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Most painters work in the positive, painting objects directly and often using resists to preserve white or light areas (in art, a "resist" is something applied to places where the paint is not wanted). Negative painting is an alternate approach that can define or preserve an object without the use of masking fluids, wax or tape. [...]

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? [...]

I've been hard at work preparing to launch online watercolor painting classes! Read on to find out more. [...]

In watercolor painting, professional supplies are very important, especially when it comes to brushes, paper and paint. [...]

As usual, I have several works-in-progress in my studio; and even more now after beginning several negative painting pieces during last week's watercolor workshops. I love painting Cardinals, so after starting this piece in Saturday's Negative Painting/Positive Results class, I couldn't wait to get back to work on it! [...]

My final workshop of the Summer began with experimentation: small painting exercises using color and texture loosely in Jean Haines fashion. “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.   After experimenting on several pieces, the next step was to prepare a couple of planned* backgrounds, considering what colors, textures, direction, and values would set the right mood for the birds that would be painted on top. Underpainting in watercolor can create beautiful color [...]

My August 2019 “Negative Painting, Simplified” workshop was attended by five watercolor artists with a wide range of experience and backgrounds. Whether they had been painting for 37 years or 37 days, they all had at least two things in common: a love for watercolor and a desire to learn something new!   Negative painting is a difficult concept to master in that it is contrary to the way we naturally see things. This two-day workshop was designed to provide plenty of group and individual instruction as well as enough painting time for skill development. I believe each student enjoyed the experience and [...]

Just as I always have several works in progress in my studio, having several paintings in progress during my watercolor workshops enables me to demonstrate different steps in the negative painting process without having the delay of waiting for paint to dry. (In this technique it is very important that the paper be bone-dry between layers in order to not disturb the previously painted layers underneath.) I've since completed two of those works in progress: Poppy Trio and Pair of Poppies.   Poppy Trio        My process works front to back, light to dark. You can see in the first image I have begun by [...]

You've chosen to take a workshop from an artist whose work you admire; you've paid the fee; you've gathered your supplies and possibly travelled some distance; the date has arrived and you are ready. But are you? [...]

The artists were hard at work from start to finish of this intense two-day Negative Painting workshop at Stone Soup Galleries! As I watched them progress, it was obvious that each and every one of them got a good handle on the concepts taught! Some of the feedback I received from my students included (and thank you so much, ladies!):   “Lots of demos...individual attention.”   “It is refreshing, surprising. I have learned new color combinations, surprises that push you to adapt—change. I’ve learned so much.”   “A brand new fun technique.”   “It was fun and sooo informative...thank you for sharing your process with us.”   I'm not saying it was [...]