A series of quick watercolors

The first is based on a live still life. The teacher, Eleanor, demoed technique, which was helpful since I have been away from it for awhile; she wanted me to use bolder and freer strokes (less thinking), which made a difference in how the brush felt in my hand. She also used more water in the brush than I had dared and reminded me to carry the colors from element to element. Eleanor said not to worry about messing up and that you could just discard (recycle); I do feel that I want to be proud of everything that I create, and perhaps I am just afraid of "failing."

This second one with the bowl, onion, garlic, carrots and other objects was painted from a photo. Eleanor encouraged me to use less colors; she liked the spoons and the darks in the broccoli. When I started this one, I felt like it was going to turn out less than stellar but with each layering and addition of color, it gained dimension and came together as a piece.

The cup/lemon (photo) was a much simpler presentation, so I wanted to keep this tone.

It is nice to see progress and to be in a safe--yet unsafe--place. Which do you like best?