Sketching tools

This illustrates the entire process of planning a painting by using a value plan.
The purpose of a value plan is to reduce a composition to the barest essentials, concentrating on arrangement and simplification.

Three possible tools:

1. Sketchbook and pencil
2. Sketchbook and markers
3. Watercolor sketchbook and black watercolor

One Ripe Plum

"Red Plum"    Sold
Original ACEO by Michele Cooper
2.5"x3.5"
Watercolor

I had saved two red plums as still life prospects, but only one survived.

I truly enjoyed spending as much time on this tiny painting as I would have for a larger version. You still have to compose, observe, interpret and execute with the same techniques as always.

Winter River

 Winter River
Original Watercolor 5x7"
by Michele Cooper

The Stillaguamish River is only a bit down the road from our house and provides endless possibilities, painting included. I hear the brown trout are running, but it's cold out there!

Strawberries in the Studio

Two Strawberries & Leaves   sold
5x7" Original watercolor

I love the beautiful weather we've been having. And the strawberries in our patio pots are still coming!

To get the shadow composition I wanted, I had the strawberries up on a stack of books in another part of the studio and moved back and forth from there to my easel to paint them.

Mushrooms

$60.00
Original Watercolor on Paper

This was a small demonstration for my class on still life.