Day 3 of the Challenge

Hearts
by Artist Rita Squier

Original Watercolor Painting
Size:  5x7 inches

It was a heart painting day!

I started out creating a background wash over the entire piece of paper and then I painted the negative space around the hearts one layer at a time.  I believe there are 6 layers in all.  I lost count.

Day 2 Landscape with Trees

Path to Spring 
by Artist Rita Squier

Original Watercolor Painting
Size: 5x7 inches

It has been a very mild winter so far in upstate New York.  Luckily we are far enough North to have missed the big blizzard.  But then, it's only the beginning of February the coldest month of the year.

Landscapes and trees are among my favorite subjects to paint.  Perfect for day 2 of my Painting A Day Challenge.

New Painting A Day Challenge 2016

Dew Drop Trio in Blue 

by Artist Rita Squier

Original Watercolor Painting

Size: 4x6 inches 

Spring in the Catskills 

by Artist Rita Squier

Original Watercolor Painting

Size: 4x6 inches 

It's February and I have decided once again to challenge myself to paint each and everyday this month.  I created two watercolors today.

I may enter one of these paintings in the Twitter Art Exhibit, I need to decide which one!

Birthday Tiramisu

Happy Birthday to Me!

A simple scribble birthday greeting on a fabulous homemade tiramisu ... absolutely delicious!

Happy 2016

Happy New Year!

Let's hope 2016 is the best year yet.

Clean Palette Club

I have been a member of the clean palette club far too long.

Everyday life sometimes gets in the way of creativity.  Many artists have struggled with this problem and it can be caused by many different issues.  Sometimes it is artist's block.  Sometimes it is just finding the time.  I have had a hectic schedule this past year.  House renovation projects have consumed a great deal of my free time.

The cooler weather will soon be upon us or supposedly on its way, it was 61 degrees today in upstate New York!  This will help slow down the outdoor fix it projects and will hopefully allow more time for me to paint watercolor paintings instead of walls, siding and fences.

Okay, I do love to have a clean palette every time I start to paint.  I try to clean my palette when I am done painting for the day.  But now it needs to get dirty!  I have placed my clean palette on my studio table.  It's ready to go!

Dew Drop Series

Sapphire Dew Drop
by Artist Rita Squier

Original Watercolor Painting
ACEO
Size:  2.5 x 3.5

ACEO = Art Cards, Editions & Originals

My ACEO Art Cards are miniature original watercolor paintings.  I have some available for sale in my Squier Etsy Shop and also on my own website.

http://rasquier.com/aceo.html

Free Worldwide Shipping via First Class Mail

Reclaimed Wood Tea Light Holders

Reclaimed Wood Tea Light Candle Holders made from reclaimed wood were once upon a time a country fence.  Now they can light up your life!

This rustic candle holder and more are on sale in our Squier Etsy Shop!

Fits in a variety of decors:  urban rustic, country cottage, shabby chic, woodsy cabin decor and more. Makes a great wedding table decor!

Santa Was Here

2015's Printed Christmas Cards are hot off the presses!

Santa Was Here
Originally created with pen & ink and watercolor paint by Michael Squier

The cards are available online through my Squier Etsy Shop

Country Road Cards

My watercolor Country Road series is available as note cards.  The inside is blank for you to write your own message.  You can get all four seasons or a bunch of just one season.

Find them here in my Squier Etsy shop:
Country Road Note Cards

Or drop me a note for a custom order for these gorgeous cards.

Country Road Winter would make a beautiful Christmas Card!

A Favorite from the Dew Drop Series

Agua Dew Drop
by Artist Rita Squier

Original Watercolor Painting
Size: 2.5 x 3.5 inches

ACEO - Art Card, Editions & Originals

This "art card" is an original watercolor painting.  It is one of my favorites from my Dew Drop Series!  The color, the three dimensionality.

Love it.

May Day Surprise

Spring Blossoms
by Artist Rita Squier

Original Watercolor Painting
Size:  2.5 x 3.5 inches
ACEO

Did you know today is May Day?

May Day is the day your are supposed to surprise someone special with flowers.  Gather up some flowers into a pretty little bouquet.  Leave them on the front door step, ring the doorbell and run away!

I'm hoping my sweetheart will leave flowers for me today.

Dusting Off the Cobwebs

I think it's time to wake up this sleepy blog and bring it back to life!

What do you think?

Are you up for more ramblings, posts, etc. on watercolor painting tips & tricks and other silly things that may come to mind?

This painting was from an abstract painting class I taught a few years back.  It's filled with a number of watercolor tricks.  It gives me a few ideas I can share in upcoming posts.

My Squier Etsy Shop

You can find some of my artwork for sale in my Squier Etsy Shop.  My original watercolor paintings, ACEOs, giclee prints, torch fired enamel beads.  Christmas cards and note cards created from my watercolor paintings.  Miniature Christmas ornaments and more!

There's even one already made, ready to ship Cigar Box Guitar made by Michael.

Original art makes a great Christmas gift whether it is a gift you give to someone else or one you give to yourself.

For a Limited Time

For a Limited Time: Free Worldwide Shipping on the Miniature Watercolor Paintings also known as ACEOs in my Squier Etsy Shop.

Find them in the section titled:
Original Watercolor ACEO

Winter Landscapes, Autumn Landscapes, Beach Scenes, Dew Drop Series, Floral Still Lifes & more!

Holiday Prints

North Pole Trail
by Artist Rita Squier

Giclée Prints are available in my Squier Etsy Shop!

Along the trail to the North Pole you will find your way to Santa's Workshop, the Reindeer Barn and even the Elves' Tavern!

Makes a delightful holiday gift!
Available in both 5x7 inches and 8x10 inches.
Order today!

Professionally printed on awesome quality paper.
Perfect for a holiday grab bag gift!

Christmas in Miniature

I have been busy at the torch again!

Creating my handmade miniature Christmas ornaments.  Pretty little filigree balls coated with white glass enamel.  Perfect for that little Christmas tree.  I have added some of these to my big Christmas tree for added flair and dimension.

These and more including a variety of colors are available in my Squier Etsy Shop's Christmas Section.

The white reminds me of snow covered ornaments.

Oh so pretty!

squier.etsy.com

Leaves Are Falling

Escape to Nature
by Artist Rita Squier

Original Watercolor Painting
Size: 2.5 x 3.5 inches
ACEO

It's that busy Autumn time of year when the leaves are falling from the trees.  The more you rake the leaves, the more they fall from the trees.  Keeps a person very busy!

My only wish would be for all the leaves to fall before the first snow!

Directions to the North Pole Trail

Brand new today!!!

North Pole Trail Christmas Cards

by Artist Rita Squier

This wonderful North Pole Trail watercolor painting has been reproduced as Christmas Cards on fabulous recycled paper.  The interior is blank for you to create your own special holiday message.

Folded card size is 4.25 x 6 inches
Comes with blank white envelopes.

The North Pole Trail Cards can be found right now in my Squier Etsy shop in Sets of 10.

It is so exciting to see my watercolor painting printed up as cards!  Love it.

Autumn in 8x10

Mystical Trees 
by Artist Rita Squier

Original Watercolor Painting
Size: 8 x 10 inches

Autumn is a beautiful time of year and even more mystical when portrayed in beautiful vibrant mysterious colors.

Find this painting and more in my Squier Etsy Shop, it could be yours!

The Dew Drop Series

Dusty Blue Dew Drop
by Artist Rita Squier

Original Watercolor Painting
Size: 2.5 x 3.5 inches
ACEO

I am reintroducing some of my Dew Drop Series & Painting A Day Challenge ACEOs from 2010 back into my Squier Etsy Shop.

This one Dusty Blue Dew Drop is one of my all time favorites!