Blog

Though not as complete and dramatic as a monarch butterfly's metamorphosis, "Magical" went through it's own transformation. [...]

I don't mean look at yourself in the mirror - that would be way too deep a topic! I'm referring to evaluating your own artwork. [...]

I'm pretty sure we all have piles of things that we set aside until we are ready to deal with them: receipts, snail mail (which is mostly junk mail these days), Amazon deliveries (mine often end up on the dining room table). Even the multitude of photos on our cell phones — that might be a topic for another day! But today, as promised, I'm addressing creators: specifically, watercolor artists. [...]

Doctors practice medicine, lawyers practice law, musicians practice their instruments... and watercolor artists practice their painting skills! [...]

Take a moment to look back to a decade ago and compare it to where you are now. Not the obvious technological or societal changes, but you personally - your style: how you dress, apply makeup (or don't), wear your hair, decorate or furnish your home, spend your free time. Or make art. [...]

Have you ever found yourself digging through half-empty tubes of paint in search of a precise hue you need (or think you need) for the painting you are working on? There is no need to own every color of paint that is out there! Chances are, you can create any color you want using the paint that is already on your palette.   The two-minute video below illustrates my favorite way of doing just that!     Paint. Love. Repeat. [...]

Do you have fond memories of a favorite food that has followed you into adulthood?   I've Always Had a Thing for Chocolate. Do you remember when chocolate bunnies were solid, not hollow? As a child I would be delighted to find a pound of pure bliss in my Easter basket each year!   As a teenager, I could always find where my mom had hidden the chocolate chips or M&Ms and would often sneak a handful to savor, one tiny piece at a time.   As an adult, I have occasionally received a box of assorted fine chocolates as a gift. I treat those little indulgences [...]

After watching a David Lobenberg "California Vibe" watercolor demonstration during a recent Zoom meeting, I've been having fun playing around with his colorful and loose technique. I'll use one of these experimental portraits to give you an idea of the inner speech that typically accompanies my painting process.   I start every painting with optimism: I love the underpainting! It's so fresh and clean! I love how the colors have blended! The first layer: I've tried to be bold with the hair, but did I go too dark too fast? I'm pretty happy with his features at this point. On the other hand, the face looks a little creepy. I [...]

I can't think of a more important tool for watercolorists than a good watercolor paint brush. There is an extensive variety of brushes out there, and every artist has their favorites. (My top choices are Kolinsky sable rounds, sizes 16 and 12 - see my supply list for details - but I also have some favorite synthetics that I have written about here). Whether you paint with the priciest Kolinsky sable or inexpensive synthetic brushes, learning to care for, clean and store your brushes can extend their working life, which will ultimately save you money.   When teaching in-person workshops, I would often [...]

You've created a one-of-a-kind piece of artwork, now it's time to add your signature! As I was planning the topic of signing a watercolor painting, I of course had to find out what information was already out there in cyberspace. [...]

I don't remember why, perhaps it was Covid boredom, but about six weeks ago I went to the National Watercolor Society's website to see what "deals" were to be had (if you are a member, go to the NWS website, log in, and click the Members Only tab). There, I discovered a link to receive a free QoR Sample Set...a triad of small tubes which I received along with a note: "Once you have had some time to try the QoR Watercolors we would appreciate any feedback you might have about the colors, QoR Watercolors in general and our company, Golden [...]

Timing is everything when it comes watercolor painting. There are things to consider before you even touch your loaded brush to the paper. How diluted is your pigment? How wet is the paper? [...]

Whether you already own countless tubes of paint or you are just starting out in watercolor, I'll share some tips that may help you find a color palette that is right for you. [...]

As I was thinking about how to go about answering that perplexing question, I thought I would take you through some of the steps, both mental and physical, that bring me to the conclusion that a painting is finished. Using the above original watercolor painting of my mom, I will attempt to provide the stepping-stones that brought me to the realization that this piece had indeed reached completion.   My plan: I've been wanting to paint my mother again...for sentimental reasons, I suppose, to recall happy times when I would visit her at our family home in Michigan. I wanted it to be [...]

The watercolor portrait of my son, "All in a Day's Work" was discussed in an earlier blog where I shared some ideas on how to self-critique a work-in-progress. I'd like to walk you through the steps that were taken in working this piece to completion. [...]

How do you decide what your painting needs? How do you know when it's finished? Taking a sequence of photographs throughout the painting process can help you to assess your progression at various stages of development and give you clues as to what to do next. It's simple: just use your cell phone camera to capture an image of your painting at the end of each work session.      I demonstrated the first layer of this piece during my recent Painting the Portrait in Watercolor workshop. On the subsequent layer, you can see that I've added a cool background glaze and begun to work [...]

Are you a watercolorist who would like advice on what type of brush to purchase? There are a great many watercolor brushes out there to choose from...so many, in fact, that it can be difficult to make a decision. [...]

Surrender control? Have you noticed this recurring theme in my writings? You may already have figured out that I am a bit of a control freak. Even in my art, I find it very difficult to avoid being attached to an imagined outcome. But I am getting better at letting things just happen! [...]

Do you find yourself in a hurry to finish a painting? Why? Is it because you need something new to post on Instagram or Facebook? Or is it because you are tired of working on it and just want to be done? Have you given up hope that it will turn out to be a decent piece of artwork? Do you have a deadline for a commission? (Ok, that last one is legitimate.)   I suggest that you take a deep breath, slow down, and enjoy the process. You've heard me say this before: If you don't know what to do, don't do [...]

True confession: I don't always practice what I preach. Shortly after writing my blog, Watercolor What-ifs (feel free to stop and read it now), I found myself trying to plan and control a painting from the start...exactly the opposite of what I had just written about! It's hard to change old habits!   Every year around Christmastime I get the urge to paint poinsettias. I love these bold and beautiful plants which can be enjoyed long after Christmas has passed. (I thought it best to skip buying poinsettias this year because of the kitties; they are just over a year old and love [...]

Reading books or articles by or about other artists that you admire is a great way to gather insight into the creative process. Often, finding out the whys behind the artist's approach can be more helpful than simply learning the mechanics of a technique.    Dani Shapiro’s book, Still Writing: The Perils and Pleasures of a Creative Life is filled with practical meditations on the challenges and successes of the artistic process. Shapiro is a writer, but a painter can simply substitute the word painting for writing throughout this inspiring little book to glean all sorts of helpful and encouraging tidbits.   We all have some sort [...]

It does cool things. It is difficult. Unique. There is always more to learn: color combinations, glazing, texture, "happy accidents". Watercolor painting teaches me patience and perseverance. My paintings make other people happy. They make me happy. Why? A sense of accomplishment. Joy in the process. Intimacy with the subject... For me, the reasons are endless! [...]

Do you sometimes lack motivation to get into the studio? Are you lacking inspiration? Are you frustrated with your efforts? Early on in my watercolor adventures, I purchased Jean Haines' book, World of Watercolor. It was through practicing the exercises in this book that I discovered that "playing" with water and pigment is not only an enjoyable way to get the creative juices flowing, but also a great way to get to know the colors on your palette and find out how they behave together!   When I'm feeling "stuck", I like to go into my studio and play with colors that I [...]

Once in awhile I have a watercolor painting that seems like it's finished, but there's just something it needs...so I will let it sit for a few days, or even a few weeks.  "Blueberry Box" is one such painting. I had taken this sweet photo of my son's cat, Freida (I just can't resist a cat in a box!). I knew it would be a fun piece to paint, but certainly not a masterpiece, so I painted it on a 6" x 8" scrap piece of watercolor paper.      Here she (Freida) is, looking annoyed, and the painting is a bit boring. The purple [...]