Radically Retired

Practice

Written by

Terry

in

This spring, instead of transporting so many things back and forth every six months, I chose to leave all of my art supplies in Texas.

I recently decided that I want some practice on brush stroke and acrylic paint techniques before I head back, but didn’t want to spend a lot of money for 6 weeks of practice.

Enter: Dollarama. I purchased all of the supplies in my feature photo for $16.59 CDN ($12 USD) and this is all that I need.

The paints and brushes aren’t near the quality of the ones waiting for me in TX, but they’ll suffice for the time being.

For now, I’ll practice on a sketch pad and poster board.

When we get back to TX, I’ll continue with folk art (my fave) on my “free” canvas … Palm husks that drop from the trees during big winds.

These were my earliest attempts in 2021

My current goal is to learn Norwegian rosemaling so I can paint those designs on the palm husks too. I’m not Norwegian, but hubs is.

Making a bit of progress, but still a very long way to go

Comments

15 responses to “Practice”

  1. Edward Ortiz Avatar
    Edward Ortiz

    Nicely done, Terry. That last picture is beautiful.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Terry Avatar
      Terry

      Thank you for your kind compliments, Edward. Have a great evening!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. Edward Ortiz Avatar
        Edward Ortiz

        You’re welcome, Terry.

        Liked by 1 person

  2. explorenewness Avatar
    explorenewness

    I love the idea of making art on a totally free canvas! You’re very talented. These look terrific!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Terry Avatar
      Terry

      Thanks for the kind compliment, Lenore. Have a fab day!

      Like

      Reply
  3. Phil Strawn Avatar
    Phil Strawn

    I like your work! Palm husk, who would have thought it? When I was a kid, way back in the day, folks would paint Coconut shells to resemble a Tiki God or a native; they were big sellers in South Texas. My cousin once painted the shell of a Texas Box Turtle. She did a nice job, painting flowers and such on its shell. Years later, the same turtle showed up at her home after being absent for a few years. The shell still had some of the decor. She was thrilled and gave the poor turtle another coat of paint. I have the outline for a story about this, but I haven’t written it yet. Your post may have inspired me to finish it.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Terry Avatar
      Terry

      Thanks for your kind compliment on my work, Phil. I look forward to your turtle story. Have a great day!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  4. A Creative Spirit Avatar
    A Creative Spirit

    Your paintings are amazing, Terry. What a great idea to paint on palm husks…. you’ve given me an idea.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Terry Avatar
      Terry

      Thanks so much, Carole! It’s lots of fun, and in a way – a trash to treasure sort of hobby. Rest well tonight!

      Like

      Reply
  5. Betty Avatar
    Betty

    Terry, I love these paintings! I look forward to seeing more great works of art done by you. As you know, I very much enjoy painting, too!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Terry Avatar
      Terry

      Thanks so much, Betty. Yes, I’m following your watercolour journey with great interest! Have a great rest of your day!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  6. Darryl B Avatar
    Darryl B

    Palm husks as a canvas… what a great idea! Maybe you could post a pic of a finished painting on one, bet it looks very cool. Love the rosemaling! 😎👏

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Terry Avatar
      Terry

      The best things about using them as canvas are: when I pick them up during my walks around our park, I’m doing a bit to help keep our park clean (the maintenance guys are always thankful, because it saves them having to pick them up) … and the price of the “canvas” … free always works! I have several completed ones in Texas with many different themes. Once I get a rosemaling one completed, and if it looks even “ok”, I’ll be sure to post a photo of it.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  7. Charla Avatar
    Charla

    Such beauty and talent! Wow. I like the lighthouse painting the best. 🙂 Since you are getting warmed up and practiced, you will be ready with the better quality paints in Texas. Way to go!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Terry Avatar
      Terry

      Thanks for the kind compliment, Charla! Have a great day!

      Like

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