A question I usually asked as a teacher: What would you say is something good and strong about this paper? (I taught college composition.) I've taken on that question for myself as I pursue visual arts. Best answer on this: I tried.

Much went off-kilter. 5x5 sketchbook with thin paper. New set of paints I didn't know well enough to make good mixes. Tried to use ink, and I got a bleeder! Still, here it is, warts and all. I will keep learning but remain envious of those who can do this beautifully. Limiting to 3 colors with that new pan of paints (artist-quality from Japan) wasn't a breeze, and I know I can do this with colors I've worked with for years. Not bad paints, just limited knowledge on my part.

Such a fine class, Suzanne, and I was very inspired. I will try this sort of exercise again as it's a good one. Thanks, Suzanne.

 Couple days later...

Soooo, the new watercolor paint set was not as difficult to swatch as I mistakenly thought at first. Tried to get secondary colors, and was surprised by the options. Now that I know more about the paint properties, I could swatch a nicer swatch page, but I thought I had so few options when I first looked at the set. When I started swatching, I saw that if I dove in more deeply, I could have improved my swatch page. The new set from Japan is not like Daniel Smith tubes which give you all the information about pigments mixed into the colors. Again, more learning. Here are some swatches that gave me decent purples and oranges.

Now I need to take a class about "loose painting" preferably with watercolors, so if anyone has ideas, my suggestion box is open.

Judy