Let’s start 2020 with some new ideas!

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Hi, all! What a wonderful time to be painting ...especially if you want to grow in the Watercolor Medium. We not only have more super colors, better papers and great current artists to help us get our thoughts on paper but we also have new ideas about old “absolutes”. For example, if you were told, as I was, that pure sable brushes which are extremely expensive are THE BEST, look out for all the synthetic hairs that are taking over. The ability to hold paint and moisture and keep a good Point has been challenged and guess who is winning. I’m recommending you consider the synthetic brushes made by the quality brush makers such as Escoda, Windsor Newton and Black Silver. Their signature lines have won me over. My new favorite go to brush is a pointed filbert by Escoda. Love this brush!

On a personal note, I just handed over the reins as President of Waterloo Watercolor Group in Austin after a 2 year run from 2017-2019. It was an honor, never a nuisance and got me out there to many more shows and galleries than I had been visiting. Great group, great experience.

Next week I will be teaching some interesting techniques using my original painting “ Deer Me...It’s Winter” to a group of artists , many are repeat students of mine, in Marble Falls at Galleries at Pecan Creek. My vision for this was created by using cool transparent colors in an under painting and using negative space to create the tapestry like background for my deer. The palette includes lemon yellow, quinacridone magenta and French ultramarine blue. Lots of masking helps this and a splatter of titanium white mists the background to push it back.

We will also use some calligraphic strokes to make the upper branches that are bare this time of year.
Here are my images used to create this scene. Some say this is an elk....but that would not work with my title, right? 😉
                                                          The images I used:


   

 


The transfer of my sketch and my first wash ( I am not really a photographer...)


This is my final result but theirs will all be different. I will share them. Don't tell anyone but I learn from all of their work!
Deer Me....It's Winter!
Whatever you do, stretch yourself and try something new. No harm done if it’s not for you but I’m guessing it will change your outlook and your outcome in a very positive way.

Also, look for my next work shop ( March 21 in Bastrop at Lost Pines Art Center) and a big announcement in my next blog and on my Facebook page, Carol Sue Witt Original Watercolors.

Happy painting! And happy Winter!
Carol Sue



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