Creating Incredible Texture with Watercolor on Canvas

Butterfly Goddess, 20x20"

The creativity in my studio is exploding right now. I have a million and one inspirations for creating art and never enough time to create everything in my head. After reading a post on the Metropolitan Museum's website Bugs | Connections by educator Edie Watts I was inspired to create some insect art of my own. The most inspiring quote from her was

Mosquito Deity, 20x16" sold to NBC show Parenthood

“I don't know who the mosquito deity was, but I would make offerings to him or her to protect me from bites." and then I began to wonder, what does the mosquito deity look like? My head conjured up the painting you see below. Once I visualize art so perfectly in my head it is easy to translate it to canvas. Well maybe not so easily. I decided these insect paintings needed to be done on a textured canvas using watercolors. To do this I add an acrylic absorbent ground to a canvas and have to let that dry overnight. After laying in my contour drawing in charcoal pencil, I apply transparent layers of watercolor. The transparent watercolor is the perfect medium of creating the translucent wings of insects. Next, I have to spray varnish the painting to protect it from moisture. Finally, I paint the sides with black acrylic paint giving the painting a nice edge so that my collectors may hang the painting without frame. I love being able to experience the watercolor without displaying it with glass on top. I am planning on doing more insects in the coming days.

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Result of days spent in the studio...
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 ...and nights dreaming of you! 
(art featured below by other etsy artists)
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