Taking a brief break from Trade Show talk and showing off my new Floral Haiku watercolor collection.
Dennis’ lovely logo
Working on changing my style
Months ago I wanted to change my style, not a lot, but enough to please me. I wanted to paint with my arm and shoulder more and less with my wrists.To generally loosen up the feel and look of my watercolors.
Considerable painting time went into playing and practicing to combine looks I liked and come up with a new look of my own.
Sumi e brushes
types of Sumi-e brushes
At this time I discovered long forgotten Sumi e brushes in my very large collection of brushes. I watched some videos on Sumi brush painting and learned how to use the brush. You have to hold it differently and usually have one color on the body of the brush and another darker on the tip. The brushes come to very fine points and are great for calligraphic lines and swirls. It takes a lot of practice to master the correct way to hold the brush and I haven’t quite gotten there yet, but I’ll keep trying.
Sumi e painting
Renoir my favorite impressionist painter
trendy floral designs in fashion
Inspirations
As usual I did a lot of googling and looking at art styles, poetry, and fashionable florals on fabric that I liked.
A lot of joy and excitement went into these paintings. Also a lot of frustration and sweat when I didn’t succeed. The rejects mounted. I’m tearing them into pieces and want to try using them for some watercolor collage designs.
Peony andPoppies Collage
“Breezy”was the first painting completed.
Airy
Then came “Airy”
Hydrangea and Hollyhocks, Soft
By painting number three, “Soft” my hand was picking up the new rhythm of my painting. Sometimes painting feels like playing music. The touch, movement and intensity or softness has to be just right and it all needs to flow. I guess that is “getting into the flow.” It’s a wonderful place to be!
Sunflower and Mum,Fresh
And finally there came “Fresh”
Me in my painting hat
I guess it wouldn’t be far fetched to say I’m happy.
Andrea Brooks Studio 
Oh Andy…This avenue will not only bring you the Happiness which is clear in the work itself not to mention your smiling Face, but I feel this avenue will lead you to pots of Gold as well. Absolutely gorgeous. I loved seeing the brushes, so freeing in their very construction and the way one needs to hold them, and not. And the Logo is perfect. I”m so Happy that you’re Happy and I really love this new Floral Haiku.
Suzy, (am I finally spelling it right after how many years?). Thanks you so for your lovely comment. After working very hard to achieve this new way of working getting feedback is imperative for my well being. Yours is all I need. If only I had nothing else to do but paint. Just for a little while. Pleeeeeeese. But it is what it is and I have to make time for it ins ome form every day just as you do for your writing.
I am now working on halloween cupcake designs and this presents another kind of challenge. But that is what keeps my interest going and always has. Much love
andy bagel
Ms Bagel, You can’t imagine how thrilled i was to see you and this gorgeous work , first thing this morning. New directions for all! Enjoy pondering your Goblin’ Cupcakes. Much Love, Da Cheese
From Ms. Bagel (or bageletto) To da Cheese
Contemplating Goblin Cupcakes and spicy candied pecan recipe in NY Times today.
I am glad that this new direction thing is inspiring. That is an added bonus I hadn’t even thought of. Share the goodies makes the world go round.
love bag
Lovely paintings and lovely post, Andrea! 🙂 Joana
This was very interesting. Thank you for sharing your process.
Thanks for your interest Joann. I always appreciate getting feedback. I like to know what my blog readers like.
See you soon.
Andrea
Hi Joana, Long time no see. Hope we can get together if not before new years then soon after. I appreciate this especially coming from my teacher. xx00 andrea
Beautiful. Luscious. Fascinating window into the life of an artist.
Have you seen the Rinpa exhibition at the Met? I want to go and would love company.
Thanks for following and for your nice comments. I like luscious.
I did see Rinpa and bought the book which we can look at together. It is a beautiful show. Be sure to visit the Japanese room where they do tea ceremonies and flower arranging. I’d love to go to one of those. If they have a schedule pick one up. Hope to see you this weekend, without great aunt Yetta. I’ll get rid of her for the weekend.
Lovely. You are so talented! xoo Nancy
Oh, Andrea, these are lovely. I’m so happy to see you doing them- you must be feeling better to paint. Such gloriously happy poems.
Terry