I saw my first Bloodroot in 2005 when we were living in Western New York. I was smitten with this plant on the spot.
I loved the way one very large leaf enveloped a single stem with a delicate white flower.
There was a patch of plants, all in various stages of growth. So delicate. Such a wonderful delight for the eye.
There were so many beautiful wildflowers that spring, I decided to start a journal to celebrate each one. The journal I chose had been a gift and for years it remained blank, as the paper made me nervous. It is thin and filled with long fibers. I had no idea how it would work with watercolor.
Thankfully, I left the first journal page blank. Then after two pages of trial, error and removal, the third page was the charm. I first drew with a black Sakura Pigma Micron waterproof pen, then added watercolor. The paper is so thin that I had to put a blank sheet behind the page I was working on to protect the following pages.
It’s been years since I had looked at this journal. I love how the watercolors traveled through to the back side of each page, creating wonderful abstract designs.
There are more blank pages within the journal. I hope to fill with them with lowcountry wild flowers.
Thanks so, Valerie! Yes, what was frustrating now looks inviting. Love the art journey!
Thank you, Jean! I may do some testing at the back of the book the next time around. But then, I am a braver artist now than back in 2005 : )
Pam- This is fascinating. I imagine the paper was quite tricky to work on and get to "behave" the way you wanted. The bloodroot is lovely– it is such a charming and delicate flower. We have some in our woods, but they are so short lived that I have rarely painted them. I must follow your lead! Your painting is beautiful.
I love the effect of the watercolour on the thin paper, it looks like an antique picture. There's something special about keeping a gift book then suddenly finding it can work after all. Hope to see more low country pics soon!