https://youtu.be/pi61dqkevAc The video above highlights the general context of the Network Learning Project.  Within the video, the goals were identified and reviewed for completion or success.  The sources of learning were also described as well as some examples of my work and how they related to the goals.  Learning this way allowed for self-exploration and self-paced development.  As our goals were individual, we could proceed and progress however we wanted.  The any-time any-where approach to learning certainly has its advantages.    In my context, the gathering of new knowledge was done through online tools and resources, and the sharing was done through the blog, though so extensively and limited to one only a few people.  What was lacking for me was the third step…the community of learners’ piece.  In an online scenario, this is a challenge to create.  In an in-person experience, learning new knowledge, sharing it and havin...

       I felt that a great way to see progress was to re-examine my baseline painting and go back and retry.  Since the beginning of this assignment, and my exploration of watercolours, I have learned many things, which I applied to the painting on the right,   I began with a wet-on-wet technique blending colours for the sky and the sunset.  I realized during this process, that the best way to use wet on wet is to work in segments.  As such, I didn't wet the bottom of the page until after the top was done.  The layering then began. However, you can't do too much without waiting for the paint to dry,  If you try to add more layers on wet, the colours will just blend.  This may be a lovely effect but not necessarily what goal is.    Between each layer of green, of trees and of grass, I had to wait for the previous layer to dry.  Thus I was using the wet-on-dry technique which allows for more vibrant colours....

  I  wasn't entirely happy with my PEI landscape painting so I thought I would re-attempt a new one.  Above is the original photo, the road to the beach on the North Shore of PEI. The painting on the left is the original and the one on the right is my re-do.      After completing the updated version, I found the colour a bit flat, though this photo looks a bit different in person.  You see the shading of the shrubs on the right much more clearly in the photo than in real real life. I decided to return into the painting and added a lighter green on top as well as some yellow as flowers and grasses.  I thought a few more layers of colours might bring in a bit more depth. The added different colours to look interesting, I am not entirely satisfied with the end results but am much more pleased

  I started with a new website called Lovely and Easy Watercolor Flowers Gorgeous & Easy Watercolor Flowers Perfect for Beginners (artistsnetwork.com) This site didn't show a video of the "how-to" but rather had photos and guided instructions. It was certainly a website that was easy to follow and well laid out.  Flowers are a little trickier than I would have thought.  I also used my new paints which, admittedly, which are not of the best quality.  They aren't as translucent when wet as the other set of paints, though they have more colours, which is why I bought them.  I did learn throughout this process that buying quality materials is important and certainly when it comes to paints,  The following images are from the website on the left and my attempt on the right. I began trying roses. The artist from the website certainly has a great skill.   The next technique was also a rose, but more from the side  The last of the flowers is...

  I explored a new site for guidance with painting Khoi fish.  I have to admit, I have never done anything like this but, feeling confident, I gave it a try.  I looked for a new YouTube video and found the following; Easy Watercolor Painting Ideas - Koi Fish Easy Watercolor Painting Ideas - Koi Fish - YouTube This video provided great guidance but wasn't quite a beginner level. Though, with video, I was able to stop the recording, rewind, and replay which I did many times.  I learned a few things from this video such as the wet-on-wet dabbing technique as well as pre-drawing the fish I wanted.  It also showed and explained how applying water around the fish drawing will allow for the blending of colours (wet -n-wet technique) where you want it.  I started sketching two fish which, in itself, was a little daunting.   I used a mechanical pencil as I tend to use a lighter touch with them, and had my trusty eraser. Using a wet-on-wet technique, I wet ...

           .     I have a goal to paint something other than landscapes so flowers seemed like a great alternative.  I explored two websites/blogs that helped guide me through the process.  I tried the two techniques simultaneously, the first from Watercolour Affair is on the left side of my paper and the second, on the right, is from Dawn Nicole's site. The left side technique had me create overlapping ovals in various colours, layering colours.  the end result is to look rose-like.        I learned that starting with an oval was ok, but I think my next attempt will be starting with a little circle and build out or layer from there. The right side of my work presented an interesting technique.   I started with a drop of rather concentrated paint on a dry paper. Then, with a very wet brush, expanded out the drops to look more like a bloom.  As the blooms looked a little washed out, I ende...