artsy fartsy,  Bug,  easy on the words,  heavy on photos,  painting

Painting in the Afternoon

warm spring afternoon

We painted today. It’s been a long time. Painting doesn’t come super easily for me. I still struggle trying to get what I see to come out the same on the paper but the process, even with all the mistakes, is enjoyable. Bug is getting the hang of it too.

brushes painting with Mommy's paints

hibiscus

hibiscus

pointing

We were painting flowers that we picked from our walk around the block. Bug is pretty good at drawing herself and happy faces with hearts. I thought it was time she learn to draw things that she can see. Still lifes. We have a long way to go but I think she did really good for a four year old. Probably better than I did at her age.

white flowers my little artist

posy painting on the patio

I don’t know what this light yellow flower is called. I called it a moonflower but I looked that up and that’s wrong. Does anyone know?

still lifes

I don’t know what I liked better: painting the flowers or just having them around to take pictures of. I think we’ll have to do this again.

25 Comments

  • Kuky

    Where do you pick flowers from? Isabelle is always wanting to pick flowers but if they’re in someone’s front yard I don’t know if they’d be upset at us picking their flowers. So, we walk on.

    But maybe we’ll just be stealthy about it because I’d like to do this with Isabelle. We don’t have any pretty flowers in our yard to pick yet.

    SAJ says: We’re naughty and pick them from our neighbors yard. BUT, our neighbors are nice and flowers are plentiful. We would never pick anyone’s last flower. :)

  • a chris

    Wow, I think Bug did a great job on her still life. I’ve been fantasizing about the day G is old enough that I can get real paints out around her.

    I do believe I have the same watercolour sketch kit as you guys were using here!

  • Danielle (elleinadspir)

    Beautiful! I love the idea of showing her how to paint still life. I usually just let my son draw..but encouraging him to try and draw something he’s looking at..what a great excercise. Excited to try with him. Thanks!

  • gingermog

    I’m impressed that Bug is tackling her first still life aged 4. Your painting encourages me to put down my wacom pen and break out with my paints. A few months ago I did do some freehand pen and ink work and was reminded how much I loved it but I’ve not tacked still life painting since ummm Foundation art school days. this weekend I’m paintinga set for a friends music video so maybe I’ll get my freehand fix after all. Have a great weekend xx

  • Carrie

    Wow! You are so talented! I love the paintings. And Bug is amazing, too! Her painting looks way better than anything I could do.

  • Sam

    Love the painting, and the lovely FLOWERS! This is encouragement for me to get out the paints…Thomas really loved messing around with them and yet, once they get put up…I am reluctant to drag them down again!

  • Tracy S

    Wow, both of the paintings are beautiful! I still struggle a lot with painting too and it causes me to not try anymore. Boo. Kudos to Bug — what a talent you both have!

  • Kim

    WOW! You paint beautifully! And Bug’s not so bad herself. You are an awesome mom and a total inspiration. I wish I had the time, patience, and creativity you do. Mostly the patience :)

  • Gramma

    I am so glad you are not too busy to do things together. Pretty soon Bug will be cooking for you and her Dad

  • ang

    Such a lovely afternoon spent. Can you please share the brand of watercolors you used? I’ve been looking for a good portable set.

  • Christine

    That’s just gorgeous. I wish I didn’t have a boy who would rather tear up the paper than try to paint something. Oh, and also that I could paint. Or even just to have someone to bring me lovely wild flowers and put them in vases. I suppose I could try to do that bit myself…

  • Melissa

    What a great way to teach Bug about drawing. Your paintings are beautiful. I am super envious of your talent!

  • Ava

    Brenda…your paintings are beautiful. I love art and I so wish I could paint or draw! I once did something halfway recognizable from one of my kids how to draw books! Here’s the irksome thing my kids never needed those books!

  • Janna

    I think the yellow flower is called a buttercup. Does it have pink around the stamen?

    The paintings are GREAT! I have always wanted to try watercolor. You are so talented and it looks like bug takes after you. :)