I thought it would be fun to show you behind the scenes of my watercolor paintings. Painting is my go-to activity when I need a break or I’m feeling stressed out. It Instantly relaxes me!
On this particular afternoon, I spent nap time painting the Manti, Utah and Gilbert, Arizona temples. I really wish we did not live so far from Gilbert, I would have loved to go to the open house!
I first start out with sketching and outlining. The Manti one took forever, it’s so detailed!
The Gilbert temple was a little Easier two sketch. And the landscape is absolutely beautiful! When it comes two trees and plants, I typically do just enough of an outline two shows what it is, but I do not go into very much detail with the pen. I leave that for the paints.
Next up, the painting! My grandma gave me my mixing palette a looooong time ago, and I still use it to this day! I’m not a huge fan of hot chocolate or anything, so my favorite NYC mug has Become my water mug. I also keep paper towels handy when I’m painting.
I typically paint in a certainties order, though there’s no rhyme or reason to it! I paint the shadows and windows first, then move onto the exterior. I’ve learned that it’s IMPORTANT to paint it just a bit brighter in the original, Because The scanner does not pick up the light colors. I always seem to save the foliage of cargo.
I typically let the finished temples sit for a few days, I like to study them to see on if I missed any details. Then I scan them, touch up any paint drips or pencil marks in Photoshop, and list them on my shop! These two temples will be listed in the shop soon!
On a side note: Ellie usually wakes up from her nap halfway through my painting. I have yet two pick her up here own tray of paints, so she gets to paint with whipped cream. As you can see, she loves it, not to mention the bathroom Afterwards!
Ashley Ziegler
Can I buy one from you of the Jordan River Temple!?!? You are an amazing artist!!
Meg
You are so talented, Lex!
KT Dredge
these are great! i can't believe that you do it all in one afternoon. by any chance will you be doing the logan temple anytime soon?
Mila
Looks like Ellie is having a lot more fun than you. (:
xo. M.
Jana
I loved seeing this behind the scenes! You are so talented. And the whipped cream painting for Ellie is brilliant! 🙂
Kelsey Eaton
This was so fun to see! Thanks for sharing. You definitely have some talent!
Carmina
These are so beautiful! I sometimes pretend I can paint, and these are truly inspiring! You are so talented and I love that you share your testimony through your talents. 🙂
Susan Stange
You. Are. Amazing. I wish I was as naturally artistic as you are! Thanks for posting even though you're away in Norway! I love seeing all of your photos!
Sue//Chevron and Lace
susanstange.com
Unknown
ahhh i LOVE the Gilbert one! thats where I'm from. I hope they are in your etsy shop soon! 🙂
Kylie
Your talent is endless. The Gilbert Temple IS gorgeous, though Mesa will always have my heart, since it was where I was married and my hometown 🙂
mks
you are so very talented. is the salt lake one available for print?
Alicia Snow
I just got married in the Gilbert Temple on the 12th. I will definitely be purchasing one of your paintings!
Alexis
You should make one of the Alabama Birmingham Temple! I'm serving my mission there so I would loooove to have one to cherish always 🙂
Caravan Sonnet
Wow! What a beautiful talent!! Thank you so much for sharing with us!!
🙂 Rebecca