Here we are with shells. I found the flowers much more complex and not satisfying. This is my first try with sea shells and I think they are fine. The one in the left lower corner was the hardest, possibly because it has a flat shape.

I added some shadows since I did not like them to float around. This gives everything a little "old travel notebook" hint I really like a lot.

Various still lifes - image 1 - student project

I add to this thread my flowers. I have mixed feelings about them. Sometimes I detest them , sometimes I think they are not SO bad.
Various still lifes - image 2 - student project

Magnolia was ruined since the ink I used was not waterproof and I added some watercolor shades after inking… I think I will redo it in a bigger size (now all are 7x9 inches).

I added some crayons shades and some gel pen (white).

Various still lifes - image 3 - student project

I had a hard time in finding a reference I liked for poppies. I'm not sure about the results.

Various still lifes - image 4 - student project

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Here are the pears. This is the third try, the first two were just ugly. Colors are better in the original, but my scanner isn't the best on the market.

Various still lifes - image 5 - student project

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I started as a watercolorist about 15 years ago, but after many year I feel "rigid" and totally stuck.

I need some new fresh approach and since I tend to overwork my paintings, this course is to me a great way to get out from my confort zone… and I really need it a lot!

Here you can see my first try (my child had appreciated, but creased it a little) and my second one. I prefer the second.

I'm so happy to join this classroom and to work with others. A special thanks to #ohnmarskillshare

A note on materials I used:
- Winsor&Newton Serie 7 Fine watercolors
- Winsor&Newton Serie 7 sable brushes
- Winsor&Newton ink, peat brown
- pen and nib (I lost the paper the name of the nib was on)
- Fabriano Watercolor paper 90lbs. This paper is not the best at all, but it's good for sketches.
I usually use Arches for finals (smooth, cold pressed), but it's more expensive.

FIRST TRY:

Various still lifes - image 6 - student project

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SECOND TRY:

Various still lifes - image 7 - student project

Valentina Faussone

Art director, all inclusive.

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