Painting tulips this week!

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 directly to you at a reasonable price. You can expect prompt delivery whereas many frame shops have a 3 week waiting period and it can be quite pricey. Not to say that some paintings don't deserve that professional touch.

Frames are also works of art on their own so one suggestion is to not have them compete with your art. Keep it simple. This is especially true if you will be entering a Show. Many restrict ornate frames, mats must be white and they will not accept glass; they will state the specifications in the Show prospectus.

1. Use an acid-free mat so that there is a space between your painting and the glass or acrylic that will be on top of it.

2. Make sure to take a good photograph of your artwork before framing it in case you want reprints later.

3. Assemble all in a clean and spacious area with a few tools such as a framing gun, hanging wire and wall protective bumps for the bottom corners.

4. Attach your painting to the back of the mat with a safe release tape that holds the image in place but does not invade any more of your paper than is absolutely necessary. Add a layer of foam core behind the painting.

5. For wood frames, use frame points to secure the sandwich of the glass or protective acrylic surface, matted painting and foam core inside the frame. Be generous and use mirror imag points on top, bottom and sides for best support.

6. Use double back tape to apply a sheet of protective paper over the framed and well pointed sandwich.

7. For wood frames, when attaching the wire ( never use claw tooth hangars) space each round headed screw 1/3 of the way down the sides of the frame. Thread the wire tautly across the back of the painting. This will keep it flat against a wall when hanging. Protect the wall by using small protectors on the bottom corners.

You are ready to hang. If you are planning to sell this piece, remember to include not only your fees for the frame but also the cost of your time and expertise to frame it.
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We also got excited about an app called Waterlogue that allows one to plan a watercolor by uploading your photo directly to it and  in about 20 seconds, voila!... once sketched, variations can be used to try a variety of techniques. This will save sooooo much time! Here is one example:

 My photo redone in Waterlogue............

                                                      Try it and have fun. 


 

Don't Fence Me in.......

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!

Our talented class is having a great time!

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 15 minutes. We are about to start a long term project with the subject matter of their choice; any size. Note cards will be made from a selected painting at the end.


As I knew it would be,  I am getting a refresher course by teaching this class and learning, too. In encouraging them to start with the basics, I'm getting back top some basics in my own painting. We have used masking, blotting, sponging and some knife scratching. Soon we will splatter and maybe pour. Just a taste of the fun stuff...Thanks to Mary we know that soaping a brush or sponge before dipping it into masking fluid will help protect the brush or sponge and make it easier to remove that sticky residue later. Here are some examples of their work:

Meanwhile, they are following me in my efforts to capture a wonderful boy and his dog in a 22"x30" painting with a leafy Fall background. Again, I have used various techniques such as sponging, scratching and masking. My starting point is typically the largest area so the stunning background foliage will simple be a background for this beautiful little guy and his Golden Retriever.

Last week we practiced reflectivity in still water and this week we will try active water and splashing. Stay tuned ....

Watercolor Class is happening in Steiner Ranch

  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.

Artwork for my first juried show in Austin has earned a Merit Award!

Entering shows has long been a favorite of mine; one that I have not participated in for quite some time. Yes, there are fees, specific photography, deadlines, rules for submissions, sizes and framing, drop off locations, etc BUT it is a big thrill when a credited juror allows your entry ( actually two)into the competition. Just being a candidate with other members of  the very prestigious Waterloo Watercolor Society for the annual Fall Show was good enough for me! So...after watching a very eye opening demo by the juror, Kris Parins, who also taught a work shop for some very lucky artists, I was smiling. Then came the list of paintings to be displayed at

              North Hills Gallery 7050 Village Center Drive Austin                             

   and one of my paintings was selected! The Show will be open to the public Nov 10-Dec 1st. If you are in Austin, do stop by.

Allow me to introduce..."Simply Delicious"

 

...also please allow me to introduce Kris Parins' very carefully planned pouring techniques. Using 3 colors and masking all whites, she adds her colors and lets them mix on wet 140 lb paper which has had her basic drawing transferred to it. It's amazing to watch and the results are even more incredible. There can be more than 4 pourings per painting for the mid and dark tones to be masked as well. Her training as a graphic artist is evident.

                                            

 

3 colors selected were simply a light, middle and dark tone but I believe this is cad yellow (started with the lightest) and quinacridone red 

 

With the addition of her blue (Manganese?) the green appears and is carefully controlled by her spraying and rolling

 

The smart painters who took her workshop will no doubt be forever changed in their thinking. I will sign up soon! I will try it immediately.

Meanwhile I am so impressed with a pen and ink wildlife artist that I met this past week, Sherry Steele. If you have not yet seen this woman's incredible , delicate but powerful portrayal of animals, especially African varieties, head to her website as fast as you can: www.sherrysteele.com.

Happy painting....

Just back from Italy and Sicily with lots of beautiful scenes to paint!!

What an incredible trip! We are just back from a 14 day journey to Rome  then across Sicily to the east Coast and over to Italy's Amalfi Coast before returning to Rome. We saw beautiful country, idyllic waters, enjoyed the friendly people & their foods  & marveled at well kept relics of life from 7 centuries before Christ. The influences of  different empires that situated themselves there from Africans, Arabs , Spaniards, Greeks and Normans are still evident today. Ancient temples were reconstructed as Basilicas still in use today but left with Arabic domes and tiles to show their history. Even earthquakes could not stop this area from being the showplace of life in the past and yet it is vibrant today with its inhabitants. Colors are indescribable...so I guess I'll have to paint them.

I definitely doodled a little on the trip. Thanks to advice from fellow painter, Martha Ruth, who had just returned from Rome the week prior, I brought 10 4"x5" pieces of watercolor paper and a very small travel kit ( 5" round) from Raphael paints. It was equipped with a mini paintbrush but I brought my favorite 2 sided flat/round as well. One of my favorite moments was in Catania painting on the steps outside our picturesque Hotel with my new friend, "Luige" . She is a relatively new painter but an accomplished quick learner with a nice, loose touch. We spent just an hour there and
think we will both remember it as very special. Here is my balcony scene from that morning in Catania and also a balcony view from our hotel in Reggio Calabria, Italy. Across the sea is Sicily.

 

 

 

 

FYI if you plan to travel by air, no paints are allowed in the cabin...bummer but the rules are for safety regarding hazardous concoctions and odors. I did bring a pencil and changed my genre to drawing which was a good practice for me. This is a favorite tool of my daughter, Leslie, who has mastered the pencil sketches. Here is my chosen scene of The Fountain of Trevi. I plan to paint a larger version of this , for sure.

 

 

BTW, the winning title of the cactus wreath contest ( see my Aug 18 blog) was Anne Witt, my clever daughter in law , who immediately titled it "Cool Yule". That lead to the final title: "Have a Cool Yule, Y'all!"....we do live in Texas and that is a Texas cactus, after all... Cards have been ordered and will be sold at two shows in November. I will send details soon for anyone wanting to order for Christmas. I do encourage you to create your own cards. It is great fun and many comments are promised from your recipients.

Ciao, Bella! 

Name this artwork and win a box of Christmas Cards!

Talk about HOT...at this point 15 straight days over 100!! So I'm staying cool inside painting Holiday card scenes & looking at my marvelous prickly pear cactus outside. I'm thinking this is a survivor in Texas & deserves some recognition. Here's your chance to show some creativity and win a boxed set of my Christmas cards for your efforts ( a $20 value but priceless, of course, to be named the author of  this piece!). I need a catchy name for this artwork and , though I've had some attempts at it, nothing has hit yet.  This contest will close on August 31, 2013 at 12M.  I will announce the winner & title. Thank you and Merry Christmas!