Author: circadianreflections

Copyright ©2017 Deborah M. Zajac. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

I’ve been painting Roosters to celebrate in my own way the Chinese New Year.

I was born under the Fire Rooster sign and I am hoping that this is going to be a good year for me.

The first rooster I painted was in my Stillman & Birn watercolor journal with my new M.Graham watercolor paints. I bought Steve Mitchell’s favorite 8 colors since this paint is one I’ve been longing to try. I love the paint. I think this is going to be my go to paint.

I don’t like the way the waddle came out, or my text on the page. I really want to take a calligraphy class. Perhaps this is the year I finally do that.

So, take II- Instead of drawing the Rooster freehand like I did for the painting above  I set up the light table He-Man gave me for Christmas and traced the image of the rooster from an image I made in 2016 while on a doorscurion in Maxwell, CA.

Take II

I don’t like the tail so I covered up the worst bits with the mat board. The text is boring as well. I really am making a case for a calligraphy class aren’t I? “)

Take III

I let loose a bit, and used my white gel pen, and black micron pen to add some details.  Again  wasn’t really happy with the tail feather ends, but love the way its head and breast came out.

Some traits of the Fire Rooster for those with inquiring minds:

2017 The Year of the Rooster-

1909, 1921, 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017, 2029

“I am alert

Ready to take action

The first on the scene

The last to leave

I take chances

But I am precise

I know where things belong

I am orderly and fastidious

Nothing escapes me

I am always prepared

I never give up or in

I AM THE ROOSTER”

I can’t say I meet all these traits, but some fit. 🙂

I’m not sure there will be a Take IV (oh man, I had to look up the table to make sure I recalled the correct letters for roman numeral 4) SAD! I did but still! It’s so true what they say about losing it if you don’t use it!

A note regarding the 8 paints and paper I used:

The 8 colors of paint I purchased are: Ultramarine Blue, Prussian Blue, Paynes Gray, Sepia, Azo Green, Indian Yellow, Quinacridone Red, Red Iron Oxide.

I really like how vibrant, and transparent they are. They mix well, and don’t make a muddy mess.  I’m looking for a little palette to put some whole and half pans in to be able to carry it out and about.

I used Arches 9″X12″ 140lb Coldpress paper for the 2nd, and 3rd paintings.

I wish you all Gung hay fat choi!

iPhone 7 Plus| PS CC 2017

More to come…