Tulip Tree Blossum - Watercolor Workshop

Today's watercolor workshop was as successful as I had hoped.

My students learned more about watercolor ... layering, lifting and patience!
They know going home and working on their own 2nd painting is the best way to retain what they have just experienced. Throughout the day there was information, conversation and bonding but at times we all noticed the silence .... brought about by the intense concentration.

I have posted my students' work. Even though they will say they are not finished, you will see the variety of individual students' work. The lesson was based on the tulip tree blossom. I provided the students with some of my own photos and references from the internet. Each person drew their own composition (no two were alike). The lesson is based on layers of transparent watercolor, starting light and ending with a full range of values.

Enjoy!
My painting is posted for sale in my Etsy shop!!! It could be yours!!!!!

Making progress .....

I was able to almost complete the RED POPPY and the ORANGE LILY .... I think they both may need a bit more attention but need to let them dry to really SEE the colors and make the decision.

I am still trying to select the GREEN flower ... the one I thought I would use is an allium or onion so I decided against it ... my next thought was my sisiter's cactus but that doesn't feel right either.

All of the other 5 paintings in this color theory series are from my own photos ... so I will look some more and walk around the neighborhood tonight - perhaps the inspriation and resource I need is right around the corner.

If you are up for it?!

Well, the VIOLET IRIS is signed and complete.
I worked in the RED POPPY and started the BLUE HYDRANGEA.

Feels good to work on my own work this week ...still need to start (HA and finish) the orange and green pieces.

I had a student post yesterday that she was frustrated with the professor's assignment and hating the structure. I fumbled with the words to inspire her but another friend and ex-student (ANDY) stated it very well ...

"If you're doing something you love but don't love what you're doing then you should change the way you're doing it. That's how I've always dealt with my creative outlets. I also never let a teacher stifle me, and I have taken grade cuts because of it, but I don't mind at all because I was pushing myself to new ends whether or not the teacher was able to see that.

By the way, the really good teachers will and do see that. Regrettably, most teachers are not that good. So, it's up to you. Everything is always up to you .... if you're up for it."

Forsythia FUN!

Forsythia ... Fun to say and fun to paint!

These YELLOW blossums are tiny and made only of four little petals .... great to study and design with.
Put them together in a group and the landscape has a burst of yellow that certainly heralds the fact that spring is here!

I feel that way about myself ... nothing to shout about all by myslef but with the support of art friends and family .... I beam with warmth and color.

Have a great day everyone .... and remember, I am here for you and trust that you are there for me if I need an "art" ear to listen or a keen eye to view my work.

Wednesday .... long day!

I usually have a light Wednesday but I have had two classes today and am preparing to leave to go on location and teach a BASIC DRAWING class to a group of 14 young girls.

My watercolor group worked on Daffodils ... they are blooming and there for the inspiration!!

My after school students spent their time on bunnies and eggs - color pencils and markers were a flying!!!
Fun time!!!

The group this evening is a new group and I will hopefully pick up a few private students from the lesson.
That is my favorite way to teach - ONE ON ONE and focused on the interests of that student.

Also scheduled a student for tomorrow, this young gentleman was a student of mine way back when he was in middle school and wants to get back into his drawing ... it will be fascinating to see him regain that spark and build his skills, again!

That would be the LESSON for today, it really doesn't matter when you start or restart your drawing and art interests .... like the commercial says ... JUST DO IT!!!!!!

I am back on here to add this note ... the evening group was made up of 15 girls (4th through 6th grade). They were full of energy, manners and talent. They all tried their best and were very creative... I hope to see many of them again.

BUSY, BUSY, BUSY!!!!

Hello! I have been busy this week and slow to post ... photos would be great but words will have to do for right now.

I have picked up many new students for art classes ... I think this is because it is summer vacation and people have more time. I enjoy meeting new people of various ages and interests.

This week I have scheduled meetings with two art groups, one in town and one in a neighboring town. I try to take advantage of any gathering of artists ... even if I'm not 100% interested in what the group is offering, I try to get involved. Ii is so energizing to talk with other creative minds.

I am working on a watercolor based on photographs I took at the local farmers' market. I like the way it is progressing and have taken photographs as I have been working on it to post here soon.

I am preparing to teach a workshop this Saturday using RED POPPIES as the theme.

Check back often! I will be updating with details and photos.

Happy June!

Can it be that the calendars have all been turned and we are all on the same page? June!

This is the beginning of the open air venues in my area. Art fairs, farmers markets, painting on location, photo ops around every corner! Keep an open mind and look for places to create art and display or sell your art.

You don't have to work in a brick and mortar (helps if it rains, though) to sell your work or to promote your work, just get it out there for people to see and fall in love with.

Look for groups that are having events for families and children. Volunteer to set up and draw in front of the group or as an added attraction, provide a hands on experience for the visitors. Make sure you have contact info to hand out in case the visitors of this event would like to see you again! I believe in selling my work, if this is one of your goals as well, be prepared for it but don't count on it.

By this I mean, be ready to sell if the opportunity comes up, but don't be disappointed if nothing sells, people may just be looking. Be consistent and have a price list or stickers on the work so that you are ready to tell people the cost. A wishy washy answer to a potential buyer's question is unprofessional, be prepared to answer, even if your answer is NFS.

PARTING THOUGHT: What do you think?
I have been photographing flowers as usual but have also logged in many great shots of CLOUDS. I don't know what I am going to use this info for yet but I have snapped dozens of interesting formations and views. I will post a few here and if you have any ideas about what and where I might use them for, let me know.