"Paint what you want to see!" Lian Quan Zhen's advice is simple but rewarding

That's the message from internationally known artist, author and instructor, Lian Quan Zhen. I had the pleasure of attending his 4 day work shop this past week and my Art will be changed for the better. We traced two images provided by him ( 26 attended), one a floral and one a group of elephants. These two scenes allowed him to demonstrate his ability to use only 3 colors , red ( Naptha), yellow (Hansa) and blue (Antwerp) to create a multitude of colors and hues. He also wated to emphasize the immense changes in value that can occur with only 3 colors.  Using a TV screen that allowed him to zoom in on small details, we watched 4 or more demos daily as he taught his valuable techniques. He considers imperfect to be perfect and makes excellent choices to change shapes and values in his work. His use of negative painting may be the most imaginative tip I picked up...and there were many!

Lian Zhen Work Shop Feb 26-March 1, 2018

             Artists came from Georgetown, Fredericksburg, Dallas, Ft Worth, Colorado and even Panama to learn from Lian. It was a very fun, talented group.

Lian talking while he paints his lily pong complete with fish

                      

             The photo is for reference only as he encourages all to paint what they want to see, not what they see

The elephant family at sunset lives in a lovely setting, warm at the top, cool at the bottom

Elephant eyes have a glint and lashes, skin is wrinkly and mud caked

Here is my version....all 26 students had a different one. Lian made suggestions to each of us for completing our paintings.

Can you believe all of these were done with only 3 colors??

As most artists do, he had originals and prints, CDs and books to sell. I purchased "Chinese Painting" and encourage you to do that as he demos several paintings start to finish. It may change your painting for the better!

It’s all about dogs...and some other animals, too

I have a connection to dogs...no doubt about it. We are usually instant friends when we meet. I see the beauty of their shape and color, their full body personalities and the love and devotion in their eyes. I’m not opposed to getting a big juicy kiss, either. So I guess it’s only natural that I enjoy capturing them in a painting. 
Among my collection of painted dogs are those precious animals we have had the joy of owning and also some of yours. Here are a few.

My first dog of 2018 is Quinn:

Have you considered pouring a painting?

Welcome to a fun new method of blending colors on paper. Throw away your brush or at least set it aside and get ready to have some fun! Whether this becomes an exciting new background for your paintings or the painting itself, I think you need to know about this rewarding technique.

My first introduction to this method was through a Kris Parins demo, a watercolorist whose background was in graphic design. I feel her paintings seem effortless and not as contrived, but a masterful hand and designer has planned her paintings well. It is easy to see that she understands the 4 color process used by printers to establish their desired outcomes. Here is one of Kris' amazing paintings, "Captive Audience":

After attempting this method several times, I finally realized a little study into the process never hurts. I am understanding colors better as I had to select my favorite blends from a large array of yellows, reds and blues. You should do the same.  My excellent guide ( aside from You Tube videos) has been Jean Grastorf " Pouring Light" ( thank you, Nancy Charbeneau, who is also an excellent pourer)...who explains this is also an exercise in value so fast forward to my teaching this to interested beginners in January ( 24th)  at my favorite Marble Falls gallery, Galleries at Pecan Creek. This will be a beginner class in every way; you do not need prior experience to participate.

Here is my teaser set of photos :

 Basically, I planned a river scene since part of the charm of Marble Falls, Texas is that it sits on the beautiful Colorado River. My sketch was masked ( I used Pebeo masking fluid on 300# paper). Once the paper was completely drenched in water, I applied a yellow ( I used quinacridone gold), overlapping a red ( Cadmium) and a blue ( Cobalt) so that these pigments create their own depth of color as they dry. DRYING is a key component to success. Each "pour" adds it's own new dimension to the rich hues that are developed. Each pour also has a richer percentage of pigment to water to enhance the darks and mid tones.

I hope I caught your attention and interest! This is the class list. Please sign up on the gallery website ( class limited to 8):
https://www.galleriesatpecancreek.com/

I will add to my knowledge base of this technique by taking a late February work shop from Lian Quan Zeng. Contact me for more information on this Waterloo Watercolor Group work shop in Austin. Waiting list only at this point.

2017 Christmas inspirations....!

Where has 2017 gone?? For me, it has included a lot of travel to wonderful places in the US and in Europe. I discovered Wyoming scenery this summer and that became a part of my Christmas card this year. I always love a Cowboy ( who doesn't?) so that also became a part of my message. My sister in law , Kay, who was with me as I painted is sadly, no longer with us. She suggested the tree and a special angel in the sky ....thank you, Kay! You are the angel.

 

Have a Cowboy Christmas 

Just for fun, I painted a drippy version of a colorful guy I met in Wyoming. His beard and blue eyes were stunning! He made a great model ( always my intention) for this fun watercolor I just completed on December 14th.

                                                                   My Wyoming Santa

This is a commissioned scene for an international mining company, Weir International, Inc. Our 21st year of creating a Christmas card together!

Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and I hope you celebrate in every way possible with everyone you care about! Stay tuned for my pouring lesson in my next blog!

Steiner Ranch annual show is May 4th at Steiner Steakhouse

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.

                                             Here are a few of my offerings that will be available in note card and reprint forms:

Steppin' Out in Austin

                                                                           The Star

                                                                 Don't Fence Me In


Visual examples of my portraits of families and pets will be on display for anyone interested in commissioning me for this lasting treasure.... I have some surprises,too! See you there.

Inspiration from Central Texas painted churches

 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 the brilliant colors and patterns. Enjoy!

 

 

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.