Lately, I like to use reference photos, not because I'm trying to copy the photos literally, but just to get ideas of colors and relationships of objects to each other. The photo is just inspiration to get started. This helps me get past the "what to paint?" The finished product looks very little like the photo.
These are the 3 pieces I finished in the class. Not the best photos, but they suffice, I think. The first 2 are watercolor, water soluble crayon and collage. The third, just watercolor and water soluble crayon. This is the first time in years I have collaged into a painting. I think it's important, if collage is added, that it be integrated into the surface and not appear as a crafty looking add-on.
This last piece is shown with a mat that is really too small for it. It's a 12x16" mat, which cuts off too much of the picture, but the 16x20" mat was too big. I just used the small mat for the photo, but would like to get one that fits it better.
