This medium allows for a looser, less structured technique. There is also a freedom in allowing the water to form many of the shapes as you work.
“Almost Out” 8X8 watercolor on 100% Shizen recycled paper
This piece sprang from my love of the woods. I love the feeling of being nestled in the trees and seeing the last light try to fade beyond the mountains. The spidery branches trying to keep me in turn into embraces. This paper was interesting to work with due to its extremely rough texture. I tried to make use of it by working with a dry brushing technique. I adore the transition of color from blue to green, to even a purplish red here.
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“Lake Mirror” 4X6 watercolor on 100% cotton paper
I took this reference photo at the Hall Bend Trail in Tennessee. I tried to capture the reflection of clouds and blue. Adding some water under the distant trees gave a lovely misty reflective effect as well.
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“Oceanic Wanderer” 10X7 watercolor on Arches 100% cotton rough paper.
This was my first attempt at painting an animal. I was excited by the variation on the turtle’s shell and wanted to try my hand at more delicate details. This is not available for print as it was sold.
“Dramatic View” 4X6 watercolor on 100% cotton paper.
Here the use of light was key. I wanted to relay the same feeling of aspiration the original sunrise conveyed to me. Color opposition and shape variety create movement here. An addition of inked trees provided bits of needed detail as well.
Purchase a print at INPRNT https://www.inprnt.com/gallery/crystalshiva/dramatic-view/
“Soft Hillside” 4X6 watercolor on 100% cotton paper
Deliberate strokes and layering gave a desirable effect to this piece. Keeping the distance a bit softer provides more depth as well, and the texture of the paper provided interest as well. I attempted to use the rule of three for a more exciting composition.
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“Chill Dawn” 4X6 watercolor on 100% cotton paper
This playful piece was inspired by a photo I took. The rougher texture of the paper really comes out with the drier brushstrokes. I also used ink for the dark Cyprus trees.
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“Galaxy Sunrise” 10X7 watercolor on Arches 100% cotton rough paper
This is a mixture watercolor/pen and ink referenced from a photo I took in my yard. I enjoyed adding the branches and a little dusting of snowfall at the end.
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“Fey Wood” 4X6 watercolor on cold pressed 140 lb paper.
This was a playful piece where I was experimenting with layering color. This piece is unavailable for prints as it was gifted.
“Azure Bloom” 7X10 watercolor on Arches 100% cotton rough paper.
The rough paper gives such amazing texture when mixed with granulated paint. Color can be so much fun to play with!
Purchase a print at INPRNT: https://www.inprnt.com/gallery/crystalshiva/azure-bloom/
“Macabre Oak” 4X6 watercolor on 100% cotton paper
Oaks have such character, and trying to capture the age and majesty of their branches is always an adventure. This piece also had an extra playfulness from the use of salt.
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“Maples at Dusk” 9X12 watercolor on Arches 100% cotton hot press paper.
This piece invokes the mystery of being in the shady Smokey Mountains as the last light can be seen only through the edges of the wood. Faint distant trees grant depth to this work.
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“Birch View” 7X10 watercolor on Arches 100% cotton Rough paper.
Here I employed a technique that involves taping the paper over white space for the trees. After the background was done, I used a palette knife for the dart areas on the birches. I love using color opposition to create interest.
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“Holly Flats Sunset” 6X6 watercolor on 140 lb cold pressed paper.
This was a study in the Holly Flats campground in Cherokee National Forest. I wanted to be sure to capture the last rays of the sun and the trunk textures here.
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https://www.inprnt.com/gallery/crystalshiva/holly-flats-sunset/
“Standing Sycamore” 6X8 watercolor on board.
I had a very enjoyable evening capturing this beauty in the Cherokee National Forest. The patterns on the bark really appealed to me.
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https://www.inprnt.com/gallery/crystalshiva/standing-sycamore/
“The Stillness” 8X10 watercolor on 140 lb cold pressed paper.
I captured this image one morning just before sunrise and the fog was still lingering near the ground.
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“Joyful Foliage” 8X8 watercolor and alcohol ink on mat board.
This was an experiment with inks and watercolors. The shapes defined the image here and the fun gold and turquoise flecks added some extra pizazz.
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“Shades of Summer” 8×12 on Arches cotton hot pressed paper.
The last rays of the summer sun were caught in some fading storm clouds and created an ethereal effect. The granular paints used here added an interesting texture to the clouds.
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https://www.inprnt.com/gallery/crystalshiva/shades-of-summer/
“Last Light” 8×12 on Arches cotton hot pressed paper.
Summer creates the most dramatic sunsets. The wide range of hues produces a sky-scape that demands attention. I also used some alcohol inks for the foreground silhouettes.
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“Windswept Elm” 4×6 on 140 lb cold pressed paper.
The fading light before the storm created a gradient of greens on the leaves. The brightest leaves were contrasted against the blue violet clouds.
Prints currently unavailable.
“Orange Maples” 8×8 on 140 lb cold pressed paper.
I wanted to play on color opposites here. The orange trees against the blue sky creates a feeling of happiness. I also tried to capture the light in the trees.
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“Crimson Moment” 8×10 on 140 lb cold pressed paper.
This is a play in opposites. I love the bright red tree against this eerie sky. I was able to play with layering here to obtain deeper reds. I also put a bit of alcohol ink in here for the trunk and the shadow.
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“Castor Study” 11×14 on cold pressed water color paper.
This was a commission created for a friend of mine who’s dad runs a farm. The shapes of the leaves and berries was very interesting. The red and green color scheme of the plant made for a bold composition as well.
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“Dark Seas” 8×8 on 140 lb cold pressed paper.
I was able to see this melancholy scene at the beach one October evening. I loved seeing the storm rolling in. The gloomy sky and the rough sea were so calming to watch.
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“Arctic Horizon” 11×14 on hot pressed paper.
This piece allowed me to experiment with washes to create layers of moody hues. It reminded me of a glacial shore in the Arctic.
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“Twisted Curves” 9×12 140 lb cold pressed paper.
The thermal pools at Yellowstone really resonate with me. Their colors and swirls are so interesting. Here is a piece of wind warped wood on a bacteria mat.
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Jennifer Liddicoat's Creations 