Haiku…

This week’s calligraphy challenge was Haiku; write one or create a piece highlighting your favorite haiku. I decided to write one and experiment with watercolors to create an appropriate background. I used Strathmore watercolor tiles, watercolor paints, a Copic .005 black pen, and a stabilo light grey marker. I did several versions of the background until I finally found one I liked, the rest will go into my ‘rough drafts’ drawer and maybe get utilized at a future date.

I had to read up on how to write a haiku. It’s all about the syllables. After a few edits I had the words, then it was time for the background. I am a novice when it comes to using  watercolors, so I stretched way out of my comfort zone and created this ‘scene’. I had an idea in my mind of what I wanted it to look like, and to be honest this was not it, but it was the best of what I created so I forged ahead.

I think the hardest part about being creative is that you know where all the mistakes, bobbles, do overs, and touch ups are located. You look at a finished piece and know what you intended versus what you really delivered. You can see the weak points, the places where you had hoped it would turn out better, and the overall things you were not able to execute the way you had it pictured in your mind. When others see your work they see the whole piece, the final version, and they have no idea of what you had in your mind. You judge your work but your intentions, others judge your work by what you created. Over the years I have found that the pieces I don’t really care for are the ones that sell first, go figure.

We are nearly half way through the year and I have greatly enjoyed this private group, the prompts, and the way it has forced me to create different ideas. I look forward to Thursday as that is when the prompt for the week is announced. I will keep creating and sharing, you keep reading and sharing in my journey…