Loosening up Exercises

If you only paint occasionally it can seem as though you are starting right back at square one each time you start a new project. Here are a few tips to help you Sunday Painters loosen up:

• If possible, set up a collection of several vases and containers of daisies (white ones) like I did for my class. If you can leave them up for the week, you will be able to do spontaneous sketches whenever the opportunity presents itself, instead of starting all over again.
• Use opaque containers at this time, to concentrate on the mass or "cloud" of flowers".
• Always start with a few loosening up sketches first.
• Simplify. Create masses rather than a tedious collection of individual shapes
• Practice direct brushwork, pre-wetting the background and "dropping in" additional color/value to create loosely suggested foliage and flowers.
• Stay aware that you are practicing by using charcoal when you draw. See my examples above.
• Keep it loose when adding color, too. Use a large flat brush and limit your brush strokes. 

Announcing 20th Annual Studio Open House

Pear with Grapes-Original Watercolor

Our 20th Annual Studio Open House takes place on Saturday, Nov. 8, 2014. 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

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.

Sunshine on a gloomy day

"Summer Squash"
Original line and wash Watercolor by Michele Cooper
Size: 5x8"  without frame  Price: $50

We have had stormy, gloomy days this week and I was in the mood for something cheerful. Good thing these summer squash bottled up some sun for me. I laid them out on my studio table under the skylight. I had almost more fun with the colors in the shadows than in the subject. Click to zoom.

Third Plum for Triptych

Plum Half with Pit
Original watercolor ACEO
2.5"x3.5"
Price: $30 sold

There! It's the last in three paintings I made from a single red plum.
First, I painted it whole, then cut it in half and painted the two sides, the side with and the one without pit. And that's how you get three paintings from one plum. :-)

Red Plum Triptych

And here's what they look like together.
I've lined them up vertically and I like them that way, too.

They were painted as a three-part painting and to be sold that way. "One Ripe Plum"', triptych (3x $30)  sold

Choosing a Still Life Composition

 With my one little red plum, I started investigating the possibilities of composition.

I already painted it whole, so I cut it in half. No turning back now!

Each half is different: with and without the pit still in. The hollow half shows a different set of shadows inside. I could choose a variety of viewpoints....looking from above or different side angles. One way, it would show both the inside and outside of the plum.

Turn it this way and that, shine the light just so, and soon I realize how much like a jewel this little red fruit could appear.