Value Problems

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

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

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

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

"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

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

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

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

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

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.