This is one of my most unique pieces. My “Roses in the Rain” painting was done using real falling rainwater as my water source. This has since become one of my favorite artworks of mine and I intend on using this method again whenever I get the chance.
It was summer when I created this piece. I had gone the Charles E. Burchfield Nature and Art Center. My art supplies were with me and I found a bench to sit on to spend time relaxing and drawing. Originally I was using colored pencils, but suddenly it had started raining. Not wanting to ruin my work, I quickly put away my sketchbook and pencils. After doing that I saw the rest of the art supplies in my bag and remembered I brought my watercolor brush pens with me. I quickly decided to take advantage of this moment and pull out the watercolor pens and paper. This was how the idea of painting in the rain came to me.
The painting process was an interesting one. It was similar to regular watercolor painting, but was still unique in its own way. I had to paint my designs quickly because my water source was not within my control. I had a paper towel with me that I would dab on the paper here and there if the rain on the page became too much. Still, the rain was falling and so I had to work fast before the water washed all the color right off the page. This was such a fun project because it was unique and unexpected. Drawing in such an uncontrolled environment made for an experience that was different than any other time I’ve been drawing or painting.
I would love to do this type of art again, although if I did I would come more prepared now that I know what I’m doing. One of the biggest changes I would make is having the paper taped down or held down in some other way. With so much water pouring down on the paper I would need a way to make sure that the page stays flat. As seen in the photo above, the rain water made the paper curve a lot. I would also come with a more convenient way to hold my watercolor markers since I have to work fast. There’s less time to dig them in and out of my bag.The last change I would make is having a dry and safe space to hold my artworks as I finish them in the case that I do more than one. I don’t want excessive rainwater ruining an already finished piece.
Overall this was an incredible art experience. The roses I painted, being an element of nature, felt perfect to paint with natural rainwater. It felt very freeing to let nature create a painting of nature. This unique method of painting is something I would do again. I’m looking forward to the next chance I get to create art like this and keeping an eye open for new unique art opportunities.
