I am in love with Hydrangeas!

Hydrangeas are amazing, fresh or dried, in an arrangement or as the subject of a painting. They are not easy to recreate so it's a bit of a challenge. Using many reference photos, I made my way through a month long journey this summer to attempt this. The end result is satisfying and incorprates some of my best efforts. Here are a few of my steps starting with these huge, healthy blooms from my daughter Leslie's yard. They inspired ,"Entwined" this summer.

I usually finish a painting more quickly than most painters, but not this time. I reimagined the background many times and can now see the value of that time. It was well spent!

Reference photo: early Summer in Pacific Grove, CA.

Steps:

I wanted a design that filled the page and also used my favorite palette of colors...Hansa Yellow, Green Gold, Opera Pink and Prussian Blue, All are transparent and play nicely together.

I admit the leaves captured my favorite shapes and colors (my favorite AND usual palette).

But can anything compete with Nature? Maybe not...

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Why are collectors not choosing watercolors? Let's explore that and change some misconceptions

Starting in January with a visit to The Oklahoma City Cowboy Museum, I’ve been trying to add visits to see other artist’s work. Just this past week we stopped by Inspiration Gallery and other galleries in Fredericksburg, Texas. Both had no watercolors on display. I should say all 3 of these carried bronze and clay statues and 99% oils, all Western themed as well. I did chat with the knowledgeable staff and they assured me that watercolor is well liked….but doesn’t sell. They brought up the difficulty with glass covering the artwork which is actually no longer an issue. We now use acrylic or plastic glazing almost exclusively or protect our images with wax or a fixative. It is a dilemma for watercolorists despite some fabulous artwork coming from amazing artists even in my home state of Texas. Let’s talk this out and see if we can uncover some of this negativity. Size limitation: Large pieces are in demand Watercolor "paper" (actually cotton fiber) has been made for hundreds...

Merchandising Your Art

"Dairy Queen" If you have lived in Texas, you might love Blue Bell. Even our cows do. I hope you have considered merchandising your images. Not only is it fun to see products with your artwork on them but it is lucrative and makes a longer lasting impression of your intention and talent. It's a great gift from you, as well. Where can you get this work created? One artist website is Fine Art America. I let the people at Fine Art America print my images on notecards, prints of all sizes and on surfaces of all kinds. For example, tote bags are a popular item. Many folks aren't collectors of hanging art but they like color and uniqueness in other areas of their homes. Mugs are another popular item because they are practical and inexpensive as a gift. You can include beach towels, tapestries, masks and notebook covers and more. Pros: It doesn't cost much, (I set my own prices) and it is working behind the scenes making income for me. You can order personally from he...

I'm dreaming ...that we send our artwork as a gift to friends and family!

"I'm Dreaming..."is my choice for 2024 My inspiration was seeing some of our old family ornaments on my daughter's tree. I hope this makes you smile!That is my message. Enjoy the happiest of Holidays!! PS In case you run out of time, I merchandised this image on notecards, ornaments, tote bags and pillows ...all are available on Fine Art America: carolsue-witt.pixels.com

Carol Sue Witt

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