Written by My name is Judy Wood, and I’ve been painting for over 30 years, primarily watercolor and acrylic. I enjoy a variety of subject matter and substrates. I consider myself a mixed media artist, while continuing experimenting with watercolor.
As I reflect on a few of my favorite teachers in college, I’m reminded one of the best ways to learn any craft is to study the “masters”. To find confidence in wet into wet watercolor, I studied Monet – his use of composition and color is so inspiring.
Once I felt I had mastered the technique I was studying, instead of continuing to copy Monet, I used my own favorite subject matter; trees and forests. I also love painting skies! I enjoy mixing colors to create the perfect bright blue desert sky or capturing the deep blue of twilight. I occasionally add salt (and a little fine glitter) for a starry night scene.
I’ve used a variety of palettes, I enjoy travel size palettes, color variety, and intensity. I’ve added Derwent watercolor pencils and Inktense water soluble pencils to my materials and use them often; occasionally for highlights and shadows, and more recently for a pop of color in some handmade book pages. After trying some smaller palettes, I found I prefer my full size palette from college.
The palette feels right, the mixing area is the right size, I know the placement of the colors without looking. I’ve recently replaced missing colors and added a few new colors. In addition to Winsor & Newton I’ve enjoyed the quality of the new QoR watercolors. Recently, I’ve been experimenting with spray inks. The colors are vibrant and the results a bit unpredictable. I enjoy the challenge of using unexpected results to create a mini masterpiece.
After studying painting in college I worked at a local art store. Representatives from various companies supplied paper samples. It was fun to experiment on so many watercolor papers. During the last few years, I’ve enjoyed using Fabriano paper (I use a wide variety of mediums on the soft, decked edged paper) and rough watercolor papers. Paper selection makes a big difference in the outcome of a painting.
Over the years I’ve tried a variety of great brushes – all shapes and sizes. An artist friend of mine paints in oil and draws with chalk pastel. She recently gifted me a Richeson flat watercolor brush, it quickly became my favorite brush for washes, skies, and if I use the corner of the brush I can create some nice thin lines for branches of trees. I bought the travel size set of Richeson brushes and discovered they fit nicely on my art desk.
I enjoy painting loose on location or from reference photos, followed by energetic, expressive ink lines. I use a permanent fine tip pen for quick line work. A variety of fine tip and brush tip pens are great for painting and drawing on location. Ink is a nice way to add a little detail to a loose watercolor painting. I love Sumi ink for line work or washes.
I love gifting art to friends, family, and occasionally dropping off a painting as an unexpected gift in a public setting. Sharing art gives it life!
Lately, I have been thinking about creativity, what drives us to create. I’ve also given some thought to my personal palette and how it changes with the seasons.
I live in the Arizona desert. I have a BFA in painting from Arizona State University. I paint, draw, write, and create almost every day. I’ve taught art in art centers, public schools, and private lessons. I hope to continue to encourage and inspire, and always find an encouraging word for a budding artist.
Judy Wood
Instagram
Hello Judy,
Thankyou for sharing your paintings. I especially like the one of the ghostly trees against the bluey-green background. Do you find many trees in the Arizona desert where you live, though??!
The “ghost trees” are from a series titled Spirit Trees. I love painting them! We can drive about 90 minutes north to be surrounded by tall pines. There are a few photographers who have given me permission to paint their trees. I mail them original artwork.
I love these paintings! The colors and the way they blend are beautiful. I especially like how the mix of watercolor and ink. Thank you for sharing your tips!
Thank you! Painting brings me great joy!
Thank you for sharing your story! Love how free and loose your paintings feel.
Thank you!
Thank you Judy for sharing your story,,looking at your beautiful art is very inspiring..I particularly like the loose watercolor with some ink definition..
I love watercolor followed by loose ink lines. Thank you!
Thanks for sharing. A lady of many talents.
Thank you!
Judy, I love your loose and lovely style! Thank you for sharing your work with us.
I enjoy the watercolor / ink combination! In college I always carried colored markers and a small sketchbook.
I love your mixed-media style! Thanks for sharing your story and your work.
Thank you Sharon!
I’ve enjoyed reading your post, and I absolutely love your Spirit Trees!
Susan – I love creating my spirit trees! Some are stand alone art – smaller pieces often become one of a kind greeting cards.
What beautiful paintings so inspiring!
Thank you Nancy!
Love your story, inspiring! Your colours and your style are really impressive, wow! Watercolours and a little bit of ink…less is more style, great!
robert, absolute beginner
Thank you for your kind comments Robert!
This is great! Thank you 🙂
You’re welcome! It was fun writing about my watercolor journey!
you can tell by your artwork that you love to create art.
Indeed! Drawing, painting, writing! I love it all!
I love this post! I love the collection of ideas and recommendations. It reads as totally collaborative and supportive to other artists 🙂
Thank you for your kind comments! I hope to inspire! I love experimenting with new techniques! I love teaching! I hope you can try something new!
Hi Judy, I love your style, it’s very unique, and so beautiful! Thank you for sharing your fantastic work!
Thank you! Creating brings me joy!