Scrap paper paintings and signs of Spring

Hi Friends!

Last week in DC was absolutely glorious! I consider any day I can do a long run in my sports bra without keeling over from heat stroke a perfect one, and we had a quite a few of those during that final February week.

A few short days later, we’re back to a cold snap. On one hand, it makes me far less anxious about climate change, but on the other, my heart was ready for 60 degree days and blooming trees.

I feel like a subconscious longing for spring came through in some recent little paintings I’ve done. I love saving scraps from larger projects and using them to experiment and play on. I tend to get so caught up in creating something large and extraordinary that I forget the joy that comes with tiny, precious things.

Is this a bit of a self insert? 100%
I love the way the gouache work turned out on this one, particularly as the girl and her friends leave the shadowy forest and walk into something brighter. I’m still not sure how I feel about the inking though. Some sections I like while others just read “eh” to me. Regardless, I really enjoyed making this one and felt like I learned so much from such a small piece.

Gosh I adore this one. I challenged myself a bit with the leaves- my instinct is to make them darker and far more detailed, but I went against my gut and I’m so happy I did! The lighter color and simplicity really lifts the whole painting for me.
I originally intended for this little lady to have a friend, but things were feeling too crowded. Perhaps I’ll give her companion her own painting!

Finally, I’ve got this precious little birthday boy! I haven’t gotten a scan of him yet, but I love his cake hat! As you can see, I was running out of room on his small scrap, so I ended up taping on a bit more paper to give his hat some height. I love the little candle glow. Maybe one day he’ll become a birthday card!

Scrap paper paintings and signs of Spring

Inspirations!

© 2023 Mary Putrasahan