Announcing 2013 Studio Open House

"Snow Bird" Art Lesson on DVD

Our 19th Annual Studio Open House takes place on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2013. Hours: 10am-7pm

5-7pm: Wine, Cheese, Nibbles and a drawing for $100 worth of Art from Michele's NW Studio

We are excited to show new works and welcome artists, students and friends. Enjoy some nibbles, conversation and perhaps take home a painting, DVD or just the experience of visiting a real working art studio.

Save a spot on your calendar and come on over!
Contact me for map and directions. Send email to michelec12 at gmail dot com

Start with the Darks

Autumn Silhouette
Original Watercolor by Michele Cooper
Artwork: 5x7      Framed: 8x10"
Price: $95 framed, $75 matt/wrap, or $60 without

This demonstration shows how to "paint backwards".....in watercolor, that means starting with the darkest values.

Warty Lunch Lady Gourds

From the Warty Lunch Lady Gourds to the giant pumpkin made of vines, Gordon Skagit Farms is the place to be in October. (Click image to zoom)

There is inspiration around every corner and I quite understand why the Anacortes Sketchers visit there at least twice in the season. Thanks, everyone, for inviting me to come and sketch with you. :)

The crate of Indian corn beckoned, with it's varied textures, graceful husks and colorful dried kernels. See my ink drawing here.

Indian Corn

Indian Corn by Michele Cooper
Micron Pen
Size: 9x12   (click image to zoom)

Well, now I have a problem. I drew this on location at Gordon's Skagit Farm, froze my fingers off and decided to wait to paint the watercolor wash later. I'm not so sure I should.
What's your opinion? See my inspiration here.

Chanterelle

 Here's my line and wash painting of the delicate Chanterelle mushroom. As I was buying it at Schuh Farm Stand in Stanwood, they told me this is a big year for these yummy wild mushrooms.

Now that you see how it's done, first line, then wash, why not pick out something you like and express it in line and wash.


If you "pick" chanterelles as your subject, how about a grilled cheese sandwich with sauteed mushrooms when you're finished drawing and painting?

Man on a bicycle

From the sketchbook
This is a combination of ink scribble and contour drawing with line and wash.
I used a Micron pen without any preliminary drawing and artist's quality watercolor on an Aquabee sketch pad.


It's a process of elimination. Here's the board I used for my students. It shows that the more you eliminate, the stronger your statement is. Choose what you really like and paint that.

Ink Scribble Figure

Here's a quick 1 minute demonstration I did for my class. It's a combination of gesture and contour drawing with a Micron pen. I scribble from the inside of the shape to the outside, adjusting as I go for the proportion and angles that I need.

The whole idea is to use your sketchbook all the time, not worrying about how to perfect what you're doing......just do it! Practice creates freedom, freedom and enthusiasm create artistic growth.