Copyright © 2015 Deborah M. Zajac. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
A couple of weeks ago I spotted what might be a Maple Tree while driving home from the hardware store.
After dropping off my packages I walked back to the tree and plucked a single leaf off a low branch with the intention of using it as a model for a watercolor painting. I sketched it out that same afternoon then worked on a Kumquat leaf, and a landscape instead. Today I was able to spend quite a bit of time working on the Maple Leaf painting, but it was super dried out, and crumbly and the color had changed from a vibrant red to a brownish red which I tried to capture, but perhaps I missed the mark and this is closer to an Ash in the fall or winter.
Here’s the final painting.
I bought a new set of Turner watercolor paints not long ago so, I used those to paint this on Arches 140lb Cold Press watercolor paper. I also purchased a new brush that I’ve been using almost exclusively since it arrived.
It’s Creative Mark’s Mimic Kolinsky No.12 Round. It’s faux mink but, feels and acts like a real fur brush. I’m loving it, and the new paints. The brush comes to a lovely fine point and hasn’t shed at all. It holds a lot of water, and cleans up in a cinch. The paints have a nice pigment, there are 18 colors in the set so, I’m getting to try some new colors, and I’m using less paint than I was using with my Cotman paints. Or it feels that way to me.
Is this a Maple Leaf? I hope I can find another one that’s still red soon!
Lumix FZ200| Lexar Professional Digital Film| Hand-held
More to come…
Circadianreflections Blog 
That’s a good painting! Almost looks like a photo.
Thank you so much, Gordon that’s a lovely compliment! 😀
it certainly looks like a Maple Leaf! nice watercolour, Deb!
Thank you so much Hui! I apologize for the late reply!!! I’ve been away from home and my computer since Friday afternoon. I’ll try to catch with you and everyone this week!
no worries! I’ve been without laptop contact all day yesterday! 🙂
I hope you were out doing something fun! 🙂
I wish! unfortunately, rainy windy days are not great for photography! 🙂
Those are the days/times I switch to macro, food, or still-life photography. 🙂
good ideas!! 🙂
Yes, and a wonderful job with it, Deborah! Way to go! Maple leaves aren’t easy to draw and I think you nailed it! 🍂🍁🍃
Thank you so much Laura!!
Beautiful job Deborah on you maple leaf! I have no doubt it is that! 🙂
Thank you for the confirmation and the lovely comment Jodi! 🙂
Looks like a Maple leaf to me. Our are turning late this year. We are starting to see some bright yellows, but not very many red ones yet.
Thank you Dan! Shouldn’t be long now before you see the reds though. The days are getting cooler, and shorter. 😦
I was on my way home from Boston this morning. I saw several bright yellow maple trees along the highway, but not when I was in a good place to stop. It’s coming, and we have several on our street, so I should be able to get a nice photo.
How nice to have Maple trees on your street! I’m looking forward to seeing your Fall and leaf images.