Terns, 5x7 Watercolor Painting, Beach Birds

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The amazing thing about this painting is that I stopped. I didn't overwork it, no one had to hit me over the head to make me stop, and I have left it alone. It's different for me because it's a watercolor, and except for my journal, I rarely do watercolors. One thing I really like about watercolors is that I can easily take them with me anywhere, unlike oil paints. Oil paints are heavy, require odorless mineral spirits for cleanup, and are very messy. I still love them, though. 

Carmen

Carmen Beecher: Beach Birds, 11x14 Oil on Canvas Panel, Seascape

This has been an interesting project because I used cold wax as my medium. I painted much of it before going on vacation, then added the foreground birds when I returned. Cold wax is very interesting to use and I am still experimenting with it. It has a soft look, and when painting over a layer that has dried it is very easy to wipe away any mistakes. Wax on, wax off. 

It also makes a nice final varnish and you don't have to wait months to do it. It is not recommended for stretched canvas, though. A rigid support is necessary to prevent cracking.

I realize if you're not an artist this is about as interesting as reading the Tax Code.

Carmen