Demo from France

Lavender in Provence
11"x15" Original Watercolor

A recent demonstration using my previous work for reference.

Going for Green

Going for Green  Original Watercolor en Plein Air Size of artwork 11"x15" Framed & matted 16"x20" 

Painted on location during the 5th Annual US Open Plein Air Event on Whidbey Island. If it hasn't sold yet, you may see it this weekend and other work from the event on display until September 15. They'll be closed on Monday for Labor Day, but open on Tuesday. For more information please go to http://www.pacificnorthwestartschool.com/events.html

See my post about this experience en plein air. https://michelecooper.blogspot.com/2010/08/perils-of-plein-air.html

The title has a double meaning.

1. It refers to the variations of color in the landscape.

2.“Going for Green” refers to the jersey won in cycling competitions.

The green jersey, or maillot vert, is worn by the rider that has accrued the most points during the race. Points are awarded based on the positions that riders finish each stage as well as their performance during intermediate sprints within stages.

Hollyhocks with a View

15"x11" Original Watercolor
Framed size: 20"x16"

Another plein air piece from Whidbey Island.

Out of the ordinary for me to return for a second day on plein air work, but I was coming down with a sore throat and feeling low on energy. After the second day, the weather changed and rain, cold wind, etc. put me indoors for the next morning. Got the framing done, though!

Perils of Plein Air

There is no such thing as the unhampered artist. I know, I've been there.....hundreds of times! Just when you think the light is perfect, the viewpoint solves most of your compositional problems and you're ready for the final 5 strokes.........the biggest, yellowest school bus comes and parks right in front of your easel!

I did have a memorable experience here though. Earlier in the day, I was about 2/3 finished with the painting when I became aware of someone standing behind me. A very polite voice said, "Your colors are so beautiful! May I take a photo of you and your work?"

 I thought I recognized her, asked her if her name was Anne and realized we had met the year before while I was painting "Down Holbrook". Anne is a poet who lives on Whidbey Island. I told her I needed help with a title and she came up with a great one: "Going for Green."

 I'll post a better photo of this painting for you later.

Update: Here’s the finished painting https://michelecooper.blogspot.com/2010/09/going-for-green.html

Artist a Day Demonstration

French Vineyard
Original Watercolor
20x16

Auction closes on Sept 25 at Bellevue Art & Frame (new store location)
This is the painting that I did in four hours in person on August 19.

It is available for purchase by silent auction and proceeds benefit Bellevue Schools Foundation. For more information and to see the other paintings in this exhibit, go to http://www.bellevueartandframe.com/events_4gallery.html

Mother's Pansies

"Mother's Pansies"
Original Watercolor
"14x11" Sold

A book, a plate, a vase with pansies.....I've been reminiscing lately.

We are having such a beautiful summer. The atmosphere reminds me of the great summers of my childhood.

An Artist a Day

An Artist a Day at Bellevue Art & Frame
August 19, 2010
Noon -4pm
Artist in Action, Michele Cooper

Come and see me paint on August 19 at Bellevue Art & Frame's new store!
Every day in August, between noon.and 4 P.M., a different artist will create a painting, drawing, collage, or print in the medium of his or her choice. Artists will work in the art department. The public is invited to drop in each day to watch as artists create their paintings and drawings. As each piece is finished, the canvases will be returned to their place in the gallery. Bid sheets will accompany each art piece. The public may bid on works by silent auction from August 1 through September 25th.
All funds will benefit the Bellevue Schools Foundation.

Here's how you can help: I have all sorts of ideas of what I should paint and what would be the best subject for an auction like this. Got any ideas? For examples, you can visit my gallery of work on my website at http://michelecooper.com/gallery.html

Please send me your comments and suggestions and I will post them here until August 18.

One week left until end of show

“BRUSHES with the Land” Opens June 18th

Only one week left to see a very strong landscape show! Sorry, I have no image of my artwork in the show. If any of you have been there, let me know what you think.

The 4th annual “BRUSHES with the Land” show runs June 18 through July 18 and features a wide range of Northwest Landscapes by 42 artists from Washington and Oregon. I have been selected as one of the participating artists.

Also, there's an opportunity to paint at my two workshops next weekend. See more information at: http://michelecooper.com/workshops.html

Opening Reception Friday

Brushes with the Land
June 18th, 2010 (Friday)
Michele's work has been chosen for this juried exhibition. The 4th annual “BRUSHES with the Land” show runs June 18 through July 18 and features a wide range of Northwest Landscapes by 42 artists from Washington and Oregon.

Please join us for the Opening Reception on Friday, June 18th, from 5 pm to 8 pm.

Sketch Corrections

Original Watercolor
8x10"

Here are the corrections I've made to the previous original sketch.

I've paid more attention to value contrasts and counter-change, light against dark. I feel that I've got a greater sense of distance and glare on the water's surface.