On 1st February 2013, I started a Watercolour Diary. I was inspired my an artist called Trisha Thompson Adams, who had completed a 366 page sketchbook the previous year. It was a truly lovely idea, and all her paintings were just amazing! However, I didn't realise until I started this project, just how much determination it would take. At the beginning, I was feeling quite uninspired, probably to do with it being January, the most depressing month of the year. I needed something that would pick me up, and keep me creative. And, so my watercolour adventure began…
Every night for 366 days, I painted a watercolour that summarised my day. Whether, it be something I did, ate, drank, saw, wore, bought, felt, heard, or even, dreamt. Every one of those watercolours is a personal symbol to me. It's so nice, because I can look at almost any of the paintings, and they will prompt the memory that came when painting it. I can go back to that very day. It’s such a great way of remembering my year...
On completing every painting, I photographed it and uploaded it to my Instagram (@Florafricker). Next, I scanned it to my computer, and, uploaded it to my Watercolour Diary tumblr. And, finally, I stuck each one to my bedroom wall. I must have gone through at least 6 packets of blue tac.. But, my room is now like a “Gallery Of My Year”. I'm surrounded by my memories. And, wowee, it’s all so, colourful.
This was such a challenge. There were many, many times, when I felt like giving it all up, and sometimes I forgot what the whole point was. But, I continued to remind myself that, at the end I will have this amazing array of paintings, and a huge image bank of my own inspirations. And, I started it because I wanted to keep being creative, and to prove that I am a very self- motivated and determined person, and this has proved to me that if you want something, then you have to work at it, and eventually…. it will come.
So what now? I will be keeping the paintings on my wall for a while. And, I plan to make a book of all my watercolours. Something, to show the grandchildren. I, also have a huge image bank, so I can go back to my watercolours and develop them further. I also want to thank my Mum and Dad for their patience, as we spent many evenings wondering what I was going to paint. So, thank you!
I couldn't have achieved this without my Winsor & Newton watercolour paints, they've lasted so well. And, my Fabriano paper. I definitely recommend them!
I hope you enjoy looking through my WatercolourDiary. But most of all, I hope that I have inspired you in some way.
Flora Fricker
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