Barn Shadows

Barn Shadows - Watercolor by Michele Cooper

This is the final result after working on this composition from yesterday. It was a lot of fun working with the variety of shapes provided by the years of wear and repair on this old barn. After sketching in my sketchbooks, it was wonderful, being able to use bigger, better brushes and larger format. It's the first time I've painted this one, but I feel like I could explore it a hundred times over and get a new viewpoint each time.

"Barn Shadows" - Original Watercolor by Michele Cooper
Size: 11x 15"       Price: $200 (unframed)

Plein Air Workshop - Day Three

My Demonstration

Ben settles in to paint the tidal marsh.

We're on location on Camano Island. We spent all day here, painting, sketching; a picnic lunch and ice cold watermelon at the end of the workshop day.

It's not often that a location provides clean facilities, picnic tables, shade,  an inspirational subject, AND a comfortable bench. My intimate knowledge of the location and several scouting forays paid off!

Jeanne working in the shade.

In a Private Garden

John's Irish Shed
Line work with Micron Pen
by Michele Cooper


 We were working on thumbnail sketches at a viewpoint over the ocean, when the owners, John and Helen, invited us into their private garden next door. It is a prime example of what skill and loving care can accomplish.
John built the shed. Helen is a notable fine artist in her own right. Visit her website here.

My plein air workshop students and I were captivated and inspired by John and Helen's kind invitation and stunning garden. You could paint for a lifetime here. Thank you, John and Helen.

Outdoor Workshop August 2, 3, 4

En Plein Air is a French expression for \"in open air\". You will be taught to travel light in my upcoming outdoor watercolor workshop on Camano Island. It's one of the Pacific NW unspoiled treasures and one of my favorite places to paint. The tidal estuary here at Iverson Point is just one example of this. Come paint with me. Whether you are a seasoned plein air painter or trying it out for the first time, let me share some of my tried and true ways of simplifying the outdoor landscape with you.

August 2, 3 & 4, 2013--Friday, Saturday & Sunday 9:00 am - 4:00 pm

Sponsored by A Guilded Gallery, Stanwood, WA 98292
Registration: aguildedgallery@gmail.com
Phone: 425-493-4422
Instructor: Michele Cooper Website: www.michelecooper.com
Email: workshops@michelecooper.com

 Please visit this link for details.

Plein Air Vineyard

"Richard's Vines"
Original Plein Air Watercolor by Michele Cooper
Size: 8x10

What a fun day I had!
There's a new winery and vineyard preparing to open in October. It's not too far from where I live and today I decided to go out and see what the sunshine, warm temperatures and summer light had to offer.

Here I am on location with the subject (tiny in the distance from this viewpoint).


I finished the painting about 99% in the field and then brought it back to the studio for a few little tweaks.


This is my "Plein Air Car Kit" ready for action. When the weather is this nice, the passenger seat turns into a nice shady mobile studio. No easel necessary. I stand outside in the shade and paint away.

When the weather's not so accommodating, it all works just as well while sitting inside the car.

Want to put together a kit of your own? Click the link for a description of the zip up kit and its contents. (I used the Yarka 12 pan set from the Starter Kit today.)
My Watercolor Starter Kits for Beginners have everything but the sponge, cup and water bottle. See here for more information.

"Choosing the Subject"
by Michele Cooper
Original Watercolor 15x22

As I survey the remainder of the summer, I have so many subjects from which to choose. I want to take advantage of the beautiful weather and paint outdoors every day that I can.