Yesterday, I insinuated that I would work on some crafts like painting or macrame.

I did neither. Sometimes, your muse takes a break I guess. So today, I finally got ready, watched a few more videos for inspiration, and this afternoon, I made my second practice attempt.

The first thing I realized was that I should have bought higher quality brushes, but I knew that as a beginner, I didn’t want to spend a ton of money on paints and brushes until I get better. Anyway, the brushes I have don’t make fine lines because there’s uneven “hairs” or whatever they’re made of.

My sea was supposed to be more pink and purple, and my palm tree’s fronds more distinct, but hairy brushes kind of ruined the effect. When I became frustrated, I decided to use a small bit of water to help blend some bits, but it didn’t lighten or change the colors like I thought it would. I definitely need more practice!

I was that kid that got a guitar and wanted to learn to play a song immediately. Like Dave said, it’s just my second try, I must be patient and keep trying. I only used brushes on this one, no combs, spatulas, or scrubbies. I’ve seen and used those other things to make special effects before, but this was all brushes.
One video I watched uses one of those steel scrubby things to make leaves in trees and a straight edge thing like a pointy cake server to make special effects on the water. I want to try all that too!

I wish I could show you the original painting that I got my idea from, but it’s on Pinterest, a video, and you can’t copy those. I don’t think it worked before when I tried to share my first attempt. If you want to look at all the painting techniques on my Pinterest board called “crochet,Candles, Crafts, and things,” use this link: http://www.pinterest.com/Kimberlysmy0267.

The one I used was an example on a wooden coaster, so look at all of them. I think the one I used says palm trees and sunset or something like that. It’s kind of addicting (and soothing) to watch lots of painting videos and that are all short! Of course, these folks are pros!