Watercolor Weekend

"No one is free, even the birds are chained to the sky."
-Bob Dylan

After more than more than three Jurassic-long weeks, I was finally able to post my first two watercolor artworks done during the longest weekend of August. These two are part of my WIP: Philippine Birds series that I can hopefully post one by one soon.

Actually, I’m more comfortable using oil paints where mistakes can be covered easily and where layers of paint add texture and depth to an artwork. And to tell you honestly, for someone like me who listens more to instinct rather than technique, working with watercolor is definitely a struggle.

I hate waiting for my first strokes to dry before doing another. I almost have zero knowledge on how to really render and achieve the perfect shades without harassing the paper too much. Plus, I’m always close to losing my temper when an artwork gets ruined because of one wrong move. So, yeah, to tell you the truth these are just a couple of survivors from the many scrapped artworks that’s now in my waste bin. When it gets really frustrating sometimes and when I’m twice as close to giving up, I just tell myself that practice makes perfect.

This is the Long-Tailed Shrike, which is common throughout the islands of the Philippines except Palawan. It’s said to be noisy, aggressive and territorial.



An eagle but more of an owl, this is the Philippine Eagle-Owl. I didn't know this kind of bird exists until I saw it on the reference chart that I bought from National Bookstore. It’s said to be the largest owl in the Philippines. It has very powerful legs for catching its prey.

Though it’s pretty difficult using watercolors, I’m quite happy that it helps me lengthen my patience. I’m also grateful because, it reduces my stress and worries from work, even just a minuscule.  I consider painting or any form of art a very effective therapy.

Remember that when you’re painting, it’s important not to pressure yourself about each stroke, style, palette, and even what other people may think about it when it’s done.

The best artworks aren't those that satisfy the taste of most critiques, but those that give the greatest sense of satisfaction to its artist.