When you read the title of this post, what image popped into your head? Clapboard siding, picket fences and porch swings? Colorful flowers tumbling over stone walls? Well, this adorable cottage has all that and more.
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| 12″ x 8″, ink & watercolor on 140 lb. paper |
The house is framed by pretty white picket fences…
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| The viburnum blossoms were painted with opaque white gouache |
and a lush viburnum blooms in the backyard. A profusion of perennial flowers fills the large flowerbed next to the porch and and a small vegetable garden is tucked into the area in front of the fence. Antique lanterns stand at the entrance to a path which leads to the front porch. A low stone wall edges the yard and separates the driveway from the flowering plants.
The front porch looks like a place I’d love to spend a long lazy summer afternoon. The color of the porch swing and front door are simply dreamy, and the white porch rail and balusters add cottage charm to this newly renovated home.
The unusual birdbath-style planter is surrounded by masses of pink and white petunias. It was constructed from a chunky antique baluster topped with a metal basin.
I think I’d enjoy meeting the owners of this cute, cozy little cottage. Anyone who paints their porch swing that wonderful shade of blue and loves flowers as much as I do, is someone I’d like to get to know. That porch swing is calling to me….
18 Comments
Nice! Did you sketch the house first in pencil, watercolor it then ink it in?
Pencil, then ink, then watercolor.
Leslie, I love this. I've only painted one commission of a house as a favor (never had painted a large watercolor before, only journal pages), but had so many challenges. They loved it, but I have a lot to learn. So excited about your class in May at Cheap Joes. Want to learn everything.
I'm always nervous when I email them a photo of the finished painting, waiting to see what their response will be, but so far everyone's been happy.
See you at Cheap Joe's!
Amazingly beautiful!
Thanks, Olga!
Leslie, I a truly enjoying these posts. Just beautiful, and I love to see the way various elements are tackled. I too am looking forward to seeing you (and BB I guess) at Cheap Joes. I already have my large palette out and cleaned, ready to be filled with fresh paint. Enjoying my "semi-retirement:.
Come on down for a Summerhill Sketching session, too, when you get a chance. It's been too long!
I plan on being there Feb 4–weather permitting.
Great! See you then.
I am really enjoying your home series!….need to check out your workshop!
I'm not seeing you listed in May at Cheap Joes…. 🙁
Here's the link: http://www.cheapjoes.com/leslie-fehling-art-workshop-sketchbook-journaling-comes-to-life-may-9-13-2016.html
What an adorable cottage! I'm running out of adjectives to describe how much I love your work. I can't wait for your Cheap Joe's workshop. It's fun to see others commenting that they will be there too. I'm looking forward to meeting everyone.
It's going to be a really fun week with a great group of people – can't wait!
Nice
What do you use for the “pen”? I can’t seem to find something that’s not too dark or too messy.
Thanks!
I don’t remember what I used for this painting, but for a black ink line that isn’t too bold, try a Sakura Pigma Micron 01 pen, and use a light touch when drawing. And make your lines “skippy” rather than solid. A Pigma Micron 005 will give you an even thinner line.