Day One of 30x30 Direct Watercolor

I’ll be posting my daily practice for better or worse during this challenge 

I thought I would just step out my studio door and paint the roses covering the corner trellis. But you need sunshine and shadows for that. AND it was National Donut Day so I had important business to take care of in town as well.

So I piled a bunch of watercolor supplies in the car and found a view I like. An important part of plein air painting from the mobile studio is safe and easy parking. This spot is across from a soccer field with a wide gravel roadside entrance. 

Waiting for washes to dry.

I’m using one of my Cheap Joes sketchbooks for the first half of the month. I haven’t painted in one of these for quite a while, so I’m not surprised that there’s a bit of an adjustment to make.


Then there’s the extreme humidity today and the distraction of horses wandering around the pasture!
Oh, and apologies to the Palomino for making you look like a mule.

Walking with Andy

If you look carefully, you'll see a tiny figure walking at the top of the hill. In anticipation of the upcoming Retrospective Wyeth Exhibit at SAM, opening on October 19, my watercolor students are practicing some important aspects of watercolor. Wyeth is a prime example of the hard work involved in creating fine art.

Playing with drybrush, my preliminary value plan with water soluble graphite and initial inspiration.

Periscope demo today

It's always fun sharing a little time in the studio with creatives from Seattle to Switzerland. Thanks for watching! Watch the replay here. 

Inspired by a scene in the Scottish Highlands. 

Country Views from an Urban Parking Lot

 

Having a blast painting from the parking lot at Marshall's in Smokey Point. Beautiful day, but a bit chilly. No problem, I sit in my comfy driver's seat in the car, roll down the window and do some quick studies on postcard sized watercolor paper.

My Instagram account is nearing 1500 followers, so I thought I would get ready to show my appreciation by running a giveaway! Make sure you follow me from your phone or tablet!