Joyce Washor

Garlic in Winter

2012-01-24T14:40:00.000-08:00

Sometimes what I'm wearing ends up in my paintings. Like a brown sweater!
"Garlic in Winter", 4x3 inches, watercolor on board

Clip from OIl DVD

2012-01-16T08:11:00.001-08:00

Here is a small clip from my 60 minute DVD of "Roses and White Pitcher". You will see color mixing, the details about the complementary red/green palette, how to block-in, what to look for in your composition, and the painting done in real time from start to finish. It's a great companion to my book, Big Art, small canvas since it covers many of the same lessons. This clip doesn't have the audio; I will try another clip with the audio later in the week!
It's $38.00 which includes shipping in the U.S.
If you're outside of the U.S. I believe shipping is about $15.00 without the ability to track the package. Please email me so I can give you exact amount!

Garlic Sunset

2012-01-11T14:35:00.000-08:00

Garlic Sunset, 3x4 inches, watercolor on board

White Stuff

2012-01-09T17:05:00.000-08:00

Continuing white studies, garlic studies.

Both of these are 3x4 inches, watercolor on board

Glazed Garlic

2012-01-06T14:44:00.000-08:00

I am continuing my garlic festival! Exploring white gouache on transparent watercolor. Liking it!
"Glazed Garlic I and II" 4x3 inches, watercolor on board

Mayan Sweet Onion

2012-01-01T18:43:00.000-08:00

When you paint more than one object and you place them next t0 each other you get to paint the cast shadows that fall on the object as well as the ground!
Love it when I find new brands of onions at local supermarket; opportunity to think less about the name!
"Mayan Sweet Onion", 3x4 inches, watercolor on board

Another Garlic Adventure

2011-12-31T13:27:00.000-08:00

This is basically same technique as previous post, tried a different background color. Like having two going at the same time so I can try different colors and test out brushstrokes.
"Holiday Garlic", 4x3 inches, watercolor on board

Winter Solstice 2011

2011-12-26T14:38:00.000-08:00

This post shows the progression of this painting. Took two days to do it. Lots of layers.
Maybe I was a Druid in a past life. I'm always so aware of the markers in the calendar for the seasons and the path of the sun. Anyway, I started this on the winter solstice and it felt like the white robes of the priests were being glorified and as my art friend said, consecrated.
"Winter Solstice 2011" watercolor on board, 4x3 inches.

Yellow Onion with Red/Green Palette

2011-12-12T15:13:00.000-08:00

I decided to take on a project. Actually it's an old idea from my teacher Hong Nian Zhang at The Woodstock School of Art. He taught us three complementary palettes. (RED/GREEN, BLUE/ORANGE and YELLOW/PURPLE). I was never able to keep a predominately single color in any of my paintings like he did (I ended up using his palettes but getting a different color sense which is perfectly fine) so I'm going to concentrate on this concept and see if I can do 6 onions in each of the primary and secondary colors. Now that I've said this outloud I wonder how far I will get!
Yellow Onion with Red/Green Palette, 4x3", watercolor on board

Watercolor

2011-12-09T14:57:00.000-08:00

"Blue Cup with Floral Bud", 4x3", watercolor on board

Happy Holidays everyone!

Bubble Glass and Onion

2011-11-29T10:11:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! Haven't posted in awhile cause I've not been up to painting; have allergy/cold symptoms that have made me really tired. Sometimes I try and paint when I'm not well and just end up throwing it out, so might as well just give in!
The image I've posted is the set up that I used in my watercolor DVD demo. I just ran out of prints that I have of it but wanted a friend who doesn't have a mac to see it so I thought of posting it here. Guess this is as good time as any to plug the DVDs and book (sent my first order to Israel a couple of weeks ago!). The book is $25 and DVDs are $35 plus shipping.
Hope to get back to painting soon and have something to post.

Ponytail Onion

2011-11-03T14:48:00.000-07:00

Wasn't sure whether to call this Ponytail Onion (which makes it feminine and I suppose self-reflective) or Phillip Pearlstein Onion which would allign it with some art history. I did see one of his paintings at The National Academy School and Museum yesterday so I may have been influenced by how he treats skin.
"Ponytail Onion"4x3 inches, watercolor on board

Happy Halloween

2011-11-01T12:12:00.000-07:00

Looked like a pumpkin almost as much as an onion. Guess we are influenced by holidays as much as anything else.
"Halloween Onion", 3x4 inches, watercolor on board

Steve Jobs

2011-10-29T15:16:00.000-07:00

I have a couple of Apple products which I am totally addicted to; thanks to Steve Jobs!!
wc1159,1160,1161 all watercolor on board, 3x4 inches

White Onion

2011-10-19T14:42:00.000-07:00

Funny thing happened; I have learned how to cut an onion without suffering stinging tears that last for hours! If you use white onions and store them in frig and then put them in freezer for 15 minutes before you cut them and then cut them next to gas stove with burner turned all the way up you won't get any of those fumes in your eyes! I know this is an art blog but since I've been painting onions for weeks now and finally figured out how to do this I figured I'd share this info. Just seems too coincidental not to. Maybe I'm becoming "one" with the onion!
"White Onion", 4x3 inches, watercolor on board

Color Palette Update

2011-10-03T06:43:00.000-07:00

I recently received a question from a reader of BIG ART, small canvas who had a really good question about how to make sense of all the colors in each of the palettes. So here goes:

Color Theory for Complementary Palette

I have an update for the three complementary palettes that I've been using. They are in my book on pages 27-29 of Big Art, Small Canvas. As some of you may know Daler Rowney doesn't make Chrome Green anymore. Or rather they have renamed it Yellow-Green. I also substituted a couple of colors since another palette color was close enough. Some colors are not substitutable but to make purchasing easier I looked for ways to reduce the number of colors needed. Also, using Winsor Violet Dioxazine is much less expensive than Bright Violet by Old Holland.

There is a reason for each color used for each of the three palettes.

There is a true color, a warm version of the true color, a cool version of the true color, a light neutral version of the true color and a dark neutral version of the true color.

I also included a favorite color for a certain reasons (which I will explain in the palette).

In the ORANGE/BLUE palette:

For the oranges: Cadmium Orange is the true color

Chrome Yellow hue is the cool color

Cadmium Red deep hue is the warm color

Naples Yellow is the light neutral

Mars Violet Deep is the dark neutral color

For the blues: Cobalt Blue is the true color

Winsor Blue hue is the cool color

Mauve (blue shade) is the warm color

Violet Grey is the light neutral

Indigo is the dark neutral color

In the RED/GREEN palette:

For the reds: Cadmium Red Deep Hue is the true color

Permanent Rose is the cool color

Cadmium Orange is the warm color

Indian Red is the light neutral

Purple Madder is the dark neutral color

For the greens: Permanent Green Light is the true color

Winsor Green is the cool color

Sap Green is the warm color

Yellow-Green is the light neutral

Raw Umber is the dark neutral color

Permanent Green Deep is used for making black

In the YELLOW/PURPLE palette:

For the yellows: Chrome Yellow Hue is the true color

Yellow-Green is the cool color

Cadmium Yellow Deep is the warm color

Naples Yellow is the light neutral

Raw Umber is the dark neutral color

For the purples: Bright Violet (or Winsor Violet Dioxazine) is the true color

Ultramarine Violet(or Mauve Blue Shade) is the cool color

Permanent Rose is the warm color

Violet Grey is the light neutral

Mars Violet Deep is the dark neutral color

Purple Madder is a favorite and used as a dark warm

Pair of Pears

2011-09-29T16:03:00.000-07:00

Both of these are 4x3 inches, watercolor on board.

Another Walk

2011-09-22T13:53:00.000-07:00

I'm feeling more comfortable with the paint and the shapes. Hopefully the next one will continue this path!
"Landscape 1154", watercolor on board, 4x3 inches

Walking the Woods

2011-09-14T14:40:00.000-07:00

We house sat for our son last month and I was able to walk the rail trail in New Paltz, NY. Took a lot of photos with my iphone. Also looked at Carlson's Guide to Landscape Painting (great book for reference and all kinds of tips). I hope this inspiration lasts and I get to do some more!
Landscapes 1151 and 1152, watercolor on board

More Layers?

2011-08-29T12:01:00.000-07:00

I'm thinking of putting more layers on both of these. Hmmmm.

Alissa Craig Onion

2011-08-25T14:53:00.000-07:00

I was upstate house sitting for my son and got to go to Kingston's farmer's market and spotted this gorgeous specimen of an onion. The vendor was happy to tell me the name and must have been perplexed at the amount of time I took to pick one onion from the batch!
"Alissa Craig Onion", watercolor on board, 3x4 inches.

Vidalia Onion

2011-08-23T10:37:00.000-07:00

Vidalia Onion, watercolor on board, 4x3 inches

Garlic and Garlic

2011-08-14T13:31:00.000-07:00

Wanted to use Chinese White again. Found out it's not a shortcut; still have to put lots of color in the painting and then use it as an overwash. Can't believe how many layers it takes to do one of these!
"Garlic Angle" and "Layered Garlic" 3x4 inches, watercolor on board
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Red Onion

2011-08-12T10:15:00.000-07:00

Does anyone know what the hairy part of an onion is called? This one had a lot of hair.
"Red Onion" watercolor on board, 3x4 inches

Onion

2011-08-11T11:32:00.000-07:00

I saw the Richard Serra drawings at the Met yesterday; what a genius he is! He made drawings feel like sculpture. Check it out on their website. There was also very simple ones of upright lines. So yep, I thought, if he can do lines I can do onions.
"Upright Onion" watercolor on board, 4x3 inches

Watermelon Slice

2011-08-06T10:48:00.000-07:00

Watermelon Slice, watercolor on board, 3x4 inches

onion studies

2011-08-05T13:17:00.001-07:00

Doing studies of single objects is new for me. I've been doing small paintings since '97 and they've all had about five objects in them which makes each object quite small. So using only one object in the same format makes them quite a bit larger. Also, I felt I was doing a "whole painting" by incorporating a multitude of objects with pathways for the eye to move around. Someone in my art group said, "Oh, lots of artists have simplified their subjects as they've gotten older"! I know she was trying to support me but ohh, I'm getting old? :(
Onion Study, 3x4 inches, watercolor on board

Rose Studies

2011-07-22T12:56:00.000-07:00

I was watching an interview with an artist who was having a show at The Whitney (sorry, can't remember his name) who said very humbly that he was never sure about the quality of his work. Artists just have to live with these concerns. I believe it requires faith in ourselves to keep going. Here he was with a show at The Whitney and still worried about his work!! Not only do we have to face blank canvases we have to deal with uncertainties as a normal mode of working.
We are a strange and wonderful group!
"Rose Study" and " Rose and Bud" 3x4 inches, watercolor on board

American Artist Magazine Articles

2011-07-05T05:00:00.000-07:00

If you'd like to read these articles on my work please go to my website and click on "Resume" and scroll down to Publications. Clicking on each article will give you a pdf file to download.
I wanted to put these on the sidebar but couldn't figure out how to do. If anyone knows please instruct!! Thanks!

Solo Garlic

2011-07-03T19:09:00.000-07:00

I don't know if you'll be able to see the background color; it's a very light purple. I may try another one with different table color. Not sure if this is too neutral or if it needs brighter color.
Also want to try a few cloves instead of a whole piece. Trying to get a good composition, so far haven't figured it out yet. Tomorrow may be a good day to get the composition figured out even if it is July 4th!
Solo Garlic, 4x3 inches, watercolor on board

Neutral Floral Study

2011-06-25T08:38:00.000-07:00

A study in neutrals.
"Neutral Floral Study" 4x3 inches, watercolor on board

Reasons to have a blog

2011-06-21T05:38:00.000-07:00

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What I like best about this one is the tablecloth. I have to remember this!! (This is one good reason to do a blog; you get to write down {even if it's online and everyone gets to see it} what you're thinking and might otherwise forget.) The thing I like the least is the glass. Maybe I should work some more on it? Another thing about posting is that you get to look at your work critically. I find when I scan an image and see it on computer it gives me a fresh look and then an even more critical eye happens when I see it in a post. Anyone else see it this way? Same idea as looking at a piece in a mirror; guess whatever works!!
wc0852 watercolor on board, 3x4 inches

Floral Study

2011-06-20T09:35:00.001-07:00

I am exploring a different, hopefully deeper experience of the rendering of flowers while keeping the shadows interesting and integrated in the composition. Also played around with cadmium red to get some darks.
"Floral Study" 4x3 inches, watercolor on board

Bowl of Cherries

2011-06-10T06:33:00.000-07:00

I wanted to see how dark I could get the cherries and contrast it with keeping the background and the bowl light. I've been reluctant (afraid?) to use staining colors but forged ahead and found I could lift the color when I needed to!

Renovation Project

2011-06-05T12:35:00.000-07:00

Wanting to connect the objects to the background so I just added a few more layers of color. I think it helps the lemon also; more contrast.
Memories of Morandi watercolor on board wc1011

"Adjustments"

2011-06-03T15:55:00.001-07:00

I often rummage through my watercolor drawer looking at past pieces for inspiration and just to get a sense of where I've been in order to decide where to go next. I look for clues as to where my work may be going. Lately I've seen paintings that need a lot more work. It's become a project. In all my years of painting this is the first time I've done anything like this. When working in oils I always thought that if I started reworking something it would be just as well to just do another one from scratch. As soon as you change one thing another needs "adjustment". So what makes this different? I think it's a matter of my eye "seeing" better. Just comes with putting in the hours.
"Two Pears" watercolor on board, 3x4 inches

Taking it Further

2011-06-01T13:33:00.001-07:00

After seeing watercolor show at Salmagundi Club I have reached for the Chinese White!! Added the dark background and now I am happy!

and more reworked paintings

2011-05-27T11:07:00.000-07:00

I had done two versions of a garlic composition a couple of years ago and just saw them again and felt that since there wasn't much to loose by reworking the painting I'd feel free to give it a shot. I think they look good but even better in person!
The pitcher composition needed some umph so I darkened the background and lifted some color off the onions and darkened the vase in the background.

more reworked paintings

2011-05-26T09:28:00.000-07:00

In the blue vase painting (top) I realized it needed to be integrated into the background better. Also needed more darks and some lightening of the onion for better contrast with the shadow side. I worked on the highlights making them less harsh.
In the white pitcher painting I really didn't like spout so i decided to give it a dark background to hide it. Also worked on rounding the forms with darker values. Didn't have to touch the lemon slice!

Reworking Older Paintings

2011-05-20T12:41:00.000-07:00

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I have been reworking on a few paintings. I think when we make a breakthrough in seeing our own work we can take advantage of our new understanding and go back and look at previous pieces and apply what we've learned. Here are two paintings that I worked on this week. The first one was a matter of adjusting the composition by adding a bottle. The second image was a matter of softening some edges and adding darker tones to the objects.
One thing that has happened in my life that may account for this practice is that I am meeting weekly with some wonderfully generous artists. We have been critiquing each other's work and I'm finding it helpful.

Chinese White watercolor

2011-05-07T12:03:00.000-07:00

I know I just said I was using only transparent colors in my watercolors but I needed to do something to these two paintings to save them! I was desperate! I reached for the Winsor Newton Chinese White to layer on top of some dull, lifeless color. I feel like I've breached a gap between watercolor and oil. After working in oil for so long I do miss not being able to just go over a color that wasn't working. Adjusting color is hard in watercolor. I worked on these two at the same time and spent way too much time sitting at my table and am now hearing my back complain. I wish I had scanned the painting before I used the Chinese White but didn't have much hope that it would work.
Oh, yes now I remember; I had seen the International Watercolor Exhibition at The Salmagundi Club (I think you can see it online) where lots of work used gouache and opaque mediums along with transparent watercolor and it looked really good; guess it was in recesses of my mind as an option. Funny how that works. I don't see myself using gouache (reminds me too much of work; we used that in textile design) but I don't think I'm repelled or afraid of Chinese White or the Zinc White Gouache.
"Floral Study" and "Floral Arrangement" 4x3 watercolor on board

Review of my show at Lotus Gallery, Woodstock,NY

2011-04-28T11:44:00.000-07:00

Here is the link to the review of show in Woodstock Times.
I also got listed in Metro section of NY Times with an image but I don't know how to load it here!

Lotus Gallery Show

2011-04-20T18:26:00.000-07:00

Here I am standing by billboard on Rt 28 in Woodstock, NY and in Lotus Gallery with owner Jamie Barthel. It was a great opening with lots of old friends. I lived in Woodstock and Kingston for many years so I have gotten to know a lot of artists in the area. I'm not the best at openings; too much like a performance piece for my taste but Jamie made it very easy for me. I look forward to a long and fruitful relationship with her.
I showed some watercolors and oils. Most of which i've posted here.

Silky Egg

2011-03-31T15:25:00.000-07:00

Silky Eggs are laid by Silky Chickens. Seems like I'm gonna learn lots about which came first.
My husband, daughter-in-law and son are in the process of building a coop for at least 6 hens and one rooster. Here's hoping for the real thing!
"Silky Egg" watercolor on paper, 4x3 inches

Apple and Wedge

2011-03-24T11:32:00.000-07:00

I've been reading Jane Freeman's book, A Celebration of Light which I am enjoying and picking up some tips from. One thing that has become evident is that I want to use the most transparent colors possible. I actually took the semi-opaque colors off my palette. This was done with the yellow/purple palette plus a bit of cobalt green.
"Apple and Wedge" 3x4 inches, watercolor on board

Roadside billboard

2011-03-21T12:21:00.000-07:00

Lemon Wedges

2011-03-18T09:10:00.000-07:00

Got inspired by Karen O'Neil's oil paintings. She was a teacher of mine at Woodstock School of Art and a great painter and teacher.
Lemon Wedge 3x4 inches, watercolor on board

"Grandma's Cup"

2011-03-13T13:48:00.000-07:00

I took me as long to set up and think about what, how and why I wanted to paint than actually painting. Lot's of layering here and since I don't use a hair dryer and always let it dry really well there's a lot of down time. As I look at it now I think I might soften the little leaf that's pointing straight north. It's always gentler to to have directional shapes neither completely verticle or horizontal.. Well, for me anyway.
"Grandma's Cup" 4x3 inches, watercolor on board

Yellow Cup and Rosebud

2011-03-12T12:12:00.000-08:00

I used to do three paintings of the same set up when I lived upstate (and was younger and didn't have to worry about sitting for too long and the effect it would have on my back) and now found myself doing it again. It's more conducive to experimentation.
"Yellow Cup and Rosebud" both 4x3 watercolor on board

Brooklyn Vase

2011-03-10T15:57:00.000-08:00

Not sure about this one!!

Silver Bowl and Flower Bud

2011-03-09T13:05:00.000-08:00

"Silver Bowl and Flower Bud" 4x3 inches, watercolor on board

Opening in Woodstock, NY

2011-03-08T15:00:00.000-08:00

I will be part of a group exhibit (I'm featured artist) at the Lotus Gallery in Woodstock, NY on April 9, 2011. I'm guessing the time will be about 5-7 p.m. We are just planning it now so when it's set I'll repost. Get this: one of my small paintings will be on a billboard on the main highway into town!
If you're in the area I hope to see you!!

Silver Bowls

2011-03-07T14:43:00.000-08:00

At first I was going to paint a group of objects as 90% of my work is composed that way. Then I realized I wasn't really into it and threw out the board. This is something new and quite freeing. I mean the discarding of a painting en route! Always a task to be true to ourselves!
"Silver Bowl Horizontal" and "Silver Bowl Verticle" 3x4 and 4x3, watercolor on board

Pitcher Study

2011-03-03T12:47:00.000-08:00

I wanted to translate the treatment of the "onion portraits" into other objects and into more than one object. It's mainly integrating the cast shadows with the body shadows. I have the habit of looking at my older work and trying to understand what worked and put that into new work.

"Lemon and Two Pitchers" and "Lemon and Pitcher"both 4x3 inches, watercolor on board

Two Versions of "Two Pitchers and Two Onions"

2011-02-25T17:19:00.000-08:00

Valentines Day Onion

2011-02-16T08:32:00.000-08:00

Why onions? I've had that question on my mind. It's usually available since my husband is always cooking, they last a long time and I think they carry with them a sense of being grounded.
I don't know if my husband actually reads my posts but coincidentally he decided to make onion soup so there are even more onions around to inspire me! Thanks Paul!!
"Valentines Day Onion" watercolor on board, 3x4 inches.

2011-02-13T13:17:00.000-08:00

I've been working on a series of onion and garlic paintings for days!! For me this is something different; when doing oils I always considered the painting finished once the paint dried, and that at the most is two days. I guess I have no one to blame except myself and the process that has developed in doing these small paintings. I know I treat them like my oils in that I look for the same amount of values so I end up layering and layering. Most have something to do with the surface I've chosen also. I work on RTsTx boards and they take a lot of wiping off and putting on. I do like the results so I keep doing it. I have been using just three colors; new gamboge by Daniel Smith, Winsor Blue Red Shade and quinacridone red. Just wanted to make a note of it not only for students but for myself also!!
"Two Onions" 3x4 inches watercolor on board

"I'm not perfect!"

2011-01-13T07:25:00.000-08:00

Here is a link to one of Ted Talks lectures. If you've never listened to one you're in for a treat. there's a wide range of topics by really great speakers. A friend passed it on to me just at a time when I was getting nervous about "doing the perfect demo" for my upcoming workshop in Naples.
I always tell myself that even if the painting doesn't come out as one my best at least the students would see the concepts and know that it's always a struggle which is part of the learning process and part of the fun. Then there's the noise in my head that says "when I was taking workshops I wanted to see great art being made, why wouldn't they?" This lecture addresses issues of courage, self-worthiness and perfectionism!! It affected me so deeply that I had dreams about it last night and woke up thinking,"yeah, I'm not perfect!" So I apologize to my students ahead of time if I don't get the best onion painting I ever did, but that doesn't mean I won't try!!

Onion and Grapes

2011-01-11T18:13:00.000-08:00

Using a single sphere next to a cluster of spheres is a good way to explain massing while demonstrating how to paint a realistic object. Of course we'll cover how warm and cool colors are the secrets and which five tones are needed to round an object! All covered in my book!!
I've done this set up so many times and am amazed how different it comes out each time! I would have loved to do another attempt to get even more paint on the surface but I was one the lucky ones to catch this ugly 24 hour virus that's going around and it's really taken a lot out of me. The reason I didn't have as much paint on the board as I usually do is that I used the previous day's palette. Even though the paint seemed wet enough it really is never the same as freshly put out paint. Just shows once again not to be stingy or lazy; always shows in the end. I took a chance since these winter days are so short I didn't want to have to paint when it was dark out; I feel I can never see the colors even with all these natural lights. I envy those painters who can paint oils in their basements!
"Onion and Grapes" 3 3/8"x 2 1/2" oil on board

NAPLES, FLORIDA WORKSHOP

2010-12-31T12:31:00.000-08:00

Just a reminder for anyone who wants to sign up for my 3 day workshop in Naples, Florida. It's January 19-21, 2011. Click here for their website.
I know I'm looking forward to some 75 degree weather and beautiful beaches. We just had 18 inches of snow so this thought is really nice. I'm going to fly down and my husband wants to drive!?? He figures we'll go to Key West afterwards and take a leisurely ride home. He says I can fly from where ever if I get restless. I think I'd rather stay in Florida but ah well, such is married life. He's always so good about supporting me when I give a workshop.

Having an Intention

2010-12-30T13:39:00.000-08:00

This is the same painting as previous post. I thought it needed to be warmer and have a bit more color. You always have to be so careful with watercolor; too much and it's overdone, overbaked and beyond salvaging. Now I wonder if it looks more like a shallot. Oh well.
I do like having an intention before painting. It may be using three colors instead of my usual 15 or it may be trying to get the cast shadow and core shadow in one brushstroke as this study was. That was what I forgot a few days ago. But then it got me painting so that's good. Once I finished I forgot my intention. Maybe I'll write it down on back of the board before I start painting.
Onion" watercolor on board wc 1041

Garlic with Pencil and Limited Palette or "I can't remem ber why"

2010-12-29T08:50:00.001-08:00

I can't remember why I did another one. I can't remember if I liked the first one and thought I needed to try something else. I do remember thinking now I should put it in a group; I never do just one thing in the center, what kind of composition is that? I also forgot to mention that both these were done with only three colors; new gamboge from Daniel Smith, cobalt blue (Winsor Newton) and quinacrodone red (Winsor Newton). I wanted to say that I liked working with only three colors cause I put them out fresh and they stayed wet! I live/paint in very well heated NYC apartment and everything evaporates so quickly. I think I may work this way for awhile and see if I get enough colors to keep me happy. I think the trick may be to work with more greys. I know artists need to expand and keep trying new techniques, concepts but at this point in my life I'm wondering if I'm just not adding brain weariness. My painting mornings are fraught with too many decisions even before I get near my drafting table: do I want to paint with oils or watercolors? what do I feel inspired to paint? which support do I use? which palette? do I need to go to fruit/flower stand for new subject? and it's such a short day (maybe cause I seem to be getting up later and later)!!! And what was I so excited about yesterday? There was something I wanted to try. I do write this stuff down sometimes cause I know I'll forget but how can I forget something I was so excited about less than 24 hours ago?
Thanks for listening to my rant. Just want to add that this isn't something new. It's been happening to me since I've been painting full time. Just felt like (and remembered to write it here!)
I don't know how well you can see it but I added some pencil at the end to define the left hand side of the garlic to try and make it look less than an onion. I figured if you can start with pencil and then paint you can end with pencil also.
Cool Allium" watercolor on board, 4x3 inches

Garlic

2010-12-25T13:45:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas everyone!! We usually visits our kids but circumstances didn't work out this year so I was able to get some painting done. Glad for the time since I've had this garlic on my stand for awhile!
Forgot by now what my original inspiration was for doing garlic (probably saw one during a blog hunt) so I went to local veggie store and spent many minutes pouring over their garlic; touching practically every one in the bin (good thing I finally got over my cold) while my friend patiently waited for me. Then I saw some juicy colored shallots and went through those. When I got home I saw an already half used piece in our bowl and ended up using it for the painting. Guess we've all been through this kinda thing. Hopefully I'll get to the shallot bbefore it turns color!
"Garlic" watercolor on board, 4x3 inches

Self-Portrait

2010-12-17T10:48:00.000-08:00

I wanted to explore portraiture further and thought I'd use myself. Don't have to worry about offending anyone but myself!

In Treatment

2010-12-10T13:15:00.000-08:00

The last few episodes of Adele on In Treatment (HBO series) had a grouping of white vases on the window sill. Caught my eye every time I saw the show. Whoever staged the set had a good eye in my opinion! First time I ever got inspired from watching t.v!
Also, I was reading Snow White to my granddaughter so that's how I got the title
"Snow Whites and Lemon Slice" 4x3 inches, watercolor on board
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Blog Award: Resource for graphic artists

2010-12-02T10:05:00.000-08:00

I received an email from a graphic artists website saying I would be included as a resource for people considering a career in the graphic arts. I've posted their link (it's the badge on the right) so that you and I can look at other watercolorists for inspiration and learning.
Here is the link to see other watercolor blogs.
Also, I did another version of the previous post. I thought the rock formation on the lower left was too large and was hoping to get the background trees darker.
wc1035 Landscape 1035, 3x4 inches, watercolor on board

Winter Watercolor

2010-11-29T12:47:00.000-08:00

I just realized that photo shop can give me ideas to help my paintings. When I look at an image in "Image" menu and then go to "Adjustments" you can click on auto color or auto contrast. Sometimes it looks so much better that it inspires me to do another painting. In this case I am going to do another one withe darker trees. Hopefully I'll post it tomorrow!!
wc1034 Landscape 3x4 inches, watercolor on board

Watercolor Winter Landscapes

2010-11-22T14:04:00.000-08:00

Here's the progress on one of the previous landscapes that I posted and another version of the same scene. The trees were too monochromatic so I tried to mix it up a bit. Also wanted to get a looser brush stroke.
"Winter Landscape 1030 ans 1032" watercolor on board, 3x4 inches

Watercolor Landscapes

2010-11-17T14:03:00.000-08:00

The views out my Riverdale windows have been amazing these past weeks. Funny I don't paint them but I do paint my idealized versions after being inspired by their colors. Here is an interesting talk on Ted Talks explaining why we might be drawn to a particuliar scene. Certainly explains it for me.
wc1029, wc1030, wc 1031 Landscapes on watercolor board, 3x4 inches

Hudson River Museum

2010-11-14T09:52:00.000-08:00

I live near the Hudson River Museum and was there last week to see their autumn leave show. It's a small museum but I find all I need is one or two paintings that really speak to me and I'm a happy camper. It was so much easier than going into the city to a show that I've vowed to get myself over there at least once a month.
"Landscape #1028" 3x4 inches, watercolor on board

Self portrait and friends

2010-11-06T18:54:00.001-07:00

These are all 4x3 inches, watercolor on board.
James McMullan has written some interesting articles in the NY Times recently. Here is one about drawing heads. There are links to his other blog entries from there. All really interesting.

Portrait Project

2010-10-22T14:22:00.001-07:00

I've decided to revive a project that I started in '03 of miniature portraits. My intention is to get enough portraits of fellow artists for a museum show. I was learning to do portraiture (regular size) when my shoulder started hurting (rotator cuffe) and that led me to doing small paintings. I have to credit Barbara Bachner for getting back; met her at her open studio in Manhattan last week and she reminded me that I had asked her to do her portrait in '03 and she was still waiting! Check out her website she is an extremely talented painter.
"Barbara Bachner" 4x3 inches watercolor on board

Two Pitcher Meditation

2010-10-17T13:38:00.000-07:00

"Two Pitcher Meditation" 3x4 inches, watercolor on board

Two Pitchers

2010-10-14T13:43:00.000-07:00

"Two Pitchers" 3x4 inches, watercolor on board

Lemon Meditations I and II

2010-10-01T08:58:00.001-07:00

I was thinking soft colors; how soft to go before it's too dull, how soft to go and then add color!
"Lemon Meditation I and II" both 3x4 inches, watercolor on board

Memories of Morandi

2010-09-30T09:27:00.000-07:00

"memories of Morandi" 3x4 inches, watercolor on board

Yellow Cup and Cherries

2010-09-29T09:54:00.001-07:00

Thought this was a better composition.
"Yellow Cup and Cherries" 4x3 inches, watercolor on board

Cherries

2010-09-28T08:40:00.001-07:00

I was in the winter 2008 Watercolor Magazine and saw a few paintings by Stefanie Anderson which I really loved. Haven't been able to find her on line. I've been looking at her work for a couple of years. Funny how long it can take to be inspired and then be able to make it your own.
I'm having fun with her concept of really soft edges and light creamy background and foregrounds.
"Cherries" watercolor on board, 4x3 inches

Pitcher and Strawberries

2010-09-27T10:39:00.000-07:00

The concept was to keep all the colors quiet except the strawberries. Also played with edges being very soft.
"Pitcher and Strawberries" 4x3 inches, watercolor on board

Drawing Lesson from New York Times

2010-09-26T09:47:00.000-07:00

This lesson on drawing ellipses is excellent.
It makes such a difference in paintings or drawings to get the ellipse drawn well. One trick I use is to turn the painting upside down after drawing one side. Seems my hand always goes askew in the same direction so this is an attempt to get it even! Also helps to look at drawing/painting upside down to get a fresh look.

The Morandi Family

2010-09-21T14:37:00.000-07:00

The Morandi Family 4x3 inches oil on board

Sugar Bowl Morandi

2010-09-20T18:22:00.000-07:00

Got into a "line 'em up" Morandi thing!
"Sugar Bowl Morandi", watercolor on board, 3x4 inches

Got a Richard Schmid video

2010-09-16T08:00:00.000-07:00

I've had a Richard Scmid DVD since my birthday (March) and just recently watched it. Nit because I wasn't excited about watching him paint but I like to keep new videos and books aside until I need inspiration. This happens all too often. I'm sure everyone experiences it; just part of the art process. We can't be "on" all the time. Sometimes a bit of slight depression sets in and I can't remember that I have this "jumpstart inspiration" device available to me. I also get extremely bored when my mind isn't busy art thinking. In my defense (not that we have to defend ourselves) I did have quite unusual family responsibilities this year concerning my husband and mother. Anyway, I finally got around to watching the video. I also saw an article about Daniel Keys in Workshop Magazine. Seeing the printed image on top of the video just pushed me over the edge to try a painting in their style. I think mine is a bit like theirs so it wasn;t so much of a push.
It was fun and now my mind is thinking of how to apply it to still lifes.

"Landscape 1030" 3x4 inches oil on board

After Fantin Latour

2010-09-12T14:43:00.000-07:00

"After Fanin Latour" watercolor on paper, 4x3 inches

Big Deep

2010-09-11T10:11:00.000-07:00

Big Deep is a swimming hole in Woodstock, NY. A place that's dear to my heart. Especially when it's 90 degrees and I'm stuck in NYC!!
"Big Deep" 5 1/2 x 7 inches watercolor on paper

New Flower Painting blog

2010-09-03T14:26:00.000-07:00

Check out this new new flower painting blog
It's in Spanish (Fernando Peno) has started it but there is a translation available.
I am honored to be one of the first to be included. Maybe you will be also!

Silver Coffee Urn

2010-08-29T13:07:00.000-07:00

"Silver Coffee Urn" 4x3 inches on Fluid block paper

Like this paper better than the WN paper I was using.

Copper Cup

2010-07-24T07:50:00.000-07:00

"Copper Cup" 3x4 inches on 4x6 inch paper

Bubble Glass and Grapes

2010-07-09T10:49:00.000-07:00

I haven't worked on paper in quite awhile. Mainly because I have found the boards from RTsTx so pearlescent (if that is a word). The boards are ready to paint on. No preparation necessary, no stretching. And I can use the same frames that I have for my oils.
I do like the edges of the painting on the paper. So maybe i will work this way for awhile.

2nd Ebay auction painting

2010-07-06T12:25:00.001-07:00

"Homage a Morandi" watercolor on board 3x4 inches
To bid on this painting click here.

First eBay auction!

2010-07-05T14:51:00.001-07:00

"Onions and Grapes" 3x4 inches, watercolor on board.
Bidding starts at $75.00!
Click here to bid.

SOLD

Yellow Pitcher and Flowers

2010-06-11T06:13:00.000-07:00

I haven't been able to paint because my glasses are out for new lenses and I'm using my distance only glasses! How's that for an excuse? I use progressive lenses and my cheapo insurance covers this lab that seems to be in Siberia! And this is the second time they have them cause the first time they made them the reading and the mid distance were so off I really couldn't see out of them. So I decided to look at my pastels and see if any of them needed more work. The thing about pastel is that I don't mind reworking them (to a point). With the oils it seems that it's just as easy to start one over.
I think I improved this one since i did it last year about this time.
"Yellow Pitcher and Flowers" 4x3 pastel on board

Red Tablecloth (twice)

2010-05-08T15:23:00.000-07:00

I spent a lot of time mixing and thinking about the grey background knowing that this would make or break the painting. It couldn't be too warm or too cool. I did adjust it with subsequent color mixtures so that it would be as harmonious as possible with the rest of the painting.
I also used a yellow/purple palette which means there was no true red available. I mixed my reds with permanent rose and cadmium yellow deep!
"Red Tablecloth" 2 1/2 x 3 3/8 inches, oil on board

New Workshop!

2010-05-04T10:09:00.000-07:00

For those of you who like to plan ahead; I will be giving a three day oil workshop in Naples, Florida from Jan 19-21, 2011. It's at Naples Art Center. Their website is www.naplesart.org. Phone is 239-262-6517.
I've been to Naples a few times and liked it alot. Their beaches are quiet and beautiful. Lots of galleries and nature. Hope some of you can make it!

Watercolor DVD clip

2010-04-23T08:02:00.000-07:00

Here is a clip from my watercolor DVD. I in the process of putting in a new order so it may take a bit longer than usual for delivery.
Enjoy!

American Artist Magazine "Still Life Highlights"

2010-04-22T08:55:00.000-07:00

Here is the link to read the article that's on the newstand now !!
Enjoy!

Homage to Stanley Bielen

2010-04-21T13:19:00.000-07:00

I love Bielens' work. Never saw it in person (yet) but hope to eventually. His brushwork is so pure. Colors are great also.
"Homage to Bielen" 4x3 inches, oil on board

"Yellow Bouquet" times three

2010-04-09T08:47:00.000-07:00

If I have the paint and more importantly the energy (it helps that the days are long now and there's abundant light) I can explore the same composition three times. I also cancelled girlfriend dates so I could stay home and paint! Doesn't it feel great when you feel like painting and everything else is no fun in comparison? Hope this feelin' lasts awhile!

More from Fantin-Latour

2010-04-05T12:35:00.000-07:00

My good friend, Janet Spiegel had given me prints of Fantin-Latour's paintings. One was more green and one more red. It was interesting to have the contrast. I suppose you can see that I'm playing with brushstrokes and trying to be less literal about defining the petals.
All paintings are 3x4 inches, oil on board.

Homage to Fantin-Latour

2010-04-04T14:04:00.000-07:00

I keep a colletion of photographs of paintings and periodically leaf through them for inspiration. I've had this one for years and never did anything with it. These paintings are actually a bit darker; they looked darker in photoshop but appear lighter here. I used the red/green palette and instead of using pure white used Old Holland Light Yellow. I think it helped to keep the colors in harmony. I wouldn't suggest working from photographs without having done a lot of work from life. It was nice not to have to spend a lot of time setting up a still life and of course the composition was pretty much there. Hope he doesn't mind my interpretation!