More wood slice paintings and learning the limitations of gouache

This post is going up a little late, and I have done many more paintings at this point. But until I can get pictures this will have to do for now.

Painting these pieces has been super fun, and a really good learning experience for me. I am discovering what my favourite subjects to paint are, and also what doesn't inspire me. I am finding out how I cope creatively under pressure (or not as has sometimes been the case), and I am learning to accept constructive criticism. Also, I have found that I am strong enough to continue to paint what I want to paint, rather than take "suggestions " from others to heart, and potentially end up doing something that doesn't make me happy.

I am very pleased with what I have done so far, but at the same time I have become a bit frustrated with my materials. Even though this is just a fun project, I still always try to do my best, which is more difficult with restictions such as paint quality. I haven't tried many gouache paints, but I know how it acts and that it can be both fantastic and infuriating. It dries extremely fast, but it can be reactivated with water even after it has dried. This can sometimes be a good thing, if I need to blend colours together or maybe remove a mistake. It can also be a problem when putting layers of paint over each other, as the new layer will pick up the one underneath if the paint is too wet.

Otherwise I'm pretty pleased with the colours, which look even brighter after they are sprayed with the waterproof lacquer and sealed.

I'll photograph and upload the rest of the work I've done tomorrow when there is better lighting, and hopefully get some more painted as well. I am participating in a craft fair in two days, and I hope to try to sell some of these as magnets, so I want to have as many ready as possible!