Well, sometimes...........

OK - where is my usual watercolor painting blog? Well, sometimes one needs to look for inspiration!


This is a perfect time of the year for wildflowers. Since my husband and I like to hike, we decided to hike of one the trails in the Smokies known for its wide variety of wildflowers in the spring. So, we took a day hike in the Greenbrier district of the Great Smoky Mountains. Of course, I took my camera so that I could bring back some ideas for future paintings.



Today's blog is going to be a little different than my usual blog. I decided to share some of my ideas for future paintings with you and give you a little info about hiking in the Greenbrier district



The out and back Porters Creek Trail is an 4 mile round trip which can be reached from a 6 mile drive (most of which is on a gravel road) from US 321 outside of Gatlinburg. The road and the trail runs along the Little Pigeon River.



We found several varieties of wildflowers blooming with beautiful display of Lady Slippers. Scattered throughout this blog are a few of the photos from yesterday's hike. These may give you an idea for a future painting.



Now.......next week.....I'll try again to work on my painting!



Happy Painting!

Karen

Painting Brick Tiles!

The photo above illustrates the sponged application of the paint to antique the brick tiles.

To paint the brick tiles, I prepared a mix of white and yellow ochre paint in various shades to place randomly on the bricks. The masking applied between the brick tiles with keep the mortar lines clean.

Using a sea sponge, I applied the paint using light and heavy pressure to vary the design of the paint. Any paint that may get on the flowers will be covered later when the flowers are painted. So, it is not necessary to work too hard to "stay within the lines."

Allow this paint to dry and then remove the tape. See the photo below as an example of how the brick tiles will look once the artist tape has been removed.

The masking "saved" the mortar between the bricks. Bricks in the real world are never that even. So next week, we will be adding some character to the bricks and making the mortar lines a little uneven in places.

Happy Painting!
Karen

Background - Step 2

The background on my painting has dried and I am ready to proceed to Step 2 of my background. I plan to apply a coat of paint over the tops of my brick tiles to give them a painted and worn look. Also, applying a lighter color background will make my poppies stand out better in the completed painting. I wanted my mortar to remain dark; therefore, I masked those areas to keep the lighter paint from that area. I used 1/4 inch artist masking tape to mask in this painting.

The photo above is an example of several sizes of artist masking tape. Below is a little additional information about artist masking.

In art, craft, and engineering, masking is the use of materials to protect areas from change, or to focus change on other areas. The term is derived from the word "mask", in the sense that it hides the face from view.

Masking materials supplement a painter's dexterity and choice of applicator to control where paint is laid. Examples include the use of a stencil or masking tape to protect areas which are not to be painted.

Solid masks
Most solid masks require an adhesive to hold the mask in place while work is performed. Some, such as masking tape and frisket, come with adhesive pre-applied. Some examples of solid masks are:

-Paper products
-Kraft paper
-Butcher paper
-Masking tape
-Plastic film
-Frisket
-Polyester tape
-Stencils

Liquid masks
Liquid masks are preferred where precision is needed; they prevent paint from seeping underneath, resulting in clean edges. Care must be taken to remove them without damaging the work underneath. Examples do liquid masks are:

-Latex or other polymers
-Molten wax
-Gesso, typically a substrate for painting, but can also be applied to achieve masking effects

If you have never used masking, give it a try. It is a very helpful tool for the artist. See you next week.

Happy Painting!

Karen

Started to Paint!

I am working on my background, which is a reddish brown color mixed from the following paints:
Burnt Umber
Burnt Sienna
Yellow Ochre
Crimson
Black

The background will be covered with a lighter tan which will be applied to allow the darker color to show through. This will indicate a painted brick wall with the paint pealing in spots.

My poppies will be an orange-red and I don't want my background to detract from the poppies, but to compliment them. Hopefully, applying the tan paint will help the poppies to "pop" out of the background.

As I worked the paint in the background, I blended in lighter areas for contrast and darkened the area beneath the flowers for shading. This will not be obvious when I apply the top layer of tan over the bricks, but will be a subtle hint of background shading.

I used a flat brush to apply my paint using the edge of the brush to get into smaller areas around the flowers.

Now.....I need to let this application dry before I apply my top coat. Next week, I hope to finish the background and be ready to start on the poppies.

Until then, Happy Painting!

Karen

Getting Ready to Paint

Ready to paint......what do I use?

The painting was sketched last week...now what? A palette, paints, and brushes are ready to be assembled.

There are several types of palettes one can use. My photo shows three of these: a covered plastic palette, paper disposable palettes, and a wooden palette. I prefer the covered palette. This type of palette allows me more time to paint without the paint drying and prevents wasting paint. This type of palette works well if times does not allow you to paint for several hours at a time. The disposable palette makes for an easy clean up and there is just something special to me about an "old fashioned" wooden palette. It is a matter of preference, so select the one that works best for you and your painting style.

Brushes...an assortment of brush sizes are needed and are specific for acrylic or oil painting.

Painting tip
Never use watercolor brushes for any type of painting other than watercolor. The paint, cleanup method, and the canvas can harm your watercolor brushes.

I have included a photo of my acrylic paints. A simple beginner starter set should contain all the colors needed to mix a wide variety of colors. I have collected many different brands, colors, and size tubes over the course of my painting.

Now that we have talked about what is needed.....next time we will start the painting. Until next week......

Happy Painting!
Karen

Poppies

I usually work in watercolors, but enjoy other media as well. My sketch of the poppies highlighted in this blog will be done in acrylic. My choice for acrylics over watercolor is due to the placement of the finished painting. I am redecorating one of my baths and wanted a painting to be hung in an area near a shower. Since watercolor paintings and excessive moisture do not mix well, I selected acrylics due to the proximity of my shower.

I selected a 16 x 20 pre-stretched and medium weight canvas gesso primed for my painting which can be hung with or without a frame.

I am painting this one to suit the colors chosen for my decor and wanted brilliant shades of rust and orange with a aged brick background. I found a photo in a magazine that is close to what I wanted to paint. I will use that picture for shape and poppy size as well as shading. However, I will change the color to suit my decorating scheme.

I will paint my brick background first. My future blogs will provide a set by step guide to painting these poppies.

Are you thinking about decorating a room in your house? If so, consider doing your own art work. It's fun and will give you a great sense of accomplishment!

See you next time with the background in progress!

Happy painting!
Karen

Hanford Gallery

Hanford Gallery

Since we moved to East Tennessee, I have become associated with Hanford Gallery.  This is a unique gallery showcasing various mediums of art created by artisans in East Tennessee.  In addition to my watercolors, there are oils, acrylics, pottery, etchings, wood turnings, glass work, metal sculpture, jewelry, textile art, etc.  All art is displayed in a setting created from architectural antiques of wood and metal. 

The gallery is located in the Turkey Creek Public Market in West Knoxville and is open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.  Each artist spends some time in the gallery one day a month.  So, stop by if you are in the area and see some wonderful artwork.  You might even see me doing a watercolor or sketching demo.

Happy Painting!
Karen

Quick as a Rabbit!

Pencil Sketch

Sketching?  Why?
Sketching is a shorthand form of drawing - a way of putting a thought, feeling, or object down on paper as "quick as a rabbit!"  This quick and easy way of getting ideas down on paper is an important part of training to become a better artist.  Sketching develops your mind's eye and your hand coordination.  It is a way of making a clearer study of the things around you.  The sketches can be used as a study of ideas for paintings or drawings or can simply stand alone. 

What Do I Sketch?
Keep an open mind and rely in your creative nature to discover unusual items.  Look around your house - you will find interesting objects every where.  You may want to draw from sight or take photos from which to draw.   My sketch above is of one of the many rabbits we have in our yard.  I have taken many photos and used a photo for the sketch.  These little fellows are just too fast to sketch without using a photo!   The following are a few tips to ensure successful sketching:

1. Choose a subject that appeals to you - then you will be willing to spend some time drawing it.
2. Select something with texture and design.
3. Adjust your technique to fit the subject (lose, bold strokes or tight, controlled, delicate strokes).

What Do I Need?
The "equipment" needed for sketching is minimal.....a few pencils, paper, and an eraser.  I sketch book with a hard back is easiest to use and will keep you sketches in one place.  This gives you an opportunity to look back at your sketches for reference and be amazed at your improvement and skill. 

Why am I talking about sketching on a watercolor painting blog?  You don't have to be great at drawing to be successful in painting.  BUT, the more one draws and sketches, the more observant one becomes and the more creative the painting becomes........and the most important part.....IT'S FUN!

Happy Sketching!
Karen

It May Be Snowing, but..........



Spring watercolors

It may be snowing n your area, but we can dream about Spring......and paint it too!

I have been working on some cards, bookmarks and small paintings using Spring subjects.  The items above are a sample of a few of these items.  These are easy and fun to create.  They satisfy my tendency to paint Impressionist style works as well as add a little detail for interest.

I started out by creating my background by applying a wash of clean water on the entire sheet of paper.  Once the shine had disappeared, I dropped the colors I wanted for my background flowers and greenery, plus a bit of "blue sky" too.  Random placement on your paper makes for a better and more realist "flower garden!"

Watercolor Tip

Prepare all of the colors you plan to use BEFORE you apply to water to your paper.  Once the paper is wet, it is necessary to work quickly in order for the colors to mix and swirl.

Let the background dry completely.  After the background is dry, select the areas where you would like to add butterflies, ladybugs, stems, etc.  I cut my large sheet of paper into smaller sections to prepare cards and bookmarks; however, a large sheet of paper can be used to create a large painting.

So, pick up that paint brush and paint yourself into Spring!

Happy Painting!

 Karen

What Do I Paint?

What Do I Paint?

Sometimes one of the hardest parts of a painting is selecting WHAT to paint.  Many people paint only one type of painting:  portraits, landscapes, still lifes (sounds wrong doesn’t it, but it is proper English for this type of painting), etc.  However, many artists paint a variety of different types of paintings, while other artists specialize in only one.    The more one paints, the more one tends to lean toward one type of painting over another. 

Once you have determined the type of painting, then picking one subject is the next difficult task.  I say, paint them all…………….in time!  J   

Once the subject is selected, then one must determine how to present that subject…..up close, distant, a part or the whole?  It is a matter of preference and what one is trying to convey in the painting.

There are many ways to paint the subject:  from memory, on location, or from a photo, picture, etc.  I like to use photos when painting landscapes – IF I can’t paint on location.  Even painting from location, it is hard to complete the entire painting at the scene and a photo can be used to finish the painting or to deal with occasional bad weather. 

If photography is not one of your many talents, a photo book or even a post card is an excellent way to paint a landscape.  Many times, photos are taken from an angle that would be difficult, dangerous, or impossible for the artist to produce, but a professional photographer has the wherewithal to do so. 

The photo book piuctured at the top of my blog  was a gift from my daughter-in-law and will be an excellent source for many of my landscapes.  My watercolor above, Rushing Waters, was based on several photos from this book as well as a photo taken on location.  Each of the photos offered a different perspective for the rocks, the tumbling water, and the background.   Many thanks, Abbey, for this wonderful, thoughtful gift!

Regardless of the type of painting, the subject, or the method – just paint!

Happy Painting!

Karen