I did it! I was able to complete a painting for 
There is still a little bit of time to participate in
A few days prior, I dug out some mixed media paper that I had tucked away. I left it someplace where I’d see it so I wouldn’t forget about the contest. I had some time today so I took out a paper cutter to make small sheets of paper because the theme for this week’s contest was tiny watercolor paintings.
I packed all of my supplies and headed out to 
I attempted my first sketch with a regular pencil but it didn’t feel right. I also felt embarrassed after catching myself using two fingers to double tapping on the paper. 😅 That’s how you know I’m now a digital artist. In Procreate (which I normally use) you would double tap with two fingers to undo.
I switched to watercolor pencils in colors deep cobalt and sap green for my manta ray outline sketch.
I decided to pick some of my favorite colors to paint with. I’m in love with the wild rose color from Dr. Ph Martin’s radient watercolor. I tried to paint carefully but a little speck flicked of my brush, oh well.
I added an ultra blue color for the shadows.
Then I started to play around with the paint application.
Adding more depth...
..and more details with each dry layer.
I was a little worried about the background color. I had a test sheet for mixing color combinations and double checking my paint brush strokes.
Here’s the finished background. I started with a wash of daffodil yellow before I added a light wash of ultra blue and april green.
I completed the painting with some white ink and some darker shadows for contrast. I hope the painting is tiny enough! I’m really happy with the result since it’s been 3+ years since I’ve painted with watercolors and used any form of traditional medium.
Materials
Strathmore Mixed Media Paper
Dr. Ph Martin’s Radiant Concentrated water color
Dr. Ph Martin’s Bleed Proof White Ink
Lowe-Cornell Watercolor Pencils
Windsor & Newton paint brushes #2, 6, and 8.