by Lynne Ayers

These are the first watercolours I have done in a decade. I had to return to my books to get me started.  Both of these were approached in the same way. Leaves 2020 was the first one, then Moon River.

I gathered leaves from the yard and traced them in pencil onto 140 lb watercolour paper. I then wet the paper and replaced the leaves into their outlines. Next I dropped primary colours onto the paper, overlaid it with stretched saran wrap and weighted it down with books, leaving it to dry overnight.

Because the paper was wet, colour bled in under the leaves giving some colour and texture in the leaf shapes. I then did negative painting (something I struggle with) to bring out the leaves. Added some colour to the leaves where I thought it was needed. 

In Leaves 2020 the paper was not as wet as Moon River, and the colours were not as saturated.  In Moon River the saturated colours didn’t provide enough contrast so I lightened the background in areas as opposed to Leaves 2020 where I made the background darker. 

I still wasn’t pleased with Moon River and so went in with a rigger and played with line, eventually using an acrylic marker for additional definition.  

Collectif members, send an image (or a few) of very recent work to cagac.ca@gmail.com with up to 100 words describing what you did, materials used, inspiration, etc. Maybe share how you’re feeling & how creativity helps. We’d like an informative, inspiring show & tell. Writers, send us poetry, lyrics, a short piece or excerpt.