Saturday, April 30, 2016

Blogging from A to Z Challenge - Z is for Zircon

Welcome back to the Blogging from A to Z Challenge 2016!  This will be interesting and fun trying to interpret healing crystals and gemstones from Amethyst to Zircon with watercolors and create a neat sketchbook. 

Z is for Zircon

Zircon is found in many colors - the most popular color is blue - and has a wide range of healing properties from calming the liver and gall bladder, allergies, asthma and colds.  Emotionally it can help in dealing with losses.  Zircon is a peaceful, calming and self-centering stone.

Every Day in May 2016

Once again I will be participating in the Every Day in May challenge.  Here is the 2016 list of days and themes -

Check back each day, or better yet, subscribe by email to see what I watercolor each day.  Some will be challenging...and interesting!  (Especially as the month progresses)


Friday, April 29, 2016

Blogging from A to Z Challenge - Y is for Pyrite

Welcome back to the Blogging from A to Z Challenge 2016!  This will be interesting and fun trying to interpret healing crystals and gemstones from Amethyst to Zircon with watercolors and create a neat sketchbook. 

Y is for Pyrite

Pyrite can create sparks when it is hit against metal or stone, hence its name from the Greek word, pyros.  It 's also known as "Fool's Gold" because of its metallic shine and pale yellow color.  Pyrite is considered a "yang" stone and with it, masculine energy and enhances personal power - creativity, energy, and strength.  It is also good for lung health - helping asthmatics and healing bronchitis.  Enjoy its sparkle in the sun and don't let it get wet.

Thursday, April 28, 2016

Thursday Tea Time - Breakfast in Australia

Slightly banged up from my suitcase
50 tea bags!

Another polite tea box!
Love the design of the teabag wrapper

Good use for leftover Easter Seals
(Please tell me you don't see my pink PJ's reflected)

Two neat rows - no wonder the box wasn't that big

Another gorgeously-colored tea
Whoops - started drinking and couldn't stop
until I remembered to take a picture




I love my English Breakfast teas and this is my latest addition to the tea-m.   The pretty opened wrapper had a slight smokey scent. I split the difference in the suggested brewing time (3-5) and did 4 minutes, turning my mug into a pretty reddish gold.  A little on the astringent side without adding the Coffee Mate Sugar Free Italian Cream, but afterwards - very yummy.  It has a clean finish at the end, without an aftertaste.  And a nice wakeup call shot of caffeine.  I would definitely give this a solid 4 and will probably grab another box, despite the generous amount of 50 (!) teabags (49).  Stocking up on a good everyday tea is a good thing.

Blogging from A to Z Challenge - X is for Onyx

Welcome back to the Blogging from A to Z Challenge 2016!  This will be interesting and fun trying to interpret healing crystals and gemstones from Amethyst to Zircon with watercolors and create a neat sketchbook.


X is for Onyx

Onyx builds its power slowly and works quite well with skin disorders, increases stamina, confidence and inner harmony.  Combined with other healing stones for different chakras, it will power up the other stone's impact. Capricorns will find a positive influence from onyx.

Palette Paints:  Alizarin, Viridian, Payne's Gray

Wednesday, April 27, 2016

Watercolor Wednesday - Texting Texture

Added (and finding) value
Another sum of the parts is greater than the whole example.   One of those days watercoloring and different parts were working and not.  On a big sheet of paper, yet.  Go big or go home.  It was still a fun class and good time once you reach that point of no return/no rescue - just play and slap paint.  And some areas looked really nice.  So I turned them into cards!




The April Paper Pumpkin had a variety of stamps and a pretty stamping ink pad - Very Vanilla.  It looked so yummy, I actually sniffed it (sorry, non-scented).   Two areas I stamped with the "Happy Birthday" looked pretty good against the watercolor.  I will just trace around using one of my extra envelopes from all those "donation" based cards, and write a message on the back.

I must say, the Paper Pumpkin's #allabouteverything special stamp set in the April box to celebrate their shipping of the one millionth kit  is a nice surprise and will be put to good use with my watercolors and Gelli-ing.

If you are interested in subscribing to the Paper Pumpkin, you can use this link.  There may be a special for new subscribers, if there is, I will find out and post the promo code.  My sister is a Stampin Up representative - Paper Pumpkin is part of Stampin' Up - and she has a great blog with ideas and special promotions.  Click here to see.

I love getting boxes in the mail!  I get this one and also Scribe Delivery.  If you enter your email address, you can get 10% off.  I've been very pleased with Scribe, too.  A fun way to get stationery supplies - pens, pencils, paper, journals, inks...  which you normally wouldn't be able to find.  In fact, some of the companies only produced limited quantities specifically for Scribe.  And they are a Texas-based company.   If you have found other interesting ones, please post in the comment section.

Blogging from A to Z Challenge - P is for Petrified Wood

Welcome back to the Blogging from A to Z Challenge 2016!  This will be interesting and fun trying to interpret healing crystals and gemstones from Amethyst to Zircon with watercolors and create a neat sketchbook.


P is for Petrified Wood

Formed from sequoia trees, petrified wood preserves your healthy roots and reminds you of your connection with nature.  It stabilizes your health and strengthens your defenses, helping to keep you calm.

Palette Paints:  Burnt Umber, Sepia, Naples Yellow

Tuesday, April 26, 2016

Blankets of Spring Wildflowers in Galveston

This time of year, the aptly-named Gaillardia (Blanket Flower) blanket the gravesides of the Galveston Cemetery along Broadway/Avenue J heading towards the Gulf.


I was very lucky to be able to capture my photographs on the southern Episcopalian side, as the Catholic area was in the process of being mowed.

Blogging from A to Z Challenge - V is for Vesuvianite

Welcome back to the Blogging from A to Z Challenge 2016!  This will be interesting and fun trying to interpret healing crystals and gemstones from Amethyst to Zircon with watercolors and create a neat sketchbook. 

V is for Vesuvianite

Named for Mount Vesuvius where it was first discovered, Vesuvianite was one of the first stones ground into powder for healing, cleansing and purifying because of its high levels of calcium, magnesium and iron. . .Especially those health issues caused by our environmental pollution.   An ancient stone very applicable and still useful for today's society.

Palette Paints:  Sap Green, Quin Gold, Naples Yellow, Yellow Ochre, Undersea Green (DS)

Tea for Tuesday - In running for the race in first place

This week's Australian tea is actually Australian tea - Madura of Australia English Breakfast Loose Leaf Tea from New South Wales.

Note (to Sherry!) - you can buy this online, in a box of 50 tea bags versus loose for $5.87 and $4.90 shipping.  Sign up for their emails and receive notice of discount codes and specials.
(And I'm trying to figure out how I can go on their estate tour next time I return to Australia!)

Even the box is polite!
Nicely wrapped inside

Pretty!
Gorgeous color!

A little splash of Coffee Mate Sugar Free Italian Cream is all it needs!
This is now one of my Top 5 English Breakfast teas and I am definitely grabbing a couple of these, generously-sized I must add, 200 gram boxes next trip to Australia.

But in the meantime here I am also going to grab a new package of Rishi paper tea bags.  I'm about to run out.  I tried to go green with this silicone tea bag the second time I brewed this and just made a mess -- both inside and outside the cup.  Tea leaves fell out during brewing and then wouldn't come out easily after brewing when I tried to empty it.  
Read the tea leaves -
"You made a mess and probably got your fiber too with the tea"

Seemed like a good idea when I bought it

Monday, April 25, 2016

Blogging from A to Z Challenge - U is for TurqUoise

Welcome back to the Blogging from A to Z Challenge 2016!  This will be interesting and fun trying to interpret healing crystals and gemstones from Amethyst to Zircon with watercolors and create a neat sketchbook.


U is for Turquoise

The Native American Indians thought that turquoise was a magical stone to protect them from harm.  It can also give you energy and endurance, hasten recuperation from illness, especially digestive and infections of the lung and throat.  Turquoise is linked to the astrological sign of Aquarius.

Palette Paints - Hoblein Compose Green, Cobalt Turquoise, Viridian, Sap Green, Cerulean

Sunday, April 24, 2016

Netflix Stars - Searching for Sugar Man

5 stars - A surreal story that is life-affirming, evidence of a parallel life.  A humble, blue collar activist unbeknownst to himself  is a mega star on the other side of the world in South Africa, whose songs became an anthem to the anti-apartheid movement.  Proof that good guys do actually win occasionally.

Saturday, April 23, 2016

Blogging from A to Z Challenge - T is for Tiger's Eye

Welcome back to the Blogging from A to Z Challenge 2016!  This will be interesting and fun trying to interpret healing crystals and gemstones from Amethyst to Zircon with watercolors and create a neat sketchbook. 

T is for Tiger's Eye

Tiger's Eye symbolizes unity and is associated with the sign of Virgo.  It helps you to concentrate and even get over bronchitis when placed upon the navel.  Those who suffer from asthma, migraines and headaches will also benefit from carrying this stone.   The striping effects are created by crystalizing directional hornblende fibers.

Palette Paints - Burnt Umber, Quin Gold, New Gamboge, Sepia


Friday, April 22, 2016

Blogging from A to Z Challenge - S is for Sapphire

Welcome back to the Blogging from A to Z Challenge 2016!  This will be interesting and fun trying to interpret healing crystals and gemstones from Amethyst to Zircon with watercolors and create a neat sketchbook. 


S is for Sapphire

A powerful and protective stone, it is most effective in healing the nervous system.  The blue sapphire symbolizes faith, loyalty and friendship.  Different colors of sapphire (created by different amounts of metals) are associated with different astrological signs - Blue/Pisces, Light Blue/Taurus, Yellow/Gemini, Star sapphire/Libra.  Pink sapphires help strengthen and balance the heart, mentally and physically.

Palette Paints - Cobalt, French Ultramarine

Thursday, April 21, 2016

Blogging from A to Z Challenge - R is for Rose Quartz

Welcome back to the Blogging from A to Z Challenge 2016!  This will be interesting and fun trying to interpret healing crystals and gemstones from Amethyst to Zircon with watercolors and create a neat sketchbook.


Rose Quartz is so powerful, it can just be left in a room for you to receive its energy and benefits.  It is particularly protective from damaging radiation.  Place it next to your computer to help alleviate eye strain and headaches, next to your bed to induce more refreshing sleep.   Wish I had known that it can help with the pain from shingles, too.  Rose quartz is often associated with your heart - love, friendship and openness to beauty.

Palette Paints - Permanent Rose, Alizarin, Opera Pink

Netflix Stars - Scatter My Ashes at Bergdorf's

4 stars!  I love documentaries and this one is well-done.  It starts off a bit slow, but I found it fascinating.  Particularly the store's history, David Hoey's concepts of visual presentation/window dressing (and the artists' creations and their showrooms), Fashion Director Linda Fargo and personal shopper Betty Halbreich.  There are lots of interviews with designers and celebrities, sometimes a little over the top, but I think you will enjoy the behind-the-scenes peek of this storied store.

Thursday Tea Time - Triple Threat

This week - a sale at Central Market and three new Pukka teas to try!



Chamomile, Vanilla and Manuka Honey
"A soothing dip in an organic pool of calm - Good news for inner peace"
In the midst of chaos and clutter, there's a pool that's still.  Finding your way there is easy - fresh water and heat awaken the magic of nature's finest gifts:  silky golden chamomile, exotic vanilla pod and the golden balm of manuka honey.  With a sip, stillness takes over.

Ingredients:  Chamomile flower (68%), sweet fennel seed, licorice root, vanilla pod (3.5%), manuka honey flavor (3.5%)

Opinion:  Brewed to a clear, light yellow.  Floral and honey with a slight marshmallow scent.  You can really taste the vanilla and honey, and has a very pleasant aftertaste.

Rating:  5+

Three Cinnamon
A 2014 Great Taste Winner
"A sweet embrace of organic Indian, Indonesian and Vietnamese Cinnamon - Good news for filling yourself with sunshine"
Cinnamon is nature's sun trap.  Bask in the spicy sweet-heat of three cinnamons and feel the warm embrace filling you with life.  Enjoy the warmth

Ingredients:  Vietnamese cinnamon bark (60%), Indonesian cinnamon bark (16%), licorice root, Indian cinnamon bark 10%)

Opinion:  Brewed to a golden yellow color, slightly cloudy.  It has a very cinnamon fragrance and flavor - the aftertaste is like cinnamon toast!  Yum!

Rating:  5

And a warning on the tea wrapper - "Do not drink more than 4 cups a day"
It's probably addicting and/or too much of a good thing like cinnamon isn't good for you.

Wild Apple and Cinnamon
"A sunlit orchard of organic warmth and sweet spice" - Good news for dancing your cares away
A sun drenched orchard and you dance with delight, as cinnamon tree branches swirl overhead.  One moment, a jive of ginger root and spicy clove; the next, chamomile flowers and sweet orange cushion your step.  Slowly you come to rest as a wild apple tumbles softly to the ground.  Let your cares go and travel free.

Ingredients:  Cinnamon bark (28%), licorice root, ginger root (14%), orange peel, chamomile flower, wild apple (6%), cardamon pod, orange essential oil flavor, clove bud

Opinion:  This brewed to a light yellow and was the cloudiest.  With an astringent scent, it doesn't last like apples nor cinnamon.  Just didn't have any defining flavor and an oddly sweet aftertaste.  I dumped it without taking any additional sips or finishing the mug.

Rating:  0

Each box has 20 individually wrapped teabags, all are herbal (no caffeine), ethnically sourced and organically grown.




Wednesday, April 20, 2016

Blogging from A to Z Challenge - Q is for Aquamarine

Welcome back to the Blogging from A to Z Challenge 2016!  This will be interesting and fun trying to interpret healing crystals and gemstones from Amethyst to Zircon with watercolors and create a neat sketchbook.


Q is for the q in Aquamarine

My own birthstone, I tried to capture the translucent and beautiful pale sea green shades I have in my aquamarine jewelry.  The greater the iron amount, the bluer the stone.
(I had my grandmother's art deco emerald cut aquamarine ring in a filigreed platinum setting.  Perhaps someday it will show up in an estate jewelry store or pawn shop.) 
Another gemstone which can help with allergies, aquamarine (aqua maris - Latin for "sea water") can also help with the throat area issues - thyroid, tonsils, vocal cords.   Aquamarine increases peace and courage, and can help prevent seasickness.  Aquarians wearing it will find friendship and love, it helps Pisces encourage awareness, and warns Libra from danger.

Palette Paints - Aureolin, Cerulean, Cobalt Turquoise

Tuesday, April 19, 2016

Blogging A to Z Challenge - P is for Pearl

Welcome back to the Blogging from A to Z Challenge 2016!  This will be interesting and fun trying to interpret healing crystals and gemstones from Amethyst to Zircon with watercolors and create a neat sketchbook.

Pearls need contact with the skin, otherwise they will become dull, but avoid having them touch perfume or makeup.  They should be the last thing you put on and the first you take off.   Wear often instead of storing them away for they will help prevent headaches and migraines, and reduce allergies.  Those born under the sign of Cancer have a particular connection to pearls.

Palette Paints - Raw Sienna, Raw Umber, Cobalt and Permanent Rose all make beautiful pearly grays

Netflix Stars - Wild

Two stars, only because I was able to clear out a DVD from my stack at home while my Dish receiver was toasted during the Houston storms on Monday, and I don't have to bother reading the book since I wasn't that thrilled with the movie storyline.  I would have liked to have seen more scenery and I thought Reese could have been more in character - i.e., pulling her hair back in a pony tail!  I thought the flashback scenes with her mother were touching, but the other flashbacks, not so much and seemed to slow the movie.

Monday, April 18, 2016

Blogging A to Z Challenge - O is for Opal

Welcome back to the Blogging from A to Z Challenge 2016!  This will be interesting and fun trying to interpret healing crystals and gemstones from Amethyst to Zircon with watercolors and create a neat sketchbook.


With all of its shimmering colors created by microscopic water drops, the opal is considered the embodiment of all precious stones.   It helps regulate the metabolism, strengthen the immune system and reduce inflammation.  Pisces and Cancer signs are linked to the opal.

Palette Paints - This was fun to paint, I worked wet in wet and just dropped in and let mingle Permanent Rose, Naples Yellow, Cobalt Turquoise, Viridian, Verditer Blue (Holbein), and Windsor Violet.

Saturday, April 16, 2016

Blogging A to Z Challenge - N is for Nephrite

Welcome back to the Blogging from A to Z Challenge 2016!  This will be interesting and fun trying to interpret healing crystals and gemstones from Amethyst to Zircon with watercolors and create a neat sketchbook.   

N is for Nephrite

As you can imagine, this stone is associated with kidneys and bladder issues, but it also can make the wearer more creative, calmer and relaxed.   Putting it under your pillow can protect against nightmares.  Those born under the sign of Cancer will be particularly attuned to Nephrite's positive and peaceful influence.

Palette Paints - Daniel Smith Undersea Green.  What a gorgeous tube of color; I loved how it granulated and created all those effects all by itself.  Someone else had raved about this and I can see why.

Friday, April 15, 2016

Blogging A to Z Challenge - M is for Malachite


Welcome back to the Blogging from A to Z Challenge 2016!  This will be interesting and fun trying to interpret healing crystals and gemstones from Amethyst to Zircon with watercolors and create a neat sketchbook.   


M is for Malachite

An ideal meditation stone, it promotes spirituality and the understanding of oneself and others.  Malachite is often associated with pregnancy, as it promotes growth and builds strength.   It is also helps with concentration and heart/cardiac issues, including lovesickness.  Virgo and Capricorn will find this a lucky stone for themselves.

Palette Paints - Viridian, Cobalt Turquoise, Windsor Green, Alizarin 

Thursday, April 14, 2016

Thursday Tea Time - Back to Bed

This week - Bigelow American Breakfast Tea with Honey


Price: ~ $2.49 at Kroger
Size:  20 teabags, individually wrapped
Caffeine:   Yes
Type of Tea:    Black
Steeping time:  4 minutes
Mix ins:  It tastes awful plain, and Coffee Mate Sweet Italian Cream Sugar Free cannot save it.
Fragrance:  Slightly sweet, you can detect a honey scent.
Ingredients:  Black tea, natural honey flavors with other natural flavors (?), black tea extract, licorice root.
Opinion:   Being carb conscious, I was intrigued with the idea per the box this tea had honey in it, yet no carbs/nutrition information was listed.   Perhaps I should have read the label further and saw it was honey flavor and had licorice root.  Let's just say licorice and honey are not a simpatico combination in this tea.  The tea has extra caffeine from the boost of Theanine - black tea extract.  You would think it would be winner worth getting out of bed and starting your day - no.  Hit the snooze/pass button on this.

Yum and Fun with Caffeine

Instead, play around with your My K-Cup on your Keurig and try this.  Eventually I am figuring out how much to fill it.  So far I'm now leaving about 3/8th of an inch from the top and it only overflows/expands a little bit now under the lid cover.
Rating:  0

Blogging A to Z Challenge - L is for Lapis Lazuli

Welcome back to the Blogging from A to Z Challenge 2016!  This will be interesting and fun trying to interpret healing crystals and gemstones from Amethyst to Zircon with watercolors and create a neat sketchbook.  

L is for Lapis Lazuli

Lapis Lazui imparts inspiration and wisdom.  It can also help with the thyroid gland and strengthen vocal cords.  If you are a Sagittarius, you have a particularly affinity with this stone.   Combining the blue of the sky and the light of the gods, according to the Assyrians around 5000 BC, Lapis Lazuli is formed by the conversion of lime to marble...the "gold" you see are pyrite inclusions.

Palette Paints - Windsor Violet, Cobalt, Indigo and Raw Sienna

Wednesday, April 13, 2016

Blogging A to Z Challenge - K is for Kyanite

Welcome back to the Blogging from A to Z Challenge 2016!  This will be interesting and fun trying to interpret healing crystals and gemstones from Amethyst to Zircon with watercolors and create a neat sketchbook.  


K is for Kyanite

Kyanite is derived from the Greek word for blue, kynos.    The stone symbolizes lightness and a path to new thoughts.  It is associated with the astrological signs of Aries, Taurus and Libra.  People will wear Kyanite around the throat help to express oneself, sharpen concentration, increase calmness...and learn new languages.  It can remove energy blockages and increase positive energy.

Palette Paints - Payne's Gray, Lunar Black, Cobalt, Indigo and Sepia

Tuesday, April 12, 2016

Blogging A to Z Challenge - J is for Jade

Welcome back to the Blogging from A to Z Challenge 2016!  This will be interesting and fun trying to interpret healing crystals and gemstones from Amethyst to Zircon with watercolors and create a neat sketchbook. 

J is for Jade

Symbolizing renewal and good luck, Jade imparts a feeling of contentment and calmness.  It has a beneficial and detoxifying effect on glandular functions, lower fevers, and can help interpret dreams if you put it on your forehead for fifteen minutes before going to sleep.   Jade is great for Libra, Pisces and Cancer.

Palette paints - Undersea Green (Daniel Smith), Compose Green (Holbein), Windsor Blue (Green Shade),  Cobalt Turquoise, Viridian, Aureolin.


Monday, April 11, 2016

Blogging A to Z Challenge - I is for Iceland Spar

Welcome back to the Blogging from A to Z Challenge 2016!  This will be interesting and fun trying to interpret healing crystals and gemstones from Amethyst to Zircon with watercolors and create a neat sketchbook. 

I is for Iceland Spar

Symbolizing true love, peace, good fortune and friendship.   Iceland Spar helps strengthen and keep healthy bones, teeth, nails and hair because of its high calcium  (calcium carbonate) content.   It can also help arthritis and back pain, inflammations and fungal infections of the skin.

Palette Paints - Windsor Violet, Cobalt, Indigo, Raw Sienna

Saturday, April 09, 2016

Blogging A to Z Challenge - H is for Hematite

Welcome back to the Blogging from A to Z Challenge 2016!  This will be interesting and fun trying to interpret healing crystals and gemstones from Amethyst to Zircon with watercolors and create a neat sketchbook.


H is for Hematite

An interesting stone - hematite has styptic properties, and when polished with water,  it will turn the water red.  Ancient Egyptians used hematite to staunch blood and promotion the formation of new blood cells.   Because of this, use caution around inflammation, as it will be exacerbated.  Put hematite and rose quartz under your pillow for pleasant dreams.  It is associated with Scorpio.  Hematite helps increase zest for life and courage.

Palette Paints - Daniel Smith's Lunar Black is one of the most interesting watercolor paints I have added to my palette within the past year.  I love how it granulates and just does its own thing, creating the most unusual effects.  I used it here also on a birthday card - which was really cool because his birthday was on a New Moon.


Friday, April 08, 2016

Draw a Bird Day

I'm kind of double-dipping/double-posting here.  In February, Grumbacher had Artist Trading Card/Art Swap #43 and the theme was Birds.


Artist Trading Cards (ATCs) are 2 1/2" x 3 1/2"

This is the one I received in the swap - by Donna L

What a pretty hummingbird!  I love the colors she used.

Draw a Bird Day began in 1943.    Basically the rules are to draw a bird and share it.  And what better way than on Twitter?  Use the hashtag #drawapictureofabirdday and #dabday make your bird tweet.  Check out the Facebook Draw a Bird Day page, too.

Blogging A to Z Challenge - G is for Garnet

Welcome back to the Blogging from A to Z Challenge 2016!  This will be interesting and fun trying to interpret healing crystals and gemstones from Amethyst to Zircon with watercolors and create a neat sketchbook.

G is for Garnet

Garnets encourage joy and hope.  Its fiery color stimulates the imagination and fights fatigue.  Aries and Scorpio are particularly attuned to garnet.  Indian mythology called it the  "Kundalini Fire" -strengthening the heart,  enlightening the soul and giving wisdom.  The mineral's sparkle and color is revealed only when it is cut.

Painted with Winsor Newton's Brown Madder, one of my new favorite colors.  Didn't it make a gorgeous garnet color when combined with Permanent Rose and dropped in Alizarin?  The uncut mineral was created with Burnt Sienna and Cerulean.  Shout out to Joanie H. for the suggestion last week! xo

Thursday, April 07, 2016

Blogging A to Z Challenge - F is for Flint

Welcome back to the Blogging from A to Z Challenge 2016!  This will be interesting and fun trying to interpret healing crystals and gemstones from Amethyst to Zircon with watercolors and create a neat sketchbook.

F is for Flint

Besides creating sparks when pieces are struck against it each other, flint can also light a spark in the elderly by increasing self-confidence and igniting more active lives.  It can also prevent nightmares when placed under your pillow, and it can strengthen the respiratory and nervous system.  Because flint will fracture into sharp-edged conchoidal breaks, it was used as arrowheads and knives beginning in the Stone Age.

Palette Paints - Most people will fall on one side of the stone on Paynes' Gray, but I used it here along with Cobalt Blue and Burnt Sienna, and a touch of Winsor Violet.  I like how it granulated just enough.  For me, Paynes Gray is in the far corner of my palette, a good "Throw me in, Coach!" second string player when the other members of the team just aren't performing.

Wednesday, April 06, 2016

Blogging A to Z Challenge - E is for Emerald

Welcome back to the Blogging from A to Z Challenge 2016!  This will be interesting and fun trying to interpret healing crystals and gemstones from Amethyst to Zircon with watercolors and create a neat sketchbook.

E is for Emerald

Emerald is associated with Mercury and the astrological sign of Cancer.   The harmonious emerald can help with balance, vision and headaches.

Palette Paints - Winsor Newton Viridian was perfect creating this emerald.  It is another one of my go-to colors.  Combine with Alizarin for a really nice black.  I also dropped in some Cobalt Turquoise.  If you are looking to create beautiful beachy water, try adding some of this to your bag of colors.