Carol Sue Witt

Hello, Art lovers! If you are in the Austin area on Sunday, May 4th , please visit the 2nd annual Steiner Ranch Art Show held on the beautiful patio at the Steiner Ranch Steakhouse. You can enjoy the very fine display of artistry that is being presented by local watercolor, acrylic , oil,  jewelry, and metal artists. Our sign was designed by one of the artists, Paul McGuire. I will have signed and numbered reprints , note cards and originals at my booth. Please stop by to say hello. Other artists whose work I greatly admire including Rae Andrews, Nancy Charbeneau, Janine Martens and Martha Ruth, will have their award winning work on display and for sale. If you are a painter or just an art admirer or collector, this is a wonderful opportunity ...try not to miss it....and bring the family!  You can enjoy Brunch up until 2:00 pm but a food purchase is not necessary.               ...

  I promised to take my mother to see these churches, all of which are Catholic, when we lived in north Texas. We never made it so this trip was really for her...you were right, Mom! I was with a wonderful group of folks from Steiner Ranch and with my new friend, Ethel, who made the arrangements for all of us on a beautiful Spring day. The bluebonnets and Indian Paintbrush were the perfect backdrop for the artistry displayed by the Czechs and the Germans who lovingly brought their faith to their new land. These churches exist today with far fewer families but a dedication that even tornadoes and fires could not destroy. I'll begin with the stained glass windows that are just a portion of the appeal waiting for visitors...all dedicated with love from founding families. There is a wonderful documentary if you cannot make this trip........http://www.klru.org/paintedchurches/documentary.html  Here is a sneak peek of what is inspiring me to paint some scenes using t...

After a lovely day at Filoli Gardens in the Bay area on Tuesday , March 4th, I selected a row of tulips from my photos as our painting selection for Thursday's class in Austin. They were so brilliantly red and sassy....sitting along a rock wall that bordered a path...they just had to be my choice.  We began our class with a small discussion on framing watercolors which can get expensive when doing your own art work, especially if you are prolific. I am not an archival framer but I do think it's important to be aware of some basics to protect your artwork and to consider completing your frames on your own. Currently, I order mine online from American Frame ( although there are other choices) where you get a large selection of styles and can even upload your own artwork to "try on" various frames ( stained or painted wood, metals, ornate or simple, wide or slim) and mats. A complete set with frame, mat , backing and your choice of glass or acrylic is then sent direct...

Finally , after thinking I was finished several times, I am really finished with my first longhorn painting....thanks to all who encouraged me. I am now officially in love with these huge animals who are as much a part of Texas as the armadillo and cactus. Signed and numbered giclee ( high quality print process) prints are available in 3 sizes: 11"x15".............$25        15"x22".............$50   22"x30"........................$75  (plus Texas state tax 8.25% and shipping if required ) I am also pleased to announce I will be donating a framed version ( 15"x22" print number 100/1000) to the Giddy Up Gala to be auctioned off at their annual fundraiser. What a great cause. February 21, 2014. If you post a bid at the Gala but are not the highest bidder, I will follow up to see if you are interested in a purchase  and will donate 20% of any of those sales to Hill Country Education Foundation. I'd love some feedback!

We have a great beginner class going in Steiner Ranch! We started with 6 weeks but have now decided to add 2 more to be able to meet for 8 weeks. There are 4 true beginners and 4 who have had some experience with other mediums. Drawing is not a requirement in our 3 hour sessions although it is a necessity when moving on. I am providing line drawings to be transferred onto watercolor paper or they can provide a drawing of their own. Our goals are to get familiar with paper, brushes, transparent and staining colors and, of course, techniques. We begin with a "distraction warm up" to get everyone in the zone. I usually do a small demo of an area being covered by the subject matter at hand ( sky, clouds, trees, reflected still water) and then they are off to work at their own discoveries at their own pace.  In this short  time, the personalities of each painter are emerging and can be seen in their work. A brief walk around critique is done in the last 1...

  We have a group , a location and a date for our sessions. Starting Jan 23rd for 6 consecutive Thursday with the exception of Feb 13th, we will meet from 11:00-2:00 at Towne Center in Steiner Ranch. I will post our progress and the subject matter on this blog as we move forward. Do you want to add a little color to your life in 2014 ? Here's an opportunity to try your hand with watercolors. 6 beginning lessons will include information on brushes, paper and watercolors along with handouts for techniques using salt, sponges, masking fluid and trios of colors that work well together. Subjects will be provided or you can bring your own photos. Contact me if you are interested and I will send a supply list.