Autumn Tree Sunrise - watercolor landscape

I'm feeling rather accomplished... I killed 2 birds with one stone here!

I saw Jenny's Art Contest this week has the theme "light" and I knew I wanted to do some sort of sunrise/sunset painting. PLUS hubby and I are headed to his grandma's 90th birthday party this weekend, and I wanted to make her a card. So, I combined both thoughts into one project! I tend to be fairly limited for time I can devote to my projects, and I didn't have to pick one over the other, so I'm a pretty happy lady.

I taped a "frame" on what would be the front of the card, started with some simple, light washes, and sort of built it up from there.

Like I said, I knew I wanted to do a sunrise (aka "first LIGHT"), but I didn't have a full plan, and just let it come together on its own.

I thought it could use something in the foreground, and since her birthday is in November, I went for an autumnal tree.

Then added more depth, detail, and texture.

I allowed it to dry fully, then removed the tape. Now all I need to do is write something inside!

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I hope you all like it! And I hope she does too! I had fun, and I think it's nice to make someone something by hand, that's one-of-a-kind. It has me thinking, I'll probably try and keep the ball rolling, and make a few more cards for the upcoming holiday season. I know my parents would enjoy that.

Do you like getting hand-made gifts? Or do you like to give them? Let me know!

Megan