Watercolor Tulips

Looking back at another spring season full of tulips and time spent on the deck with watercolors.

Painting watercolor tulips in the sunshine out on the deck.

I divided up my Arches 140 lb. CP paper with painters’ tape and drew with a Micron waterproof pen.

I love the way natural light infuses the shadows with color! 

Three page spread finished-Jennings Park

For the past three days, I have been sketching at the WSU Extension Master Garden at Jennings Park. It's been so hot in the afternoons, I'm going this morning when it's cooler to see if the light works for me. I'll let you know when I get back.

This 7x15" spread is part of my 2015 Sketchbook Project

Okay, I'm back! It was so much cooler being in the garden around 10:30 am rather than after 2 pm in the afternoon. Once I finished my sketches of summer squash, I found a lovely picnic table in a shady arbor on the north side of Jennings barn. That's where I finished the journal writing and painted my sketch of the little Altoids mini palette. See how you can make one of your very own here.  All the watercolors on these pages were done with only 6 colors, pen and pencil. (When I got back to my car, the gauge said it was 92^°F out in the parking lot. Thankfully, it cooled down to 84^°F on the way home.


Jennings Memorial Park is a treasure and has come such a long way since we took our children there in the 1970/80's. Tonight, there will be a free outdoor concert in the Lions Centennial Pavilion. They now have free Saturday movies outdoors in the summer, too!

Dandelions in a Little Blue Vase

"Dandelions in a Little Blue Vase"
Original Watercolor by Michele Cooper
Size: 7x5"     Price: $60

What perky, yet contrary little weeds dandelions are. I know that in some countries, they are loved as wildflowers. Not here, though. I had quite a hunt today to find any left after my husband rigorously worked on the lawn last weekend.

And then, as I was painting them, they decided to switch completely around. Guess they wanted me to paint the back, too. The leaves wilted, but I remember.

"Weeds are flowers, too, once you get to know them," A.A. Milne

Summer Shadows

"Summer Shadows"
Original Watercolor by Michele Cooper
Size: 14x19"

I love painting flowers in watercolor and I'm always challenged by the attempt to capture the contrast between loose and definitive edges/high and low chroma, as well as light and shadow effects.

Two Tulips - Pink and Purple

Two Tulips - Pink & Purple
Original Watercolor by Michele Cooper
Size: 5x7"   Price: $60

Today I have two tulips and shadows. Tomorrow, three.