The Creative Life - Barbara Trovillo

I have worked mostly with oil in the last five years. My cousin, Terry, reminded me recently of the paintings I did in the beginning with watercolor. They were fresh and crisp. Now when I go back to the watercolor paints, I have to remind myself of how to use them. Oil is Dark to Light. Watercolor is Light to Dark. The reason being, with oil, you can paint over areas but not so with water medium. The difference in the two medium is akin to the difference in making bread versus making piecrust. Those of you who bake will totally get that! Both mediums have their merits. I will continue to use them both. [...]

What does this have to do with art? I began the painting featured here with conviction. It was my intent to paint expressively not worrying too much about detail.I have growing in my yard a huge hydrangea bush. The white flowers are fragrant and showy. I wanted to convey the beauty in the large, deceptively sloppy blossoms. I had fun with the shadow. But when I got to the pitcher, I hesitated. The actual pitcher was clear glass with red writing on it. I got hung up on the details of the container. I was tempted to overwork it. I doubted my intention. [...]

Even so, I was always compelled to draw. One of my first jobs was working as a secretary in a mental health department. It was my duty to take notes curing meetings. My skill set definitely does not run to the secretarial. Instead of taking notes, I drew a portrait of the Director. After the meeting, he asked to see the notes. When I sheepishly showed him my drawing, he was very gracious (and controlled!) He said, "that is a very good likeness of me, but Not what I asked you to do!" Yes, I gave him the drawing. [...]

I started the painting by putting down colors that appealed to me. Then I dripped and threw paint. Loosely experimenting as I went along. I added some circles of color and some shading here and there.It was very freeing. The images that emerged were two battered hearts merging together. I love the concept. We definitely have experienced healing as we have merged our lives and loved each other. I think it is aesthetically pleasing as well [...]

I chose to do this painting in watercolor. When I first started painting, I only worked with watercolor or gouache. I ventured into oil experimentally. I found I loved the texture and layering possible with that medium. There is a spontaneity and freshness with watercolor though. I wanted to keep this painting simple so the focus would only be on the beautiful boy. I made a careful drawing then put down the colors sparingly. I added the trees in the background at the end. Knowing when to stop is important. It is just enough, I think. I am pleased with the outcome and more importantly, so is Christian! [...]