The other day I drove into our small village and came to an abrupt stop by the cold creek that runs through it. The creek never freezes, and in the winter the geese and ducks who’ve remained up north like to sit on the water. Warming their behinds maybe?Often steam rises when the water is warmer than the air.
Photo reference for watercolor sketch below.
This day, though cold, there was no steam. The sun came from behind me and rendered the scene absolutely beautiful. I grabbed a shot of it on my phone through the windshield — there was so much color for a normally-dreary January day.
Back home I traced some of the main lines and shapes into Art Rage on my Mac, and then used Karen Bonaker’s Custom Watercolor Brushes to block in the wet paints. Using layers, I began with the sky, then came forward by degrees to build the depth.
I put it into Corel Painter to pop up the saturation some, but I’m discovering a lot of that can be done in Art Rage.
Watercolor sketch of Cold Water Creek. I used a limited color palette though the day was unusually bright for January here.
This is a watercolor sketch, on its way to becoming a painting. Up close and big it isn’t very smooth. But if you squint or look at it from across some distance, you’ll see some potential, I think. 
I see I missed some water reflections. And those ever-dramatic shadows in the photo are missing from my work.
The sketch is in the process of becoming a painting…
As I am in the process of becoming who I am. I too am still just a sketch… maybe even a translucent watery-color sketch on the way to becoming a full painting. That’s okay. The day is still young… there’s time to work on me and my painting.
I’m wondering what you’re working on today that is still in sketch form? Do you step back and squint at things to determine what areas still need work? Do you share imperfect, partially-finished work with others, maybe getting their input?
Thanks so much for visiting. My life is taking some turns, but I’m so glad to be back here, over coffee, with you…………….
Barb 
{ 17 comments… read them below or add one }
Glad to see you back. Nice sketch to remember a beautiful day.
Thanks, Karol. The coffee’s good, and returning friends even better.
Lovely Barb. I like it just the way it is. Glad to see you posting after such a long absence.
Hi Elaina. Yes, it’s been a while. Life sometimes gets in the way unexpectedly. I’m glad you like my sketch!
Well, if I were to go back and squint at it, I’d see eyelashes, but that’s my issue;O) I love the sky colors, which don’t usually accompany a winter scene, and the fact that you did it in Art Rage and are taking it to Painter to complete it….but I really love this one. So good to “see” you coming for coffee yet once again. I’m hoping to take a class on watercolor effects in AR but must wait until retreat graphics are done in April…duty before pleasure or it’ll never get done. Have a delightful rest of the day Barb!
Hi Suzie. It would be fun to meet you in the class room! Art Rage is really a powerful, yet not-too-expensive, program. I’m having a great time learning it. I hope you get all your ‘duties’ done so you can come join the fun.
I am so glad to see you posting Barb! I’ve missed you
I am in the process of becoming a stick figure, the sketch is still a ways off! I love your painting and your way with words. I don’t much share anything but I am working on that. So since I just typed that, this is what I have been working on, among other things: http://slilohgraphics.com/
That is supposed to be my business website. It’s pretty hard to get business from it when I work so hard to hide it, but I’m redoing it for a more professional look.
I hope things in your life are going well.
Anita
Hi Anita. A stick figure, huh? That’s funny. With all you do and have accomplished… but I do know what you mean.
Your new site looks good. And it’s probably best to advertise it! Thanks for sharing it here.
Ohhhh, the photograph is just beautiful….hard to believe it came from your cellphone and that it’s a January winter day in Ohio! But what you did to the “sketch” is typically a “finished painting” in anyone else’s opinion……your style is your own and I love it. And your analogy of being a “sketch” yourself is perfect, especially compared with our sisterly conversations over the past few months. It’s so true of all of us….. if we’re willing to “wait upon the Lord”, our “finished painting” will be wonderful thing to behold! But to me, dearest sister, you are, like your “sketch”, already a beautiful painting…….although not finished till He decides. You’re truly an inspiration to me…..and to your family. And have I ever told you how much I love you? “)))
Ha — a lovely January day in northern Ohio is hard to believe, huh? Actually we have some of the most beautiful morning skies anywhere, especially as the sun just begins getting up, snow blankets the lawns out my window as far as I can see, and the variety of trees present their sillhouettes throughout. As long as I’m warm, have people to love and work to do, I’m good with this picture. Even in Ohio.
Thanks, Neets. I love you too………… everyone should have such a sister as you.
Beautiful mom! You are so good at both the written word and the visual depiction! I am proud to have you as my mom and mentor! Love you mommy!
Hey! Thanks, Ter. I should scan in and feature some of your drawings. Then we’d have some art work!
Love you too, honey.
yer mom
I like the paining more than the picture — it’s life imitating art, but the art is best. Great job.
I wonder whether I’ll like the finish, better than the sketch? Sometimes there’s beauty in the sketch of things. I think it’s the beauty of simplicity.
Ahhh — maybe I like that too. Beauty in the sketch of things. that applies to people as well, don’t you think? Thanks, J.D.
Hi Barb .. good to have you back .. I just love the process – one day I must give it a go .. but not at the moment – I’m happy to watch you! Cold Creek .. sounds a lovely quiet dreamy place ..
Thanks for showing us .. cheers and a happy 2011 .. Hilary
Hi Barbara, yes, we are all sketching ourselves daily, touching up here and there, building the layers and defining the edges. Great analogy, thanks for sharing.
Enjoy the journey.
Mandy
Barb, your work and your words refresh me. I am home this morning for just a bit due to bad roads and no school, though office hours for me continue throughout the day so I will leave in a short while for Sandusky. I look out my window and see snow coming down (I love snow) and the range of greys, browns, whites, blues, and blacks in the outdoors beyond my window, trees stark and beautiful, the lake partially frozen and still, the hush of the day. Thanks as always for your gifts, hot coffee on a morning when I need it. Love Sally