Pink

Since I had struggled so much with the two large paintings which I am now re-working (starting from scratch) I thought I'd try something a little different (for me) and begin with quinacridone magenta...those who know me also know of my dislike for the colour pink.  Not really dislike, as my eldest lives in pink (it's always been her favorite colour and looks great on her), but a colour I tend to avoid as it can be a challenge for me.  But this is such a lovely rich transparent vibrant staining colour...quite delicious actually.  I think I'll have to add this one to my repertoire of alizarin crimson, pthalo or Prussian blue and dioxazine purple for great staining power and rich colour.

Plus, I got to try out my new Liquitex free-style professional artist's brush and I have to say I absolutely, positively LOVE it!!!  It's both rigid and soft at the same time and holds a lot of colour and water, which I like to use plenty of to spread the pigment around and to encourage that lovely dripping.  I now have two free-style brushes, the no. 2 round traditional and this 2 inch paddle and I know that I will be replacing my other brushes with these as needed.  I love everything about them, especially how they feel in my hands as both my thumbs are double-jointed and can become uncomfortable very quickly.

I am a huge fan of Liquitex products, which is actually kind of funny as I remember my mom using Liquitex liquid embroidery when I was young and so avoided the products for many years because I thought they might be more of a craft product rather than artists' grade.  And yet, it's the only paint which I've found so far that doesn't bother my family (allergies) and I love the large lids, both for ease of opening (you know, the thumbs) and because they stand upright well.  I wish I could be their spokesperson.  I know, I know...never judge a book by its cover.  Lesson (hopefully) learned.