Glitzy Gecko and Picking Up the Paintbrushes

I finished my August HEX LABS from StitchMAP, and he turned out to be a flashy sort of guy. Perfect for going out and looking for a Gecko Gal.

The curve on his body made things a little interesting. I used bullion knots, french knots, cast-on stitch, buttonhole stitch, stem stitch and straight stitch, plus lots of beading.

Think he'll find his lady love?

I decided it was way too long since I'd done any watercolours, so I picked up my palette........I know some of you may cringe at its messy state, but it's actually pretty clean.....well, for me, anyway...lol

The inspiration is  a photo I took of the neighbour's cottage at the lake where we used to live.

 I don't try to copy the photos exactly.

I began with a simple sketch, then  added light washes of colour. I have a tendency to put too much paint on too early in my paintings, so I tried to carefully and slowly add layers, letting the areas dry before another wash was added.

 At this point, I put it aside to dry thoroughly.

 I usually paint on cold-pressed watercolour paper, but I found this sheet of hot-pressed paper in my pile and thought I'd play, practicing some washes.

I was looking at this photo of Georgian Bay. I love all the rocks, the shadows and the intense blues of the water

Almost dry. I've added more blues to the water.

Monday was a little hot and sunny so we went to this quiet little beach for a quick dip. It's been over a year since I last went swimming, and I really enjoyed it. I think we'll be planning another trip with a picnic lunch if the weather gets hot again.

Hope you have a sunny, creative week ahead.

Thanks for visiting.
Hugs from Suz