:: Sowing clouds ::

Sow a thought, reap an action;
sow an action, reap a habit;
sow a habit, reap a character;
sow a character, reap a destiny.
— Stephen R. Covey from the excellent blog The Painter’s Keys

Even though the weather has been somewhat more autumn-like — many days of rain interspersed with a few beautiful days — I must admit the clouds have been gorgeous. They are rolling, tumbling over each other, heavy to get where they need to go… light on top and heavy on the bottom, some zooming ahead while others linger as though they wanted to stay a tad longer? Yesterday my husband and I deciphered countries, continents, lions and bears in the cloud formations and yes, even a dragon or two. So today is the same story, rain is coming and the beautiful clouds too.

My first test was with French Ultramarine mixed with some Pyrrol Crimson and Burnt Sienna and the clouds turned out too purplish, in some ways too cute. Then I tried French Ultramarine mixed only with Burnt Sienna and they turned out flat. Then I tried Cerulean Blue Chromium, mixed with Burnt Sienna and that worked. Yeah! So here they are… I did wet my paper a bit beforehand, but not entirely — only some areas running across in a zigzag motion. Then I waited a bit and painted in the Cerulean followed by the Burnt Sienna. Touch and go!

I wanted to mention that I am subscribed to the excellent blog Painter’s Keys and their latest article was on the Seven habits of highly effective artists. It is well worth reading and if you are an artist, you will truly enjoy the depth and sensitivity of their articles.

Paper: Do not know, might be Saunders Waterford CP 9″ x 5.5″
Colours: Q. Gold, DS Cerulean Blue Chromium, WN Burnt Sienna
Location: In my street in Rigaud, Québec, Canada