After success with the “blob painting” technique I wanted to go a step further. The delight of blob painting is what shows up, like images in the clouds. Starting a larger piece on better paper, my initial blobs were without intent, just color and movement. I don’t have a photo of that stage, but you can see it under the white line drawing below.
Then I started in on turtle patterns. One thing I love in my reference photos is the bright aqua highlights. Since I’d killed all my what’s paper, I got out the acrylic. I always feel like I’m not making a watercolor anymore when I take this step. But, painting the fine highlights of yellow @ aqua gave me the turtles I wanted.
At this point I can see that I need more of the deeper aqua moving thru the background, indicating clear sandy bottom in places.
I didn’t want to turn this into an acrylic painting but I think I have already!
Any other ideas? I’d love your thoughts. Here or on Facebook.
Art, Spirit, Nature 
Loved this. Miss you.
Please get in touch.
Marguerite
Patrise, this is marvelous! I am fascinated by how this painting evolved…and without intention toward its destiny! As you would probably guess, my mom was not a “purest” when it came to being allowed to use only one kind of paint. “A painter utilizes what is in his or her paintbox,” I remember her saying. (In other words, use the talents and tools that you are given!)
JENNIFER WILLIAMS Accokeek, MD
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wow I must try this! what a gret idea. SO you just paint blobs and see what emerges.? This sample you drew the turtles? I really like deep blues! Fun! I want to paint clouds. I have this painting and the idea is all about playing. I loved looking up at the clouds and seeing the shapes. Yes I still have my head in the clouds.