Summertime...is apparently an "Ideal" time to paint in watercolor!

Sometimes it's just the simple scenes that are the most fun to paint. But let's be honest, this Ball jar vase with cut flowers (painted by another artist ) offers some complexities. That is what makes it an excellent project for a watercolor painting class. Not only do we have the background to create, but also water, stems, leaves and petals and a reflective glass jar. We have continued to use a Zoom class, as we are still social distancing, to create our end of June floral. Everyone was provided with a color and BW version of the image and instructions to have the scene sketched and masked before our class. I want to mention that there were 9 in attendance , including a family member,my daughter in law, Anne, and they ranged from new to watercolor to advanced painters just wanting to try some new techniques.I was especially pleased to have my longtime friend and fellow artist, Sue Rinker, primarily an oil painter join us for a little fun with another genre. 

 I usually demonstrate how to paint each area as my artists take notes or paint along. As each person completes their painting and sends it to me, I will add it to this blog.

Here are the images sent to each painter:

      Masking fluid ( Pebeo) is in blue and is used to save the white or lightest highlights.

 

  A Color copy is for reference

 Ideal...by the original artist

           

A masked sketch was homework for each artist prior to our class

                                                                   

A black and white copy is an easy value study and the most important road map to obtain 5 values.

We have a vocabulary list that is added to during each lesson and for this class, we covered the following as the background requires an understanding of watercolor washes::

Vocabulary

Wash: an area of paint applied to paper in a smooth, uniform zone or a subtle, changing tone

.Can be difficult (so practice these): used for backgrounds, sky, water scenes, mountains, sunsets, etc)

.Can be done on dry paper or wet in wet; I usually tilt my board to 30 degrees ; use a wash brush with an even horizontal stroke most times; make a puddle of enough of the color you are using

Graded: Darker fading to lighter in the same color

Flat:   Same tone and color throughout

Variegated: Gradual change from one color to another

Because our time was limited to a 3 hour session and the reality was that this particular painting would be completed on their own, I provided the following suggestions:

We will be using a variegated wash for the dramatic background of this Ball jar and flowers. As always, our goal is to have 5 values from white(lightest) to darkest value.

1.     Wet your previously masked page with clean water

2.      1. Using Hansa or Lemon Yellow place the undertones throughout your page

3.       Divide your page in half vertically and start in the upper left (darker) corner , working down that left side of the Ball jar. Instead of a horizontal stroke, use a more vertical pattern to obtain the look. We will use Permanent Rose and Cobalt ( and more yellow if needed) working wet in wet. You may come back later to add more darks.

4.      2. Moving to the upper right , mix orange ( permanent rose and yellow) and again work top to bottom using cerulean for a lighter dark

5.    3. Use quinacridone gold in the center of the Ball jar moving outside the edges. Begin the leafy foliage with mixes of sap green and yellow.

6.    Remove mask when all has dried.

7.    4. Create the metal edge of the handle and hardware with cerulean and burnt sienna and the lettering in cerulean and titanium white ( if needed) using a rigger or liner on dry areas. This is done with your rigger or liner anduses a calligraphic stroke.

8.    Begin adding your darks as needed ( French ultramarine and Prussian work well). Also Alzarin and cobalt for a rich dark red.

 

9.    5. Save the flowers for last: use #8 or# 10 pointed round:

 

Yellow flower: A milky base of quin gold or Hansa using a pointed round for the petal shapes ( follow their natural direction), adding permanent rose on tips and in darker areas for variation while wet.

 

Mauve flower: Permanent rose and cobalt or purple if you have it . Same brush strokes

6. Finish by adding your darks and lifting hard lines you don’t want…splatter the background with water, if you like.

 Enjoy!!

 I am always amazed with the outcomes. 

Here are a few finished images from two attendees,  Ron Weidmann  (Centennial, Colorado) and Susan Rinker ( Frisco, Texas):

Debbie Lauderdale, Austin, Texas

My advice to you and all who are creating an artistic point of view for others to enjoy;

Know the rules first, throw out the ones you don't like and paint like nobody's watching!