Jump in...the water is fine!

Never tried watercolor before? Or maybe you are an artist would like to explore a new technique? I think "splashing" ( a pouring method) is the perfect way to start a new adventure in watercolor. Thanks to a lovely group of artists from the Highland Arts Guild in Marble Falls, Texas, I was able to test my theory. I used two of my favorite paint subjects, water and rocks, to do a one day work shop. This is my painting of the image we all used to create 1) an under painting of local colors using only 3 paints, a red, a yellow and a blue 2) a rhythmic value study of light, medium and dark tones and with 3) varied splatters, brush strokes and shapes ...a fun , glowing painting.

Here were the supplies we used:

I supplied a masked sketch on 140# paper for everyone and will also included tape, straws and pipettes, stirrers and some plastic cups for mixing paints.
Each participant brought:
Any 3 transparent red, yellow and blue Watercolors. I use naphthol red, hansa yellow and Antwerp blue). All quinacridone colors work. The key is that they are transparent for mixing.
3 brushes for splattering
3 brushes to paint with ( I use a #6 pointed round, a filbert for blending and a liner or rigger)
Small pieces of watercolor paper to use for practice ( 4x6 or larger)
Masking fluid ( may want to add more than I have)/ and a mask remover if you have one 
Gator board or painting surface to tape your painting
Spray bottle for water. You want a fine spray, nothing that is too wimpy or too strong
  Their imagination! 

With just simple instructions along the way this group of 6 risk takers ( Betty, Brenda, Evelyn, Gail, Marti and Sharin) , using their own 3 transparent colors ....jumped in! We knew from the start that all would look different as we completed them, it was amazing to also see their personalities show up on paper. Here are some of their results:

I hope they were as pleased as I was with the results. I look forward to teaching these ladies again in late summer when we approach a floral with this technique and an emphasis on negative painting. Contact me at carolsuewitt@gmail.com of you would like to be added to our class list.

"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!