On 1st February 2013, I started a Watercolour Diary. I was inspired my an artist called Trisha
Thompson Adams, who had completed a 366 page sketchbook the previous
year. It was a truly lovely idea, and all her paintings were just amazing!
However, I didn't realise until I started this project, just how much
determination it would take. At the beginning, I was feeling quite uninspired, probably to do with
it being January, the most depressing month of the year. I needed something
that would pick me up, and keep me creative. And, so my watercolour adventure
began…
On completing every painting, I photographed it and
uploaded it to my Instagram (@Florafricker). Next, I scanned it to my computer,
and, uploaded it to my Watercolour Diary tumblr. And, finally, I
stuck each one to my bedroom wall. I must have gone through at least 6 packets
of blue tac.. But, my room is now like a “Gallery Of My Year”. I'm surrounded
by my memories. And, wowee, it’s all so, colourful.
This was such a challenge. There were many, many
times, when I felt like giving it all up, and sometimes I forgot what the whole
point was. But, I continued to remind myself that, at the end I will have this
amazing array of paintings, and a huge image bank of my own inspirations. And,
I started it because I wanted to keep being creative, and to prove that I am a
very self- motivated and determined person, and this has proved to me
that if you want something, then you have to work at it, and eventually…. it
will come.
So what now? I will be keeping the paintings on my
wall for a while. And, I plan to make a book of all my watercolours. Something,
to show the grandchildren. I, also have a huge image bank, so I can go back to
my watercolours and develop them further. I also want to thank my Mum and Dad
for their patience, as we spent many evenings wondering what I was going to
paint. So, thank you!
I couldn't have achieved this without my Winsor
& Newton watercolour paints, they've lasted so well. And, my Fabriano paper.
I definitely recommend them!
I hope you enjoy looking through my WatercolourDiary. But most of all, I hope that I have inspired you in some way.
Flora x
Flora x
