Michele's NW Studio

Late Morning Snow Melt

2011-11-30T13:16:00.000-08:00

"Late Morning Snow Melt"
15x22"

Class demonstration
by Michele Cooper

Yesterday's class demonstration got a little "tweaking" in the studio this morning. After various pauses to answer students' questions both am and pm, this one moved from a spontaneous wet in wet demonstration to negative painting on the dried paper. Back in the studio, I used some textural devices, such as spatter and scraping with an Xacto knife to balance the softer edges of the original wet in wet passages. The paper was now dry enough to create the dark accents of the tree bark. I usually need some time for thought after the initial painting session to evaluate it and add the "last five strokes". Those who took photos in class can compare, to see the final touches that were added.

Apples

2011-11-20T08:41:00.000-08:00

3 apples, north light
7x11
Original Watercolor Demonstration
by Michele Cooper

I painted this as a demonstration for one of my classes. Even though the subject was in north light, the photo comes out a lot cooler in this photo than the actual color of the original artwork.

Tip: Click the photo for enlargement

Markers

2011-11-02T14:48:00.000-07:00

Found still life photo
by Michele Cooper

I was taking a walk around the block in downtown Seattle yesterday when I found the perfect autumn still life right there on the sidewalk.

When I make my painting, I think I will call it "Markers", since fallen leaves are a sign of the season....and they just happened to arrange themselves like this around one of the geological markers on the sidewalk.

November Studio Open House Postponed

2011-10-19T14:16:00.000-07:00

Section of "Apples and Lilacs"
Original watercolor by Michele Cooper

This November would be the 17th Annual Studio Open House at Michele's NW Studio. I regret to announce that this occasion will be postponed until further notice due to uncertain circumstances regarding family obligations.

We will welcome you all at another time in the next several months.

How to Rebind Your Moleskine Sketchbook

2011-07-06T23:41:00.000-07:00

I'm participating in the 2012 Sketchbook Project. The paper that came with the official sketchbook is too thin for me to use with watercolor, so I replaced it with Fabriano Artistico and used a simple binding method to make sure it holds up to many (I hope) page turnings.

Here's the method I used to bind my sketchbook with watercolor paper. Watch on YouTube if you want to see it full screen.

If you think you'd like to try this project, see my other posts regarding the Sketchbook Project. Please let me know if you have any questions....or send me a link to your sketchbook. I'd love to see how it's coming along so far.

House Portrait

2011-06-20T13:54:00.000-07:00

8x10" Original Watercolor
House Portrait Commission
Sold

June is such a busy month! I KNEW it would fly by with so much to do.

Above is a commission I finished on Friday for a client. There are a few things added that weren't there and quite a few things edited out of the original reference. I gave them nice big pots of flowers, judicious pruning of the existing foliage and lots of warm, homey atmosphere.

Sketchbook Project in Seattle this weekend

2011-06-12T21:26:00.000-07:00

Here's a link to the project in Seattle on vimeo.
The pages on the left are from the theme "In Flight" by Julia Jandrisits.

We were there on Saturday and it was a crush! The owner, curator, of the gallery said there were 120 visitors on Friday and probably around 250 expected by the end of the day Saturday. We were there around 1:30 and there was a line out the door, people reading and sitting on the stairs inside and on chairs and ledges outside.

One of the co-founders, Steven Peterman, was at the door while we were there and told us how the books were transported from city to city.

Read the article in the Seattle Times with a few photos from the show. Just saw something on the Project website that reports 1,000 viewers over the 3 days in Seattle.

If you missed it, there's a digital library where you can view the ones that were digitized so far. I'll be reading a lot of these, since I didn't get my fill at the gallery.

(I have mine rebound with empty pages ready to go for the 2012 tour)

The Sketchbook Project

2011-05-18T12:51:00.000-07:00

Art House is an online art community that offers projects for artists and enthusiasts interested in showing their work in a gallery environ-
ment.

One recent project, set to tour the U.S in the coming weeks, is The Sketchbook Project.

This past year they sent 28839 artists from 94 countries blank sketchbooks. Just under 10,000 books were returned completed — all of which will be on display.

The tour started February, 2011. It's coming to Seattle, June 10-12 at:

														Form/Space Atellier 2407 1st Avenue Seattle, WA 98121

Plenty of time to sign up for the next one! Go to http://www.arthousecoop.com/projects/sketchbookproject for all the info.

Late Bloomers

2011-05-10T15:17:00.000-07:00

Original Watercolor
Class Demo

The tulip festival in Mt Vernon was half over before the actual tulips bloomed this year.

This was a demonstration I did for recent watercolor classes using some of my famous "tricks and cheating ways".

For an example of some I actually painted on location see here and here.

"Group photos" from Class

2011-05-05T15:28:00.000-07:00

Here are some of the handmade mini palettes that my students made.

Many of them have been used already en plein aire.

It's been great fun seeing the individuality and creativity that has gone into these travel palettes as well as the paintings that came from them.

2011-05-05T15:11:00.000-07:00

2011-05-05T15:00:00.000-07:00

Yarka Field Easel

2011-04-28T13:24:00.000-07:00

Here is my Yarka medium size field easel, purchased in the 1990's. It fits in my medium size suitcase as well as being light enough to carry with the shoulder strap. I regret to say that it is not widely available now. That's a shame, because it is the only box type easel with aluminum legs, except for the new one with four legs by Cheap Joe. This makes it strong but lighter to carry and the legs don't wick up moisture while standing in the damp ground. Click the image to zoom in for details.

I have a Julian French easel, which is heavier with wooden legs. I used it in the tulip fields and once the legs got so swollen with moisture that I couldn't turn the wing nuts. So I closed up the top and drove down the freeway with the legs sticking up in the back of my car. It looked almost as if I had brought back a dead animal in full rigor!

Backpack Outdoor Kit

2011-04-27T12:49:00.000-07:00

A single strap sling backpack is small but useful for carrying your outdoor kit while traveling. Make sure it's big enough to carry your favorite size sketchbook or watercolor block.

This is my windbreaker (folds down and fits into its own pocket), single strap backpack, and Anderson easel (in its own case).

For photos and description of contents click here.

To see it all set up on location click here.

Easel for Car Use

2011-04-26T20:24:00.000-07:00

If you drive to your location and paint near or in your car you can carry more stuff and larger paper.

This little easel is small enough to use in the car (Pacific NW artists still consider that to be outdoor painting) You can keep your watercolors and yourself dry during occasional rain showers. I plan to use it this spring during the April SNOW that's predicted this week. Aaaack!

Called a book stand with drawer, it's only 13 1/4" x 10 1/4" x 2 3/4" and even fits into some larger back packs or sports bags. A drawer holds the implements of your work - pencils, brushes, papers, mini palettes, whatever; while a pop-up easel stand holds open your journal, or sketchpad.

Tri-Dee and Brushstrokes both sell the easel at their local art supply stores.

You can order the whole kit with carry bag, paints, brushes, etc. online.

Watercolor Kit in a Waist pack

2011-04-25T13:04:00.000-07:00

Cheap Joe's used to sell an outdoor watercolor "Survival Kit" that was the perfect size for me when I took a group to Italy. It was packed with just the right stuff to paint anything you want and just the right size to go anywhere. I rode the vaporeti all over Venice with it and demonstrated for my class, too.

Now this great little bag comes empty and it's on clearance. You can pack it with your own personal collection of outdoor painting essentials.

If enough readers are interested, I can post a photo and list of my supplies that fit into it.

Zip up Outdoor Watercolor Kit

2011-04-21T20:20:00.000-07:00

Now for medium size portable painting kits that have their own case or can fit in a backpack or messenger bag. They come with a variety of supplies. You can add some of your own like I did here.

This entire kit zips up into its own case. It even has its own wrist strap. See it in use here with a description of contents. It's still small enough to use comfortably in the car.

Additional materials shown: small plastic mixing palette, 4"x6" watercolor sketch block and tiny Altoids mini kit. I can use the Altoids kit for quick field sketches in the small sketchbook. For larger field studies, I squeeze out fresh paint on the plastic palette and use my 9x12" Kilimanjaro Paintbook, a 10x14" watercolor block or 1/4 sheet 200# Saunders Waterford paper.

Sucrets Compact Pocket Palette

2011-04-20T06:17:00.000-07:00

This compact travel set will fit in your pocket, fanny pack or handbag. It's about the size of a digital camera case.
It consists of:

Small plastic accordion folder, like the ones used for coupons or index cards
It holds a dozen pieces of watercolor paper cut to fit

On the far right, from top to bottom:

I have a clip to hold loose papers together while painting
A travel bottle that allows you to use a little or a lot of water at a time
The Sucrets box is deeper than the Altoids one, so it can hold a travel brush, bottle cap for water, sponge, pencil, eraser, etc.
A business card size diagram of the colors and their names. Fits in an inside card pocket.
Use Sculpey or watercolor pans to arrange colors in the Sucrets tin as you would in the Altoids tin. See here or here for description

Altoids tin pocket palette next size up

2011-04-19T11:36:00.000-07:00

The regular size Altoids tin can be used to carry your tiny one, plus a sponge, additional color half-pans, travel brushes and bottle caps for water.

Peel and stick magnetic strips can be used to make sure the contents don't shift around as you paint or carry the tin in your pocket.

If you prefer, you can mold palette wells out of Sculpey or Fimo. This tin would hold 8-10 colors.

The whole idea is to be as inconspicuous, portable and compact as possible while taking advantage of incidental sketching opportunities.

Pocket Palette Possibilities

2011-04-18T20:24:00.000-07:00

Here are just three possibilities for reusing items you already have to make your own pocket travel palette.

Some eyeshadow and makeup compacts even have removable sections that can be filled with your choice of watercolors from tubes. The mirror works fine as a mixing area. There's even a slot for your travel brush.
You can purchase empty or filled pans and half pans of watercolor. Attach a peel and stick magnetic strip under the bottom of each one and arrange as desired in your regular size Altoids tin. This has the advantage of repositioning and removal for cleaning. Spray the entire inside of the box with white enamel for waterproofing.
As seen in previous posts, there is the Altoids mini with pans made from Sculpey.

Pencil Box Kit for your tiny Altoids palette

2011-04-16T11:23:00.000-07:00

This little slide pencil box from Staples will hold an entire mini painting kit, including a full size #8 round brush, pencil, sponge, paper towel, Altoids mini palette, extra tubes or pans, etc.

Add a small watercolor sketchbook or block and a water bottle and the whole kit fits into a handbag or small waist bag or fanny pack.

Tiny Travel Palette

2011-04-16T10:03:00.000-07:00

For the next week, I will post my array of mini, compact and travel plein air set ups, from the tiniest to the biggest.

Make a mini pocket palette with

a tiny Altoids tin,
Sculpey
Wisp
plastic deli lid
self stick magnetic strips.

Cover the interior of the box with a thin (about 3mm or 1/4") layer of Sculpey or Fimo. Once you've covered the interior of the box with Sculpey, split it in 6 equal parts using strips of Sculpey. I started by laying a strip lengthwise in the middle of the tin, separating the interior in 2 long compartments. Then, I put four equally-spaced squares of clay to split each half-tray in 3.

Once you're done, you should have 6 compartments of roughly equal size. Use the Wisp to carve and smooth out any sections too small for your fingers. A crochet hook can be used as well. I baked this in the oven at 275 degrees F for 17 minutes. Thinner clay takes a little less time.

After it cooled off, I cut a thick plastic deli lid to fit inside the Altoids lid. I attached it with self-stick magnetic strips. It makes a nice mixing area for my paint and is removable for cleaning or replacement. (You could spray the inside of the lid with white enamel for a similar effect.)

Fill each of the empty sections from tubes of watercolor. I used a warm and cool of each of the three primary colors.

Top Row: Permanent Yellow Deep, Vermilion, Manganese Blue

Second Row: Winsor Yellow, Crimson Red Lake, Ultramarine Blue Deep

Tip: Stir freshly squeezed color with a toothpick to make sure it is evenly distributed. Allow paints to dry with the lid open overnight before transporting.

Charcoal Drawing

2011-04-05T10:06:00.000-07:00

Original Charcoal Drawing 14x20"

What I love about charcoal is the speed and expressiveness that comes from the medium. It's the perfect choice for a preliminary sketch.

Charcoal gives you the soft edges and gradations that will eventually be used to express the subject in watercolor.

Guest Presentation

2011-03-25T09:46:00.000-07:00

Demonstration Painting (section)
15x22" Original Watercolor

This is the right half of my demonstration for Stanwood Camano Arts Guild Wednesday night.

I painted on a half sheet of 200# Saunders Waterford with a limited palette of raw sienna, burnt sienna, ultramarine blue, cerulean blue and permanent rose. I first painted the entire sky wet in wet. Although I had a second sheet of paper with the sky already dry, it was still a challenge to paint and talk in 40 minutes. The trees in the left half of the painting were too wet to put in the dry brush effects I wanted at the end.

There are a few more corrections I want to do. When I paint them in, I'll post the results of the whole painting.

Tree and Carrot Figure

2011-03-24T12:16:00.000-07:00

Two more demonstrations of liquid pencil drawing on Arches 140# paper.

I love the expressiveness of the liquid pencil. It's a lot like watercolor, but allows the darks to stay where you paint them wet into wet without spreading.

I used a sumi brush to further enhance the spontaneous feel of the drawing.

Liquid Pencil

2011-03-24T11:55:00.000-07:00

Class Demo on Arches 140# paper
Original
4"x4"

I've discovered a fun, new tool for my studio sketch kit. It's Derivan Liquid Pencil.

Made in Australia, it's a liquid graphite formula that looks like pencil when dry, but paints like water color. You can even erase it like pencil when dry.

I use the rewettable formula. In comes in this little bottle that I used for my demonstration in class recently.

Watercolor Sprouts

2011-03-05T16:11:00.000-08:00

Watercolor Sprouts
8"x10" Original Watercolor

Finally got a chance to work in the studio just for myself today.

These Brussels sprouts survived class long enough for me to paint them, too.

Back to Winter

2011-01-21T20:27:00.000-08:00

Original Watercolor

Here we are, back to snow again.

I would rather think of the temperature in impressionistic terms. Brrr!

Mist on the Koolau Mountains

2011-01-19T20:21:00.000-08:00

Original Watercolor
10"x14"

I finally had an opportunity to paint the mist swirling through the crags in the Koolau Mountains.

Although most travelers wish for clear, sunny skies when they come here, there is always something beautiful to see as you approach the Pali.

Michele's South Pacific Studio

2011-01-18T10:23:00.000-08:00

Short list of "studio supplies" for painting in Hawaii:

Sunshine, tropical breezes, palms, swimming pool, beach one block away, sunscreen, hat, camera, watercolor paper, paints, travel kit with brushes, pencil, eraser, water, sponge, Starbucks coffee and blueberry scone.

Have I forgotten anything?

The Black Pearl at Ko Olina

2011-01-17T20:11:00.000-08:00

Photos

We had brunch at the resort at Ko Olina yesterday and our son and daughter-in-law told us that the Black Pearl was moored nearby.

It's the ship from the movie series Pirates of the Caribbean. We're guessing that they will use it at the new Disney resort which is being built nearby.

Orange koi, blue sky and ripples

2011-01-16T14:02:00.000-08:00

Photo of koi at Ala Moana Mall

I have collected references of koi over the years from the beautiful ponds at Ala Moana Mall.

The reflected blue open sky above, orange complementary color of the fish and the everchanging patterns of ripples......all these provide subject matter that I could spend a lifetime painting.

Studying the surf

2011-01-14T20:37:00.000-08:00

Orignal Watercolor
10"x14"

The north shore of Oahu is known for its great surf.

What a great location for growing up in the fresh and warm air!

Koolau Mountains Other Side

2011-01-12T20:39:00.000-08:00

Original Plein Air Watercolor
10"x14"

We got up early one day and went as far as we could go on the "other side" of Oahu. We thought we might see whales, but were happy just to enjoy the natural beauty of the mountains.

Kailua Beach Walk

2011-01-10T20:41:00.000-08:00

Original Watercolor
10"x14"

This is one of the views on our beach walk at Kailua Bay.

Windward Palms

2011-01-09T20:43:00.000-08:00

Original Watercolor study

from the sketchbook

Sometimes it feels rewarding to study the textures, shapes and brushstrokes needed in a different climate.

Top of Diamond Head Light

2011-01-07T20:56:00.000-08:00

Original Watercolor

Plein Air

My daughter-in-law and I sat on the lava wall and painted together one day.

Don't try it without a beach towel, though. Those rocks are rough!

Diamond Head Beach

2011-01-05T20:45:00.000-08:00

Original Watercolor

10"x14"

Walk down a steep cliff from Diamond Head Lighthouse and you'll find a beautiful beach.

I used a bit of artist's license here. The people with surfboards were there but I added the boats.

Diamond Head View

2011-01-04T20:34:00.000-08:00

Original Plein Air Watercolor

10"x14"

We spend most of our time with family in Kailua, across the Pali from Waikiki. On the tourist side, this is what most people see from the park, looking toward Diamond Head.

Ginger at the Foster Botanical Gardens

2011-01-03T15:03:00.000-08:00

Original Watercolor (Section)

This is the part I liked from a plein air painting I did with friends in Hawaii at the Foster Botanical Gardens.

I'm looking forward to more opportunities to paint with them again this year.

Shop Fronts in Kekaulike Square

2011-01-01T11:32:00.000-08:00

Original Watercolor
10"x14"

I painted this on New Year's day with some art friends in Hawaii a few years ago.

Winter Geraniums

2010-12-31T20:46:00.000-08:00

Original Watercolor
10"x14"

Winter gives us new appreciation for the subject of windows: Inside, looking out, outside looking in, used as a frame for a subject in front of the window, using reflections to complete the composition, etc. The choices are limitless.

What inspiration for a painting does your window provide?

A Window

2010-12-28T20:49:00.000-08:00

Original Watercolor 14"x10"

Looking out or looking in? It's not just about the light outside the window but the reflected light under the eaves and in the panes.

Birches in our Snowy Driveway

2010-12-26T21:05:00.000-08:00

Here's a photo of our driveway the last time it snowed.

HaleIwa shore

2010-12-25T14:35:00.000-08:00

Original Plein Air Watercolor
10"x14"

Once the rain stops pouring down, it's a great day trip to the north shore to watch the winter waves.

Makapu sky

2010-12-23T20:57:00.000-08:00

Original Plein Air Watercolor
10"x14"

Oahu has its share of dramatic skies, too.

Sitting on the hard lava creates a strong incentive to paint it quick.

NW Rainy Season

2010-12-21T21:00:00.000-08:00

Original Watercolor
11"x15"

It's definitely the rainy season in the Pacific NW now.

Not so fun for driving but lots of dramatic skies to paint.

Connemarra Coast

2010-12-19T23:30:00.000-08:00

Original Plein Air Watercolor
10"x14"
From the sketchbook

We had a drenching downpour in Hawaii today, which reminds me of summer in Ireland.

This is one of the first few plein air paintings I did while spending a month there.

Gloria's Blue Tea Kettle

2010-12-17T18:21:00.000-08:00

Original Watercolor
14"x10"

This charming blue tea kettle sat on Gloria's wood stove. I thought it was as charming, warm and welcoming as Gloria herself. She invited my whole class to come over and paint in her home.

So I set up my portable easel in the family room to demonstrate for my students and this is the result.

Snow Laden Pines

2010-12-15T20:12:00.000-08:00

Original Watercolor
From the Sketchbook

I came across this one in my sketchbook from a few years ago.

It brings back memories of childhood visits to our grandparents in Eastern Washington and my parents' property in Cashmere.

Grace Cornwall's old homestead

2010-12-14T02:59:00.000-08:00

Original Plein Air Watercolor
10"x14"

Here's another one from the pile of sketchbooks.

A local author and educator, Grace Cornwall invited us to paint on her property at Elger Bay (she made sure we knew it had originally been called Algiers Bay).

Although she passed away a few years ago, I still think of her. She had a great intellect, engaging personality and amazing history. Thanks again, Grace, for your inspiration.

Birches in Snow

2010-12-01T10:03:00.000-08:00

Original Watercolor
5x7"

When it snows here, all along the back roads you can see the birches with a few remaining leaves.
In the shady areas, the snow lasts longer and gives a beautiful early winter contrast to the edge of the forest.

Change of Season

2010-11-30T14:07:00.000-08:00

Original Watercolor

Another example of the color contrast at the change of season.

A Walk in the Snow

2010-11-23T20:00:00.000-08:00

Original Watercolor
5"x7"

For our last class of the fall quarter, I brought some demonstrations of snow scenes. This one shows pretty much every aspect of watercolor painting methods, and illustrates our lessons on color and design.

Snowing

2010-11-22T12:16:00.000-08:00

Original Watercolor
5"x7"

This is pretty much what it looks like in my neighborhood this morning.

I painted this as a class demonstration Friday. Dave won the drawing for it and was kind enough to send me a photo.

Watercolor Greeting Cards

2010-11-21T11:13:00.000-08:00

Here is a fun way to practice painting in watercolor. Make a series of greeting cards.

1.Divide a half sheet (15"x22") of 140# watercolor paper with 1" tape into 4 sections (7x10" each) as shown. When cut and folded, each one becomes a 5x7" card. For a horizontal card, position the paper so the deckel edge is down, making a nice border accent on the front of the card. Mark across the fold line 5" up with a light pencil line.

2. Paint the sky with a wash of Cobalt Blue and Cobalt Violet. Add a tiny bit of Raw Sienna if the color is too bright. Use a 1" flat brush for this to avoid too many small brushstrokes. While the sky wash dries, wet the entire snow field with clear water. Be careful to leave a verrrrry thin edge of dry paper between the ground and the sky so the first wash doesn't bleed into the foreground. As the sheen goes off the clear, wet paper, paint the vertical snow shadows under the areas where the barns and trees will be. The timing has to be just right. Use the same color mixture as the sky, but slightly thicker paint. The soft edge, wet in wet, gets the desired soft, blurred shadow edge that says "snow". While you allow this to dry, you can repeat these steps on all the other card sections of your paper. By the time you get back to the first one, it will probably be dry enough to paint the barns.

3. Use a 1/4" flat brush or #8 round brush and thicker paint to make the barn shapes on dry paper. A hair dryer can be used to ensure that the paper is completely dry before you do this. Mix Burnt Sienna and Alizarin Crimson for the barns. This should be about the thickness of heavy cream. Stroke this color from left to right about 2/3 of the way across each barn shape. Quickly rinse and reload your brush with the same thickness of Raw Sienna. Now paint from right to left, completing the barn shape. As this last brushload of Raw Sienna just arely touches the damp, red paint, they will merge. Repeat this step on all your other cards. Allow everything to dry before you start the trees.

4. Trees and more snow shadows.
Trees: Use a #3 rigger or script liner brush. Mix Fr. Ultramarine Blue or Cobalt Blue and Burnt Sienna for the dark base of the trees. Thicker paint creates darker tones. Dilute it with water for the lighter limbs and branches. Wet and squeeze out the water from a natural sponge. You need one with lots of texture to create the dead leaves and fine twigs in the canopy of the trees. Tap the sponge into the remaining trunk color in your palette, then tap in the tree tops. Create as much variety as you can without overdoing it. Work around the group of cards, allowing a bit of drying time between applications. You can make fine textured dots by spattering with a toothbrush, too. Make sure you protect the rest of the painting with paper towels where you don't want spatter.

More Snow Shadows: Make sure everything is dry. Use clear water and a 1" flat brush to carefully rewet all the snow. Use more of the sky mixture, plus a bit more Cobalt Blue to lay in the contour shadows of the hillside, wet in wet.

5. Cut and fold. Make sure everything is bone dry. Use scissors or a paper cutter to cut the cards out along the inside borders of the tape. Fold in half. There you have it: your own series of hand painted watercolor greeting cards!
Note: Each one will be slightly different as you move from one to the next, changing a little here, getting more confidence there.

New Snow on the Hills

2010-11-20T13:14:00.000-08:00

Original Watercolor
5"x7"

The weather has turned colder this week and the snow level is beginning to move to the foothills nearby.

Winner of Class Drawing

2010-11-18T20:02:00.000-08:00

Class Demonstration
Original Watercolor 5"x7"

Bonnie O. won this demonstration painting in class last night.

I had 4 examples of using the skills learned this fall quarter to make small 5x7" paintings or greeting cards. It's a fun way to practice and become more comfortable with the medium of watercolor.

Color Blobs and Silhouettes

2010-10-22T16:20:00.000-07:00

Here's a fun exercise in learning the two common identifiers of any object: shape, or silhouette, and color.

First use your watercolors to paint a nice big juicy color blob. Use warm, cool, light and dark color. While that's drying, use a separate sheet of copy paper and draw and cut out single or multiple shapes of pears, apples, vases, people, etc.

Now, move your "template" over different areas of the color blob for surprisingly luscious watercolors of pears, or apples, vases, etc.

Both these "pears" are from the same color blob above. Cut a string of "paper dolls" out of a sheet of paper and use the empty template for a fiesta of figures!

You can trace the shapes you like with a pencil, then cut them out and paste them onto a blank greeting card. If you want to use the same color blob with various silhouettes, just scan or photograph each time you change the placement and use the photos for greeting card images.

Demo from France

2010-09-04T23:04:00.000-07:00

Lavender in Provence
11"x15" Original Watercolor

A recent demonstration using my previous work for reference.

Going for Green

2010-09-04T06:57:00.000-07:00

Going for Green
Original Watercolor en Plein Air

Size of artwork 11"x15"
Framed & matted 16"x20"

Painted on location during the 5th Annual US Open Plein Air Event on Whidbey Island.

If it hasn't sold yet, you may see it this weekend and other work from the event on display until September 15. They'll be closed on Monday for Labor Day, but open on Tuesday. For more information please go to http://www.pacificnorthwestartschool.com/events.html

Hollyhocks with a View

2010-09-03T22:12:00.000-07:00

15"x11" Original Watercolor
Framed size: 20"x16"

Another plein air piece from Whidbey Island.

Out of the ordinary for me to return for a second day on plein air work, but I was coming down with a sore throat and feeling low on energy. After the second day, the weather changed and rain, cold wind, etc. put me indoors for the next morning. Got the framing done, though!

Perils of Plein Air

2010-08-25T19:38:00.000-07:00

There is no such thing as the unhampered artist. I know, I've been there.....hundreds of times!

Just when you think the light is perfect, the viewpoint solves most of your compositional problems and you're ready for the final 5 strokes.........the biggest, yellowest school bus comes and parks right in front of your easel!

I did have a memorable experience here though. Earlier in the day, I was about 2/3 finished with the painting when I became aware of someone standing behind me. A very polite voice said, "Your colors are so beautiful! May I take a photo of you and your work?" I thought I recognized her, asked her if her name was Ann and realized we had met the year before while I was painting "Down Holbrook". Ann is a poet who lives on Whidbey Island. I told her I needed help with a title and she came up with a great one: "Going for Green." I'll post a better photo of this painting for you later.

Artist a Day Demonstration

2010-08-20T14:44:00.000-07:00

French Vineyard
Original Watercolor
20x16

Auction closes on Sept 25 at Bellevue Art & Frame (new store location)
This is the painting that I did in four hours in person on August 19.

It is available for purchase by silent auction and proceeds benefit Bellevue Schools Foundation. For more information and to see the other paintings in this exhibit, go to http://www.bellevueartandframe.com/events_4gallery.html

Mother's Pansies

2010-07-30T10:59:00.000-07:00

"Mother's Pansies"
Original Watercolor
"14x11" Sold

A book, a plate, a vase with pansies.....I've been reminiscing lately.

We are having such a beautiful summer. The atmosphere reminds me of the great summers of my childhood.

An Artist a Day

2010-07-21T12:01:00.000-07:00

An Artist a Day at Bellevue Art & Frame
August 19, 2010
Noon -4pm
Artist in Action, Michele Cooper

Come and see me paint on August 19 at Bellevue Art & Frame's new store!
Every day in August, between noon.and 4 P.M., a different artist will create a painting, drawing, collage, or print in the medium of his or her choice. Artists will work in the art department. The public is invited to drop in each day to watch as artists create their paintings and drawings. As each piece is finished, the canvases will be returned to their place in the gallery. Bid sheets will accompany each art piece. The public may bid on works by silent auction from August 1 through September 25th.
All funds will benefit the Bellevue Schools Foundation.

Here's how you can help: I have all sorts of ideas of what I should paint and what would be the best subject for an auction like this. Got any ideas? For examples, you can visit my gallery of work on my website at http://michelecooper.com/gallery.html

Please send me your comments and suggestions and I will post them here until August 18.

One week left until end of show

2010-07-11T00:25:00.000-07:00

“BRUSHES with the Land” Opens June 18th

Only one week left to see a very strong landscape show! Sorry, I have no image of my artwork in the show. If any of you have been there, let me know what you think.

The 4th annual “BRUSHES with the Land” show runs June 18 through July 18 and features a wide range of Northwest Landscapes by 42 artists from Washington and Oregon. I have been selected as one of the participating artists.

Also, there's an opportunity to paint at my two workshops next weekend. See more information at: http://michelecooper.com/workshops.html

Opening Reception Friday

2010-06-16T11:58:00.000-07:00

Brushes with the Land
June 18th, 2010 (Friday)
Michele's work has been chosen for this juried exhibition. The 4th annual “BRUSHES with the Land” show runs June 18 through July 18 and features a wide range of Northwest Landscapes by 42 artists from Washington and Oregon.

Please join us for the Opening Reception on Friday, June 18th, from 5 pm to 8 pm.

Sketch Corrections

2010-06-12T16:16:00.000-07:00

Original Watercolor
8x10"

Here are the corrections I've made to the previous original sketch.

I've paid more attention to value contrasts and counter-change, light against dark. I feel that I've got a greater sense of distance and glare on the water's surface.

Value Problems

2010-06-10T13:38:00.000-07:00

Original Watercolor Sketch
8"x10"

Here's the sketch as painted initially. I see some good things I like about it, but realize that the values are too closely related for the impact of water reflections that I wanted.

I will post the results of my remedies, whether they work or not.

Into the Light

2010-05-27T18:02:00.000-07:00

Into the Light
8x10" Original Watercolor

Another from our visit to Eastern Washington.
I watched as Canadian Geese swam up the river into the light.

Along the Muddy Banks

2010-05-27T17:56:00.000-07:00

Original Watercolor
8x10"

Inspired by the changing spring light as I explored around Palmer Lake.

I took this opportunity to play with line and texture in watercolor.

Plein Air at Palmer Lake

2010-05-15T13:01:00.000-07:00

Clouds gathering at Split Rock
Original Watercolor

While my family was out on the lake fishing, I painted this at Split Rock day park.
Good thing I had the keys to the car, because it only took a short while for a big squall to come in with high winds and lots of rain. Thirty minutes later, it was partly sunny again, but still very cold.

Youthnet - An Evening of Art & Jazz

2010-05-03T10:56:00.000-07:00

"Grapes & Shadows"
Original Watercolor
Framed size 11"x14"

I did a series of these small studies of grapes and shadows. One like this is in the exhibit for Youthnet-An Evening of Art & Jazz. See more great art on Friday, May 7. Proceeds go to a good cause.

The event starts at 5:00 p.m. at the Youthnet building and is a fun way to end a work week with gourmet appetizers, beverage of choice and wonderful jazz and art --- all for only $10. See my Events page at www.michelecooper.com for more information.

Hot Coffee

2010-04-29T10:40:00.000-07:00

Original Watercolor
from a journal

I painted this enameled coffee cup as part of an entry in a journal. All portraits aren't faces.

If this was a portrait of someone you know, how would you say it expressed that person's personality?

New DVD release-Watercolor Koi

2010-04-22T09:28:00.000-07:00

Step by Step 20 minute lesson on DVD

Here's a first look at the cover of my new art instructional DVD, "Watercolor Koi."
Release date: April 22, 2010

The cover art is the demonstration painting in the lesson. One simple project, step by step.
Learn how to simplify the drawing, make your koi look round and three dimensional, drop in colorful patterns and use some special effects for the watery depths. There are lots of video and photo references so that you, too, can create dozens of your own watercolor koi.

Price: $20.00 for one DVD plus $5.00 S&H

Water Ripples and Lotus Sway

2010-04-16T09:04:00.000-07:00

I found just the perfect inspiration for my students this week. Relax, enjoy, get ready to paint koi.

Please click on the image to see full size in Youtube.

Cumulus Study

2010-04-10T14:39:00.000-07:00

Watercolor Sketch
from the sketchbook

We've had some great skies here lately.
Here's a sketch from a recent foray into the wind!

Adding Figures

2010-04-02T00:01:00.000-07:00

Original Watercolor-Section
15x11 -- Sold

This is a section of a demonstration for my class on adding figures to the wet on wet watercolor landscape. They were done in just a few brushstrokes.

If this is something that interests you, I am giving a workshop July 18 at Daniel Smith, Inc.

Travel Palette

2010-03-27T12:05:00.000-07:00

I came across this great little travel palette while randomly browsing art supplies today.
It's only 1/2" x 2 3/8" x 3 3/16". You can fill it with your own choice of 12 colors and it has a thumb ring on the bottom. This would easily slip into a zip-loc bag to make it travel proof. I think it would work great with Daniel Smith's new Grab & Go Watercolor Travel Set.

Get it at Wet Paint online and be ready to paint outdoors this spring! (or in your car if you live in the great wet Pacific NW--we still count that as being outdoors.)

Glazed Garlic

2010-03-11T12:13:00.000-08:00

Original Watercolor
Demonstration

Lately, I've been working with my students on drawing and various watercolor methods.
This was a class demonstration of contour drawing from still life and glazing.

Back from the South Pacific

2010-02-02T20:32:00.000-08:00

Aloha! Sorry about the long absence.....we were in the South Pacific, getting to know our newest granddaughter.
I love to paint, I love Hawaii, but I love our sweet little granddaughter more. So all our time was spent getting to know her and catching up on family time.

Here's a page from my sketchbook....painted on one of the world's most beautiful beaches.

Hillside Red Barn

2009-10-12T17:29:00.000-07:00

From the Sketchbook
8x10" Original Watercolor

This is what I would call an exploratory sketch. I painted it on location near Coupeville this summer. I had never been here before, so didn't really plan on "catching a painting".....Just interested in seeing what I could discover with my paints and my brushes.

Friends were scattered around the hillside with their plein air equipment, too. At the end of the morning, we all realized that every single one of us had chosen something different to paint. I love that!

Free Watercolor Lesson at the Library, Oct 10

2009-10-04T12:36:00.000-07:00

Join me on Saturday to learn basic watercolor techniques while painting a sunset. All materials supplied; preregistration required. Supported by the Friends of the Arlington Library and the Sno-Isle Libraries Foundation.

10:30 am-noon---Arlington Library
2:00 pm-3:30----Darrington Library

Learn to paint sunsets--online registration and info

Outdoor Kit Contents

2009-10-03T12:10:00.000-07:00

1. Windbreaker, portable easel and "healthy back" bag. The Anderson Easel is portable and has its own case. My "yoga" bag carries everything else and has a single strap. The windbreaker can be stuffed into its own pocket, making a small 5"x5" zipped up packet, which fits inside the bag, too.

2. Front pockets of my bag hold: sunscreen & insect repellent, bottled water, hand sanitizer, travel size band-aids, facial tissues.

I wear a hat and sunglasses and carry my car keys, ID and cell phone in my jeans pockets or jacket. My camera is either in my hand, on its strap on my other shoulder or inside the bag.

3. Inside bag main compartment: Spiral bound Cheap Joe's Kilimanjaro 9x12" Paintbook (every other page is 70# watercolor paper and sketch paper) A large bulldog clip keeps the wind from opening the pages.

Ziplock bag containing Daniel Smith collapsible water container/sponges, Yarka St Petersburg original set of 24 colors (holds a pencil, rigger, #8 round wc. brush and 1" flat aquarel brush inside), two blue paper towels/folded, X-acto blades, and old credit card for scraping.

Five Star stand up pencil case containing: kneaded eraser, set of drawing pencils, pencil sharpener, business cards, Berol Prismacolor pens for sketching and pen/small sticky note pad for leaving messages on the car for fellow painters.

Field Kit Lite

2009-09-25T15:29:00.000-07:00

This is the "lite" version of my field kit for painting watercolors. Click image for larger picture. I used this almost exclusively this summer from August-September.

The easel is an Anderson Travel Easel that has its own quiver-style carrier case. It has quick release, telescoping legs, and adjustable tray-support with little hinged arms that hold your brushes (see the right side) and painting knives. (I use the easel left arm to hold my Yarka palette if I'm not holding the palette on my arm.) The Velcro strap is permanently attached, so it holds my water container.

The board is gator board (16x22") and I stack two or three half sheets of watercolor paper on it, then clamp all together with four large Boston clips (Bulldog clips)

The water container is from Daniel Smith, Inc. It collapses down to a flat disc for easy transport when empty and has a ridged handle to keep it from sliding sideways on the holding strap. I squeeze out my sponges and store them in the flattened container.

The black bag on the ground is a waterproof rain gear "yoga bag" with one shoulder strap, a top zipper and a long back zipper. It has two small zip pockets and a long elasticized pocket on the front.

I will take a photo of the bag and its contents for the next post, so you can see how it all fits easily. Please let me know if there is anything else I should add to this description.

Wapato Lake

2009-09-17T09:03:00.000-07:00

Tire Planters
10x14" Original Watercolor

As I was going through my sketchbooks, I came across this one, painted at Wapato Lake. My husband and grandson, Evan, were out in a boat fishing, while I stayed on shore to paint. Typical of the rural areas here, people plant used tires with the most charming little flower gardens in them.

"The Cook's Flowers"

2009-09-12T16:22:00.000-07:00

The Cook's Flowers
15x11" Original Plein Air Watercolor

Captain Whidbey Inn graciously offered complimentary box lunches for those of us painting there on Friday. They were delicious! Thank you!

After lunch, leaving the comfortable deck and returning to the car, I found this subject lit up for me in the afternoon sun.

Setup for "The Cook's Flowers"

Barn Painting

2009-09-12T09:38:00.000-07:00

Red Barn Sketch
8x10" Original Watercolor

This farmer already painted his barn. Now it's my turn.

This is another one from the US Open Plein Air Event this summer.

"Down Holbrook"

2009-09-11T17:30:00.000-07:00

Down Holbrook
15x11" Original Plein Air Watercolor

I kept going back here every morning for 4 days. The first day, I was painting something else but the view down the road kept catching my eye. The next day, it was foggy. The next day I went back to sketch it and the last day, I finally had the light and inspiration to paint this.

That's the old fire station on Holbrook and Penn Cove Road in Coupeville.

Shadows of the Past

2009-09-10T09:26:00.000-07:00

St Paul's on Salt Spring Island, BC
10x14" Original Watercolor

This was a demo for my workshop, too. We painted the old ferry dock in the morning and the church in the afternoon, all from under the shade trees in a park nearby.

Salt Spring Island's oldest church was founded in 1878 by the first Roman Catholic missionary to the Gulf Islands, erected by community members between 1880-1885. The windows, door and bell were acquired from the "Butter Church" in Cowichan Bay. These were brought in Indian canoes from Cowichan Bay to Burgoyne Bay, then by ox-drawn stoneboat to this site. Colored stonework was added about 1973.

Ruckle Park, Salt Spring Island, BC.

2009-09-10T08:13:00.000-07:00

Watercolor & Graphite Sketch
6x11"

This was a demonstration for my workshop at Ruckle Park on Saltspring Island, BC. Hope this brings back fond memories for those who were there.

Plein Air in Kirkland

2009-08-15T14:29:00.000-07:00

Kirkland Sunshine
10x14" Original Watercolor

Fresh off the street this morning!

A Delicate Balance

2009-07-27T14:11:00.000-07:00

Plein Air Original Watercolor
8 x 10"

Another one for the Land Trust show, from mid-June. Just getting around to framing it today.

When I went to Kristofferson's creek, I didn't see a painting at first. I followed the path into the cool forest and down to a platform where the "creek" was. Mosquitos attacked immediately and the creek was just a trickle. Not at all what I expected, so I turned around to go back to the car.

Then as I was coming back out to the entrance, I saw it! The sun lit up the young trees and new daisies. All through this experience, I realized that there was a delicate balance at work......between the occupied areas surrounding the creek, between my expectations of what I was going to paint and, during the process of painting; between the warm/cool, light/dark shapes and the sunlit textures . It truly was a balancing act.

Discovery

2009-07-23T16:53:00.000-07:00

Plein Air Original Watercolor
8" x 10"

Finally got this framed, too. It's another painting from Livingston Bay for the WCLT show.

While I was standing on the berm, concentrating on capturing the mud in the channel, I heard voices....quite close. Soon, two girls seemed to be floating in a sea of wild grasses and flowers. They were out for an after dinner ride on their white horses. They quietly disappeared further down the trail.

The Marsh at Livingston Bay

2009-07-23T13:06:00.000-07:00

Plein air original watercolor
8" x 10"

I am posting these as I am framing them. This one goes to the show on Aug 1 at Gallery By the Bay in Stanwood.

Although I painted it June 15, it only got a signature today. Another one of those that "ripen in the dark".

Award and Sold at Auction

2009-07-22T21:36:00.000-07:00

Just a quick note regarding the previous post:

I am honored to have received an award for "The Channel at Livingston Bay". My painting was sold at auction during the Garden Party event for the Whidbey Camano Island Land Trust on Sunday. There were 5 awards and I am pleased to have been among such esteemed colleagues.

If you can, please attend the opening of the show at Gallery By the Bay in Stanwood on Aug 1. There are so many good pieces in this show.

How Large is a Good Painting?

2009-07-16T16:36:00.000-07:00

The Channel at Livingston Bay
Original Watercolor (8x10")

One of my criteria for a "good painting" is that the impact is the same whether it is large or small.
A small painting, when it has enough emotional content, can seem large in the eye of the viewer.

I hope you'll agree that this one fits the criteria. How big did you imagine it to be?

I am finishing up the framing for this one to go into the Camano Island Plein Air Event, which opens on Sunday. There will be a live auction as well as a follow-up show at Gallery by the Bay in Stanwood.

June 20 Workshop Demo

2009-06-20T21:52:00.000-07:00

Great day out painting with my students today. The workshop went well and the weather actually improved, hour by hour. There was a plethora of subject matter from which to choose.

I did two more mini-demonstrations, but gave them to the students who said they needed them the most.

Ebb Tide at Livingston Bay

2009-06-16T23:44:00.000-07:00

Plein Air Original Watercolor
8"x10"

Glad to have an opportunity to post this. I painted it on location, with Sylvia, Dianne and others in the area. It was one of four I did that day for the wclt.org plein air event and subsequent show.

At the time, I really didn't like it at all. It evidently ripened in the dark, because when I finally had the nerve to look at it again, I decided it deserved a chance afterall. That's the way it goes en plein air, though. Seldom, if ever, do we feel that we have captured the inspiration. It is to be hoped that the viewer adds their own unique memories and experience, so that between us we can regenerate the feeling of being there.

I will take this one to Gallery By the Bay in Stanwood, where you can see it in person and let me know what you think. The show opens on August 1. The place where it was painted is only a few miles away.