Painting with Salt Water

Yesterday I painted at the mouth of the Hopkins river, where fresh water flows into the sea. With a lemonade bottle full of salt water to dip my brushes in, and a pile of freshly cut paper, I painted golden mustard, warm red-brown, blue and green in messy strokes.  I was so engrossed in the pictures that I didn't notice how sunburned I was.

I only now realise how poetic it is that the water I used to paint with was from the same body of water that I was painting. Doing really quick watercolours is my favourite way to paint. Letting my hands work while my mind wanders.

Speaking of making it up as you go along, today I decided I would sew a dress. As usual it started out as a pattern and some measurements and turned into a totally improvised free-style sewing adventure. This is always very exciting and stressful for me as I have no idea how the dress will turn out. Luckily I have a mannequin that is helpful when I need to make some emergency tucks and pleats. I'm still not sure what it will look like as a finished product, but hopefully something wearable as I just adore the fabric. I'm thinking maybe some dark green velvet cuffs on the sleeves and a very thin velvet collar.

I'm having a quiet night in, thinking about my next portrait for Sunday. What are you doing this fine Friday night?