For those who asked- I had a fantastic time in Hawaii- did some incredible "Jurassic Park" hiking- and a lot of alone time when my husband was struck with an asian flu virus that knocked him out for part of the trip and two weeks afterward (what are you going to do- I spent a lot of time taking pictures and beachcombing while he slept )  ANYWAY It seems I am a bottomless pit of questions.  I'm facing a real roadblock with "backgrounds".  I don't know whether to do it first or last- first doesn't seem to be working for me- because if I pencil sketch my tree- and then I wet the paper, the pencil lines smudge- I really want to know if it's "incorrect" to paint around my subject when I'm finished, or if you're not supposed to do that because it might look "painted around".  Also I'd appreciate comments on best watercolor papers- I have some very good Arches paper- but smooth or rough? Smooth is good for detail, but rough looks cool in the background. ARRRGGHH.  I was kind of on a creative roll before I went to Hawaii- now I seem to be having a hard time getting back in the "groove."  So, favorite papers? Background advice? I'm all ears.

MEMBERS COMMENTS VIEWING 1 - 1 OUT OF 1 COMMENTS From: Deb_Magelssen 08/04/2008 14:28:45 Well, I used to have the same problem, until I decided to plan out my paintings before I painted them in my sketchbook.  Now I work my sketchbook and I love it-never did before-thought it was always a waste of time.  I still love to paint and see what happens, but I am finding that if I do not plan, my plan for my paintings fail.  Glad to see you had such a great time in Hawaii-  I love that place!  Sorry to hear about your husband- hope he is better. love,  me