Light in the Autumn Trees

Can't forget those beautiful trees yesterday. So I went back to do a line drawing and demonstrated my ink wash technique and color sketch for classes today.

ACEO Canyon 1

Van Gogh #4 Travel Brush and ACEO

Canyon 1
Original Watercolor ACEO by Michele Cooper
Size: 3.5"x 2.5"   Price: $30

This time of year brings back fond memories of taking our young family to visit my parents in Eastern Washington. It's always colder there than it is on this side of the mountains, and the foliage changes colors sooner. We used to drive through Tumwater Canyon to see them until they moved to the Yakima area. Canyon Road can be very icy during the early fall and winter, but the views are worth it.

Three signs of Autumn Rainy Season

You know the Autumn rainy season has begun here in my part of the Pacific NW when these three signs appear from our front porch:

1. The neighbor's maple tree across the street changes color overnight.
2. I need my Sistine umbrella for a trip to the mailbox.
3. Spider webs collect their strings of crystal beads in the rain. (Zoom the hedge area to see the diagonal line of raindrops on the web.)

Fall color in the trees, a spider web with raindrops and an umbrella. 

What are three signs of the season where you live?  Take a Sunday morning or afternoon to express those one at a time in your watercolor sketchbook. 

Welcome to Autumn

Love all the bumps, knobs and color changes this one had

So many vibrant subjects to paint, so little time. Today felt more like summer than fall, but the nights are taking their toll on the summer garden.  Good thing there are crops like gourds and squash that are made to last! 

Make your own Watercolor Cards

These are just two of the designs for our upcoming watercolor workshop for beginners on Dec 1,  at Kirkland Arts Center. No experience necessary, all materials provided. As you can see, one is simpler, very easy for beginners to do. The other is similar in design, but uses more colors and technique. Once you learn the technique, the sky's the limit!

More info...............If you want to continue practicing at home, I have a Watercolor Starter Kit that can be ordered in advance and taken home after the workshop.
Open to new students and returning ones. Call in (425) 822-7161, come in, or register online.

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.

Watercolor Leaf Collection Chapter 3

Here's yet another chapter in the "Book of Leaves" that my students are creating this month.

Amazing.