Sunshine on a gloomy day

"Summer Squash"
Original line and wash Watercolor by Michele Cooper
Size: 5x8"  without frame  Price: $50

We have had stormy, gloomy days this week and I was in the mood for something cheerful. Good thing these summer squash bottled up some sun for me. I laid them out on my studio table under the skylight. I had almost more fun with the colors in the shadows than in the subject. Click to zoom.

Sketching tools

This illustrates the entire process of planning a painting by using a value plan.
The purpose of a value plan is to reduce a composition to the barest essentials, concentrating on arrangement and simplification.

Three possible tools:

1. Sketchbook and pencil
2. Sketchbook and markers
3. Watercolor sketchbook and black watercolor

Value Plan

Digital value plan with markers
in Paper by 53 app

Personally, I like the feel of the implement in my hand and the "drag" that comes from using real artist's materials on real paper.

However, you will never run out of ink, paper or pencil if you choose the digital app, Paper by 53.
The rewind feature is one I wouldn't mind using on a few of my paintings. :)

For a "real" planning sketch like this, I use Prismacolor or Copic Markers: 30% warm grey, 60% cool grey and black in my Robert Bateman sketchbook.

Fall Classes Begin on September 19 at A Guilded Gallery, Stanwood

It looks like summer isn't quite finished with us just yet! Our Pacific NW "heat wave" is on for this week, but back to school weather is up next week. We'll be back to comfortable temps and a little rain by then....Just in time for the beginning of my fall watercolor classes at A Guilded Gallery in Stanwood.

If you've been meaning to sign up, now's the time. Just click the leaf badge on the top of the right column for more information and contact the gallery to sign up. Email: aguildedgallery@gmail.com , or call the gallery during office hours at 425-493-4422
Hope to see you there!