I certainly hope there's no reason anymore to wish "get well soon" as far as the arthritis in your hands is concerned. I absolutely adore these cards, though - and what do you mean, first attempts?! They are masterpieces and ESPECIALLY the large holly leaves!