Daily Painting by Martha Kisling

Watercolor Collage Workshop by Colorado Artist Martha Kisling

2012-02-10T07:16:00.000-07:00

ASPENS AND ROCKS

Watercolor Collage - 15x22

I am offering a Watercolor Collage Workshop on Sat. Mar 3 in Colorado Springs. Stretch your creativity by combining watercolor with collage to create a fun, textured painting of aspen trees and

rocks.Begin painting with watercolor, then add some collage, then paint
some more – you decide how much of each.

We will use watercolor to paint tissue paper and rice papers for use in the collage. We will also use cheese cloth, stamps and other texturing techniques. Hope you can join us for a fun and creative day - please email for more information and a registration form marthakisling@msn.com

Treasury

2012-02-09T14:01:00.000-07:00

Color Me Happy!
here

The Old Farmstead and Memories of the Country

2012-02-09T08:00:00.000-07:00

FARMSTEAD

Watercolor - 11x15

Purchase Info

I love to paint old barns sitting out in the countryside with their weathered wood and the trees and grass growing up around them. As a child I used to love visiting our cousins in Kentucky and going out to their old family farm where we would play tag, all pile on the tractor and ride around and jump from the hayloft in the barn. To top it off I was the only girl on that side of the family,one brother and four boy cousins. My grandfather always said that I was his favorite granddaughter and even though I knew he was teasing, I loved hearing it!

Watercolor of Flowers and Lace by Colorado Artist Martha Kisling

2012-02-08T07:01:00.000-07:00

LAVENDAR SPRING

Original Watercolor - 11x15

SOLD

This romantic painting of flowers and lace is now in its new home with Nancy in Oregon just in time for Valentine's Day. Do you prefer flowers or candy from your sweetheart on that special day - I am definitely a chocolate kind of girl!

Martha Kisling Fine Art Newsletter for February is here!

2012-02-06T07:45:00.001-07:00

SUNFLOWER GLORY

Watercolor Collage - 11x15

My Fine Art Newsletter is out for February and the free art giveaway this month is a print of Sunflower Glory shown above. I have to say it is very exciting to see that the newsletter not only goes out all around the United States but also to Canada, Australia, New Zealand and even India!

To be eligible to win you can sign up for the monthly newsletter at the top right of this blog and you can view this month's newsletter here.

Watercolor of Old Wagon and Daily Paintworks Challenge

2012-02-05T07:00:00.002-07:00

OLD WAGON

Watercolor - 11x15

Purchase Info

I submitted Old Wagon to last week's Daily Paintworks Challenge where the subject was wheels. I painted the background first on wet paper with no drawing to start with. After it dried I used negative painting to pull out the shape of the wagon and suggest boards on a barn in the background. This is my favorite way to paint because it keeps things loose and integrates the colors from the background through the whole painting!

To see more entries for the Challenge go to Daily Paintworks

Watercolor Batik Workshop of Birds and Trees by Colorado Artist Martha Kisling

2012-02-04T07:00:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday I taught a Watercolor Batik Workshop where we painted birds and trees. It is always a fun technique where we use watercolors, melted wax and rice paper. Even though we all started with the same design everyone added their own unique touch using different colors and painting styles to create a one of a kind painting. I don't have room to show all the students or paintings but thought you might enjoy seeing a few of them and how different each one is - a great day enjoying the creative process!

Simple Pleasures in Life

2012-02-02T07:42:00.000-07:00

FRIENDSHIP BLOOMS

Watercolor on gesso - 11x15

Purchase Info

Often it is the simple pleasures in life that add happiness to our days. I love knowing I am in the middle of a great book, that I have my favorite tv show recorded to watch when I please and the sound of fizz when I pop open my Dr. Pepper - yes, I am a girl from the south. I also cherish the relationships I have with the people in my life - sharing the end of the day with my husband, catching up on the phone with the kids, chatting with my Mom or having lunch with a friend. These are all the little joys that carry me through each day and keep me going when I am down - what are your simple pleasures?

Netherland Tulips

2012-01-31T07:00:00.001-07:00

SUMMER TULIPS

Watercolor Batik - 12x19

SOLD

Last week Annelies from Virginia purchased one of my watercolor paintings of tulips and then a few days later decided to also give a new home to my watercolor batik Summer Tulips. In the process of emailing back and forth I found out that she is originally from the Netherlands and that my paintings remind her of the beautiful flowers of her home country - it really warms my heart to hear that my art can bring her joy!

Rocky Falls - Watercolor and Ink

2012-01-30T07:00:00.000-07:00

ROCKY FALLS

Watercolor & Ink - 11x15

Purchase Info

A few weeks ago in my weekly classes we combined watercolor and ink. The two mediums compement each other very well because you can use the paint for big bold areas of color and the ink to add fine details where needed.

Be sure to use a 'waterproof' ink - I learned the hard way that you don't want to see your wonderful fine lines bleed all over your painting!

Leaf Treasury on Etsy

2012-01-29T06:49:00.001-07:00

FALL BLUES

Original Watercolor - 11x15

Purchase Info

Every fall in my watercolor classes we all bring in real leaves to use as stamps for the basis of a leaf painting. First we wet the paper and paint in a loose background using two or three colors. When that is dry, we use watercolor on the back of the leaves to print several shapes on the painting. Then, with negative painting, we refine shapes, add details and create other leaves - always a fun day!

Fall Blues was included in an Etsy Treasury called I Leave It To You To Decide - to see more of the collection click here

Blue Reflections for the Daily Paintworks Challenge

2012-01-27T07:00:00.001-07:00

BLUE REFLECTIONS

Original Watercolor - 11x15

Purchase Info

Years ago when I first started using watercolor most of my paintings were done in a cool palette - lots of blues and greens. I still love using all shades of blue and decided to complement them with some burnt sienna in Blue Reflections.

I submitted this painting in the Reflections on Water challenge for Daily Paintworks - click here to see the other paintings that were submitted.

Garden House and Studio Visit

2012-01-26T08:38:00.000-07:00

GARDEN HOUSE

Original Watercolor - 8x10

Purchase Info

As winter marches along here in Colorado we have had nice warm weather but very little snow so everything is extremely dry right now. I think I just needed to paint a little reminder that spring and fresh flowers are just around the corner!

Over the weekend I finally got to see my friend Jean's new studio located just outside of Colorado Springs in historic Old Colorado City. She has a wonderful space with alot of natural light and we had a great day of painting and catching up, followed by delicious Mexican food and a margarita in honor of her new studio!

Tulips in Virginia

2012-01-25T07:00:00.000-07:00

SPRING TULIPS

Original Watercolor - 11x15

SOLD

I am happy to say that Spring Tulips now has a new home with Annelies in Virginia. I had a great time painting this using plastic wrap to create overall texture after placing the initial colors on wet paper. When all was dry I used negative painting to define the shapes of the tulips and leaves.

Tea and Flowers

2012-01-23T07:46:00.000-07:00

TEA CUP FLOWERS

Original Watercolor - 8x10

Purchase Info

I have been wanting to paint a tea cup for a while now and found this photo in one of my magazines the other day so decided to give it a go. As you can see I used alot of artistic license making the flowers more pink than purple, painting a suggestion of a design on the cup instead of being totally realistic and using soft colors in the background instead of having it sitting in grass - the beauty of being an artist!

Hanging Cactus

2012-01-22T06:55:00.000-07:00

CACTUS ROSE

Original Watercolor - 11x15

SOLD

I had mentioned in a previous post that this painting was purchased by one of my students as a gift for her dear friend in California. It is always fun to get photos of my paintings matted, framed and hanging up - I love knowing they are warm and happy in their new home!

Look for ways to showcase your own art, crafts or hobbies at home - surround yourself with the beauty of creativity and share it with others!

Yellow Pansies on a Cold Winter Day

2012-01-20T07:00:00.004-07:00

PANSY DELIGHT

Original Watercolor - 8x10

Purchase Info

I don't usually paint pansies and I am not sure what inspired me to start in the middle of winter - maybe I just felt like a little sunshine in my life right now!

I started with wet watercolor paper and lightly painted the background colors using manganese blue and a little bit of cadmium yellow light. I loaded my brush with more paint and placed the flowers and leaves, adding a few squiggles around them. I used some mauve for the dark centers of the pansies. When everything was dry I added definition to the petals and leaves, focusing the darks around the flowers. I have to admit that these happy, little flowers do make me smile!

"Too often we are so preoccupied with the destination, we forget the journey. Focus on the journey, not the destination. Joy is found not in finishing an activity but in doing it."

I shared this with Paint Party Friday

(Greg Anderson)

"Southwest View" On Its Way to New Mexico

2012-01-19T08:04:00.001-07:00

SOUTHWEST VIEW

Original Watercolor - 11x15

SOLD

I am happy to say that Southwest View has a new home in Albuquerqu, New Mexico. My husband spent six years of his early childhood there and has fond memories of running around the mesas with his four brothers.

Class at Fine Art Center - Watercolor Flowers

2012-01-18T09:46:00.001-07:00

SHADES OF PEACH

Original Watercolor - 11x15

I am excited to be teaching a class at the Colorado Springs Fine Art Center in February. We will cover different ways to approach painting flowers in watercolor - my favorite subject! I hope you can join us for a fun and creative four weeks.

Bemis School of Art - Watercolor Flowers

Discover the beauty of flowers painted in watercolor. A different painting technique will be explored each week, along with ideas for creative compositions. Class demonstrations and individual instruction will encourage each student to develop their own artistic expression.

Thu 4-wks 2/2-2/23 9:30-11:30am

For more information and to register click here.

Winter Morning by Colorado Artist Martha Kisling

2012-01-16T08:31:00.001-07:00

WINTER MORNING

Original Watercolor - 11x15

Purchase Info

So far this winter we have not had a lot of snow here in Colorado. We had a storm mid December that left a beautiful six inches of pure white snow everywhere. It stayed on the ground long enough to give us the first white Christmas we have had in a long time - now if we could just get some more for the mountain ski areas.

Studio Tip - During those long, dark months of winter make your studio more welcoming by taking down any heavy window treatments to let more light in. You can alos invest in overhead lighting that mimics daylight and lifts your spirits to allow more creativity!

Watercolor Washes!

2012-01-14T07:00:00.003-07:00

CITY BLUES

Original Watercolor - 15x22

Purchase Info

My favorite thing about watercolor is letting the paint move and flow on wet paper creating wonderful soft edges and beautiful colors. I fell in love with the exciting and spontaneous nature of the medium years ago and still prefer it to anything else I try.

City Blues was included in an Etsy collection called It's a Wash!!! - click here to see more wonderful examples of watercolor.

Iris Petals and Pinterest Wine Glasses

2012-01-12T09:08:00.001-07:00

IRIS GLORY

Original Watercolor - 11x15

Purchase Info

I love painting a large iris with its lacey petals. While the paint was still wet I used pieces of cheesecloth to create texture here and there. When everything was dry I also collaged on thin pieces of rice paper and used negative painitng to define the shapes.

I discovered Pinterest thru my daughter Lisa over the holidays and got addicted to it! It is an online pinboard where you can organize and share things you love - anything from crafts to home decor, fashion and travel and everything in between. Just like we used to tear things out of a magazine and put it on a bulletin board - now we can do it online!

One of the craft ideas was to buy wine glasses at the dollar store, paint the base with chalkboard paint and then you can write the names of your guests with chalk on each glass and then wash it off and start over for the next party - clever idea. Here is the set Lisa made for me - what a doll!

You can check Pinterest out here.

Not One, But Two!

2012-01-10T07:00:00.001-07:00

WHITE FLOWERS

Original Watercolor Collage - 12x22

Purchase Info

It is always a compliment to have one of your paintings featured in an Etsy Treasury but even better when two of them are chosen!

FLOWERS and LACE

Original Watercolor - 15x22

Purchase Info

These are two of my favorite paintings and both were included in the Etsy collection titled Flowers, Beautiful Art! To see more floral paintings click here.

Discovering New Paintings

2012-01-09T09:07:00.000-07:00

WINTER BLUES

Original Watercolor - 12x18

Purchase Info

In a never ending attempt to clean and organize my studio I discovered Winter Blues in a stack of paintings I was organizing. When I first began using watercolor many years ago most of my paintings were done using a cool palette. I still love all the shades of blue and the hint of peach peeking thru the trees.

While the background colors were still wet I spattered some white acrylic to suggest snow. You can see in the detail above how it mixed with the watercolor to create soft shapes.

When the painting was complete I spattered again onto the dry areas of trees to create a more definite suggestion of snow. I guess it pays off to take the time to organize every once in a while!

Watercolor Batik Workshop

2012-01-06T07:05:00.000-07:00

BIRD'S EYE VIEW

Watercolor Batik - 12x19

I will be teaching a Watercolor Batik Workshop on Sat. Jan 28, 2012 in Colorado Springs, CO. This process is similar to the age old technique used with fabric but we will use watercolor and melted wax on rice paper. For more information click here. Hope you can join us for a fun and creative day!

January Newsletter is Here!

2012-01-05T06:02:00.000-07:00

MARSH BIRDS

Original Watercolor - 11x15

SOLD

The Martha Kisling Fine Art Studio Newsletter is out for January 2012. This month's winner of a free giveaway is Angela and a print of Marsh Birds is on its way to her in Georgia. If you have not already subscribed to the newsletter you can do so in the upper right of this blog. To see this month's newsletter please click here.

Yellow and Purple Complements

2012-01-04T07:00:00.000-07:00

YELLOW AND PURPLE BLOOMS

Original Watercolor - 11x15

Purchase Info

When I painted Yellow and Purple Blooms my goal was to stay loose and fresh and use a minimum of fussy detail. Complementary colors are alwasy fun to use but you have to be careful to not let them mix and get muddy.

This painting was included in an Etsy collection of cute Yellow and Purple items - to see more click here

Happy Birthday to Ginger!

2012-01-02T07:00:00.000-07:00

WINTER TREES

Original Acrylic - 11x15

Purchase Info

Happy Birthday to our wonderful dog, Ginger! Yesterday she turned twelve and is of course the sweetest and smartest dog around. She was a surprise Christmas gift to the kids when we lived in South Carolina. I still remember when they got to go pick her out of the litter - she was the cutest and spunkiest of all of them

I tried to get her to pose with her holiday antlers on but she looked totally disgusted the whole time!

Finally, she had enough with all the nonsense and decided to give it a rest - don't know what we would do without her!

Happy New Year

2012-01-01T07:14:00.004-07:00

ROSES

Original Watercolor - 11x15

Purchase Info

Happy New Year to everyone! I hope 2011 was a good year for you and you are looking forward to 2012. I am happy to say that I did realize alot of my art goals in 2011 - kept up with my blog, posted over a hundred new paintings in my Etsy store, taught several workshops and classes, was the Guest Artist for Breckenridge, CO and sold and shipped over forty paintings to California, Colorado, Connecticut, Indiana, Kansas, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas, Virginia and West Virgina!

Here's wishing you a happy, productive, artistic, creative and fun 2012!

Wild Safari - Etsy Collection

2011-12-30T07:45:00.002-07:00

KICKING IT UP

Original Watercolor

Purchase Info

I love painting with a limited palette because it forces me to concentrate on the values - lights and darks - more than just the colors. For Kicking It Up I used combinations of the complementary colors yellow and purple, using shades of yellow ochre, burnt sienna and thalo purple. I started with wet paper and placed my background colors using salt at the bottom to give the illusion of dirt being stirred up. You never know exactly how salt is going to work but I was VERY happy with the final results. When everything was dry I painted the elephant, using alot of negative painting for the details.

I sell most of my paintings unmatted because they are much easier to ship and the buyer can then select the mat and frame that suits their taste and decor. I decided to take a photo of Kicking It Up matted and framed to give you and idea of the finished product.

This painting was included in an Etsy Treasury called Wild Safari - to see more of this collection click here. I also shared this with Paint Party Friday

Southern Charm - Visiting Our Daughter's New Home

2011-12-29T08:09:00.001-07:00

GARDEN OUT THE WINDOW

Original Watercolor - 11x15

Purchase Info

We recently visited our oldest daughter Laura and her husband Eric in South Carolina - so much fun to be able to spend time with them in their new home.

Their new house is on John's Island right outside of Charleston, SC. They had everything all decorated for the holiodays and treated us to a wonderful time!

Beautiful trees on their lot and they are near a small lake for jogging and walking their dog Cooper.

Our family has always been such a blessing in our lives and now our new son-in-law adds so much more to the mix!

Empty Easel Art Magazine - Watercolor Batik Tutorial

2011-12-27T07:00:00.001-07:00

PASTEL DAISIES

Watercolor Batik - 12x19

Purchase Info

I am excited to have another article - my third this year - in the Empty Easel Art Magazine titled The Fascinating PaintingTechnique of Watercolor Batik! I show step by step the process I used to paint Pastel Daisies while I was the Guest Artist in Breckenridge, CO. To see my article and many other wonderful tutorials and featured artists click here.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to All!

2011-12-24T08:10:00.002-07:00

SNOWY NIGHT

I hope all of you have a wonderful day tomorrow with family and loved ones - Merry Christmas!

Over The River and Through the Woods

2011-12-21T07:31:00.001-07:00

DEER WATCH

Original Watercolor

Purchase Info

Deer Watch was included in an Etsy Treasury called Over The River and Through the Woods. We were lucky enough to spend thanksgiving in Winter Park with family and took a walk along the river nearby.

When we reached the small bridge my daughter remarked that we were indeed going Over the River

and Through the Woods. Here are two of our kids, Lisa and Scott all bundled up for the cold.

To see more of the Etsy collection click here.

Southern Flowers and College Graduation

2011-12-19T06:25:00.000-07:00

SWEET NATURE

Original Watercolor - 11x15

Purchase Info

As many of you know I grew up in Texas and we lived in South Carolina for six years between stays in Colorado. I love the friendly hospitality of the south, the beauty of year round flowers and hearing y'all from everyone around you.

We just got back from Athens, GA where our daughter Lisa graduated from the University of Georgia with a Bachelor of Science in Bio Chemisty and Molecular Biology - we are so proud of her!

The Univ of Georgia is considered the Ivy League of the south and it is a school tradion to not walk under the Arch until after you graduate.

The school mascot is UGA the Bulldog - cute in his own way - GO DAWGS!

Creative Monday Challenge #50

2011-12-18T08:05:00.000-07:00

BLUE REFLECTIONS

Original Watercolor - 11x15

Purchase Info

The Creative Challenge last week was to choose your own subject for your painting. One of my favorite things to paint in a landscape is a stream where I can let the paint run and flow - just what watercolor does best!

This will be the last challenge for 2012 - I know it is a very busy time of year for everyone and we can all use a breatk. I want to thank everyone who followed along with the creative challenges and were brave enough to share your artistic explorations with me - happy painting to all!

Memories in the Making - The Alzheimer's Association Art Program

2011-12-16T07:00:00.002-07:00

Painting Created by a Resident with Alzheimer's

Memories in the Making is the Alzheimer's Association Art Program for people suffering from any type of dementia. As they lose their ability to communicate verbally they are offerred an opportunity to do so through painting.

As the coordinator of the MIM Program for Colorado Springs, CO I lead two training sessions each year for the care community staff and volunteers to learn how to facilitate the art groups. Last thursday Viewpoint Senior Living center hosted us and part of the day was spent learning and practicing some basic watercolor techniques.

On of the staff showing off her painting - at my request. Many of the facilitators are new to watercolor themselves so we want to get them feeling comfortable with the medium first.

At the end of the training everyone pairs up and role plays - one as the leader and one with dementia of some kind. In each Memories in the Making session inspiration for painting is provided to the artists as an object or a photo of something to encourage them to paint. Grapes are wonderful to use because they are made up of many small cirlces - something that is easily understood.

A big thank you to everyone who braved the snow to come to the training - the Memories in the Making program would be nowhere without the wonderful help of our facilitators!

Rose Cactus - SOLD

2011-12-15T07:02:00.000-07:00

CACTUS ROSE

Original Watercolor - 11x15

SOLD

Cactus Rose was purchased by one of my long time students, Carol, as a gift for her good friend in California. Carol has taken classes from me since I moved back to Colorado in 2000. She came to the first class with absolutely no art experience and has become a wonderful painter. We tease her that it is always too quiet when she is not in class - she always brings happiness, positive energy and the latest new from Dancing With the Stars!

End of Year Watercolor Class - Holiday Cards

2011-12-13T08:01:00.003-07:00

HOLIDAY CARDS

Watercolor, Ink & Glitter

It has become a wonderful tradition with my students to end each year with a class making holiday cards.

We use 140 lb watercolor paper in small sizes - a great way to use up scraps or the back of paintings you don't like. When finished they can be mounted on cards with matching envelopes.

Fine line waterproof pens are used to add details to the painting and I have stencils on hand for fun oval shapes. We also use glitter dust in all colors to add that extra bling!

And of course we have plenty of homemade treats, some bubbly to drink and Christmas music playing in the background. I think it takes us all back to the end of the year school party and makes us giddy with excitement - brings out the kid in all of us!

Creative Monday Challenge 49 and 50 - The Deer

2011-12-12T08:00:00.003-07:00

THE RESTING PLACE

Original Watercolor - 8x10

Purchase Info

The Creative Challenge last week was to include some kind of animal in your painting. I have always enjoyed seeing the deer out in the wild areas of Colorado and the few brave ones that venture in to the surrounding neighborhoods. I purposely kept the background and foreground loose so that the focus was on the deer resting peacefully in the grass.

Creative Challenge #50 - paint a subject of your choice.

Southern Style Commission Painting by Colorado Artist Martha Kisling

2011-12-10T07:21:00.000-07:00

CHERRY BLOSSOM BIRDS

Original Watercolor - 11x15

SOLD

I was recently commissioned to do a painting for a wonderful southern woman. I was givien a picture of her wallpaper for an idea of colors and told that she wanted birds - the rest was up to me. The colors were rose and green so I decided you could not get more genteel than cherry blossoms.

It is always a challenge to do a commission piece - I always worry that it will not be what they had in mind. Luckily Betty was thrilled with the end result and has it hanging in a place of honor in the sunroom of her South Carolina home.

Batik Card Workshop - Happy Holidays!

2011-12-09T07:30:00.003-07:00

Watercolor Batik Workshop

Holiday Cards

Last week I hosted a Watercolor Batik Workshop at my home in Colorado Springs, CO where we created twelve holiday cards using some of my designs shown above or the artists could create their own.

It was a cold, snowy Colorado day but the door wreath was in place to greet everyone and Christmas carols were filling the air.

The ladies spent the day applying melted wax to rice paper as a resist and using their watercolors to add color.

The final step is to crinkle the paper and apply dark paint to settle in the cracks for the 'batik look' - always a little nerve wrecking until everything is ironed off and the final piece is revealed!

It was a wonderful day filled with sharing, eating, laughing and creating - it does not get any better than that, especially during the busy holiday season!

Winter's Purple Twilight Art Collection

2011-12-07T07:52:00.000-07:00

COUNTRY STORM

Original Watercolor - 11x15

Purchase Info

My original watercolor Country Storm is included in a beautiful Etsy Treasury titled Winter's Purple Twilight - 'It's that time at twilight when the sky is a lavender wonderland. Twilight and dusk when the snow glows in tones of lavender.'

To see the rest of this collection click here

Creative Monday Challenge 48 and 49 - Odd Is Better

2011-12-05T07:30:00.001-07:00

SPRING RAINBOW

Original Watercolor - 11x15

Purchase Info

The Creative Challenge last week was to use an odd number of items in your composition. For Spring Rainbow I used three large yellow flowers as the main focus of the composition. I began this painting with wet paper and a free application of bright colors, placing the yellow in the areas I wanted the main flowers and adding some spatters here and there. When all was dry I used negative painting to define the flowers, leaves and vase.

Creative Challenge #49 - paint an animal of your choice in a nature setting.

Great Gift Ideas - Small Works by Colorado Artist Martha Kisling

2011-12-03T07:25:00.000-07:00

BOUQUET OF LOVE

Original Watercolor - 8x10

Purchase Info

Bouquet of Love is one of my 'small works' measuring 8x10 inches. This is a great size because you can slip it right into a standard 8x10 frame or an 11x15 mat and frame. All paintings are originals - not prints - and affordably priced at $45. Consider giving the gift of art to someone special this holiday season. To see all of my small works click here.

Experimental Painting - Go For It!

2011-12-02T07:09:00.001-07:00

SUNBURST

Watercolor on gessoed paper - 11x15

Purchase Info

I love to use my watercolor in unexpected ways and see what happens. No other medium is as spontaneous and unpredictable as watercolor. For Sunburst, I used a piece of 140 lb watercolor paper that had been coated with gesso and started applying paint - no sketching first - no value studeies - just let the paint do its thing on a slick surface. Drips, runs, colors mixing - sometimes glorious surprises, other times disaster - all the while trying to think about design, shape, color and value.

The experimental artist starts by asking a question: “What would happen if…..if I let these two colors merge - if I painted on a different surface - if I collaged on some interesting shapes…if I scrunched up plastic wrap and left it there until the painting dried?” It can be scary to step outside your comfort zone and risk failure - but you will definitely grow as an artist, learn new techniques and come away with unexpectied creative results!

Are you ready to experiment? Step outside of your comfort zone? What creative surprises have you experienced?

I shared this with Paint Party Friday

Pear It! - Etsy Treasury

2011-11-30T07:00:00.002-07:00

COUNTRY TREE PEARS

Original Watercolor - 8x10

Purchase Info

This painting was included in an Etsy Treasuty titled Pear It! I used a natural sea sponge dipped in watercolor on wet paper for the background and added the stneciled letters for that country look. To see more of the pear collection click here.

Creative Monday Challenge 47 and 48 - Pumpkin Patch

2011-11-28T06:59:00.036-07:00

PUMPKIN PATCH

Original Watercolor - 8x10

Purchase Info

The Creative Challenge last week was to use complementary colors in your painting. Since we were painting fall subjects in my Tuesday morning class I decided to combine the two and use the complementary colors blue and orange for a pumpkin painting. I changed things up a bit by using manganese blue instead of ultra marine (which is more traditional) and used Cheap Joe's Halloween Orange - a very fun color! I kept the background loose and suggestive.

Creative Monday Challenge #48 - it is always a good idea to place objects in your composition in odd numbers instead of even - three is better than two. Keep this idea in mind as you plan your composition this week.

A New Home For Kitty Kat - Colorado Artist Martha Kisling

2011-11-27T07:00:00.002-07:00

KITTY KAT

Original Watercolor - 8x10

SOLD

This colorful little kitty now has a new home in Denver, CO. I had originally painted it from a photo for a Daily Paintworks Challenge and pushed myself to be creative with the color. I had fun incorporating gold, turquoise and purple into the kitty's fur - I am glad it has found a good home!

A November Poem

2011-11-25T10:42:00.016-07:00

November

November comes

And November goes,

With the last red berries

And the first white snows.

With night coming early,

And dawn coming late,

And ice in the bucket

And frost by the gate.

The fires burn

And the kettles sing,

And earth sinks to rest

Until next spring.”

~ Clyde Watson ~

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving with friends and family!

November Newsletter Is Out and Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-23T07:13:00.026-07:00

BIRD'S EYE VIEW

Watercolor Batik - 12x19

Purchase Info

Bird's Eye View was featured in my November Fine Art Newsletter. If you have not already subscribed to it you can do so at the top right of this blog and be eligible for a free giveaway each month. The newsletter can be viewed here.

I have many things to be thankful for in my life including wonderful friends and family. We are excited to be able to spend the holiday with our kids and extended family - here's hoping that you all get to enjoy lots of love, laughter and turkey - Happy Thanksgiving!

Creative Monday Challenge 46 and 47 - Stay Loose

2011-11-21T07:15:00.001-07:00

COUNTRY BIRDHOUSES

Original Watercolor - 11x15

Purchase Info

The Creative Challenge was to use a loosely painted background for your subject matter.

I started this painting as a class demo and wet the paper first. I then applied the light green, manganese blue and some burnt sienna randomly, keeping away from the center area. I also spattered some of those colors here and there to help loosen things up. When everything was dry I began to negative paint around the birdhouses to start defining them.

Creative Monday Challenge #47 - Use the complementory colors blue and orange in a painting.

Vote For The Magazine Cover

2011-11-19T07:04:00.000-07:00

COLORFUL TRIO

Original Watercolor on gesso

I have submitted Colorful Trio in an art contest sponsored by Grumbacher Art Supply. The winning artwork will be on the cover of their online art magazine Thalo. If you would like to vote for me please click here. Voting ends Nov 27 and you can vote each day until then. Thanks for your support.

Watercolor Batik Workshop - Holiday Cards by Colorado Artist Martha Kisling

2011-11-18T18:56:00.004-07:00

WATERCOLOR BATIK WORKSHOP

HOLIDAY CARDS

Fri Dec 2, 2011

9:30 to 3:30

$55

Create 12 beautiful holiday cards using the same rice paper and melted wax technique used for larger batiks. Six designs to choose from - cards and envelopes will be supplied along with the rice paper and wax. Glitter will also be available for that extra bling. Join us for a fun and creative day while discovering the beautiful qualities of batik art!

Only a few spots left - for registration information please email me at MarthaKisling@msn.com
I shared this with Flaunt It Friday and Paint Party Friday

Creative Monday Challenge 45 and 46

2011-11-16T07:45:00.001-07:00

RIBBONS AND ROSES

Original Watercolor - 11x15

Purchase Info

The Creative Challenge last week was to paint a ribbon in your artwork. It is a good way to practice paying attention to your values - lights and darks - as the ribbon twists and turns.

The Creative Monday Challenge #46 is to use a loose - not much detail - background in your painting. Subject matter can be of your choosing.

Breckenridge Good Bye and Colorful Trees

2011-11-15T07:42:00.000-07:00

TREES OF MANY COLORS

Watercolor on gesso - 11x15

Purchase Info

It is time to pack everything up and say good bye to my wonderful two weeks as the Guest Artist in Breckenridge, CO. I have had a fantastic time, met great people, spent alot of time painting and enjoyed the beautiful snowy mountain scenery. I so appreciate the Arts District giving me this opportunity and hope to be back next year - thanks!

I decided to head down to Main Street on my last night and take a few photos of Breckenridge at night - some of the businesses even have their Christmas lights up!

Breckenridge Second Saturday Art Walk - Colorado Artist Martha Kisling

2011-11-14T07:00:00.010-07:00

WINTER FOREST

Watercolor Batik - 12x19

Purchase Info

Once a month Breckenridge hosts Second Saturday in the Arts District where they feature different artists in each of their historic buildings.

Here is the flyer showing examples of work from each of the featured artists.

Here I am in front of the Tin Shop - my husband insisted on taking a photo, not my favorite thing - and of course I specialize in watercolors and watercolor batiks.

This is the Breckenridge Theatre and each month they open up a new play on Second Saturday and feature two artists - this month was textile artist Monica Cowing and woodworker Tim Sabo.

Across from the Tin Shop is the Fuqua Livery Stable where photographer Carl Scofield is the resident artist.

Down the street is the Robert Whyte House featuring glass artist Ned Walley. It was a fun evening visiting with the other artists, the Mayor of Breckenridge, the Arts Council and many of the town reside

Breckenridge on Dwellable

nts.

Breckenridge Watercolor Batik Workshop by Colorado Artist Martha Kisling

2011-11-13T06:53:00.002-07:00

FALL ASPEN

Watercolor Batik - 12x19

Purchase Info

As part of the Guest Artist Program here in Breckenridge I taught a workshop on Watercolor Batik at the Tin Shop.

I had everything set up and ready to go for the workshop. The Breckenridge Arts District provides all of the supplies for the students in an effort to promote the arts to the public - a great program!

Registration was limited to six students and we ended up having a waiting list - I was happy that so many were interested in learning how to do Watercolor Batik.

We had a wonderful time with lots of laughter and learning. They were a great group of students that were all willing to jump right in and give watercolor a try. Everyone went home happy and excited with their new batik painting.

Breckenridge Blossoms and Going To The Dogs

2011-11-12T07:02:00.000-07:00

BRECKENRIDGE BLOSSOMS

Original Watercolor - 11x15

Purchase Info

I just finished up this painting sitting in my Tin Shop Studio in Breckenridge, CO. The weather is sunny and clear and I am staying nice and warm. This was another half finished painting that I had brought with me and is my favorite way to paint. I began with wet paper and placed in blues and purples while trying to keep some areas white for the flowers. When everything was dry I did alot of negative painting to bring out and define the flowers and leaves. I also love painting in cool colors - I seem to have more luck keeping the colors crisp and clean.

There is something about big dogs and mountain towns here in Colorado - you never seem to see any little, tiny dogs - only big, hearty ones. I caught this one napping in the sun after a big snow.

Now that is one big, furry dog - who is taking the lead on this walk.

Two for the price of one! There was another pair of dogs sitting near by but by the time I got my camera out they had moved on.

Breckenridge Batiks In Progress by Colorado Artist Martha Kisling

2011-11-11T07:00:00.061-07:00

PASTEL DAISIES

Watercolor Batik - 12x19

Purchase Info

Here are all the watercolor batiks I am working on at the Tin Shop in Breckenridge, CO. Once the wax has melted I figure I should take advantage of it and work on several batiks at once. Then I turn off the wax and paint on all of them so they can sit and dry before the next wax application.

I thought I would show the steps I go through with my watercolor batiks. First, I ink in the drawing on rice paper using a thin, waterproof pen. Then I apply the melted wax to anything I want to stay white - just like using masking fluid. Even though the daisy petals are white I wanted a little color on them first so I just spattered a little wax her and there for the whites.

After using watercolor for some shading on the flowers I applied wax to all of the petals to protect them from further applications of paint. The watercolor tends to run outside of the ink lines on the rice paper so to keep a sharp edge you must apply wax. Now that the petals are protected I can paint the leaves right next to the flowers.

I applied wax to the stems and leaves and then painted the entire background. At this point you don't have to be careful, you can paint right over the flowers because they are protected with wax.

The last step is to paint the melted wax all over the backgound and then wad up the entire painting - the scary part - to crack the wax. Then you smooth it out and paint a dark color over the entire piece - this will settle in the cracks to give that authentic 'batik look'. As you can see below, it looks like a mess - at this point you just have to trust the process.

Using newspaper you iron off all of the wax and you are done. It is always a surprise to see the beautiful and unique end result of this process - enjoy!

I shared this with Paint Party Friday - check out the other artists!

Breckenridge Music Festival - Artist Reception

2011-11-10T06:35:00.002-07:00

ASPEN GLOW

Watercolor Batik - 18x24

For over twenty years the town of Breckenridge has hosted a summer music festival called Bach, Beethoven and Breckenridge. Each year the Hang Time Art Gallery puts out a Call to Artists for paintings to be submited for consideration as the promotional art used for the festival.

As the Guest Artist I was asked to submit a painting. Since I did not know about this until I got here I was limited to the art I brought with me to the Tin Shop and it had to be a minimum size of 18x24 inches - much bigger than I normally paint. Luckily, I had brought Aspen Glow which was exactly the right size, already matted and Colorado appropriate.

The Hang Time Gallery hosted a lovely reception for the artists last night. Here you can see some of the art and of course my batik on the right. It was alot of fun to have a glass of wine and meet some of the other artists and members of the Breckenridge Music Council. Many of these people have retired in Breckenridge and keep very busy with their volunteer work, skiing, golfing and book clubs!

Anyone who comes in to the gallery is invited to vote on their favorite piece. The winner will be announced sometime next week - keep your fingers crossed!

Breckenridge and Victorian Architecture

2011-11-09T07:00:00.001-07:00

SUMMER SUNFLOWERS

Watercolor Batik - 12x19

Purchase Info

Breckenridge, CO is known for its Victorian architecture especially along their Main Street.

Some of the buildings are homes to the locals - don't you love the cute snow covered benches!

Some have been converted to a Bed and Breakfast and are usually painted bright colors.

Quite a few are restaurants and you can definitely eat your way through town - here is a cute Pizza Parlor

Alot of the buildings along the main street are shops - this is one of my favorites - wonderful home decor pieces.

Breckenridge Arts District - Ceramics Studio

2011-11-08T07:00:00.001-07:00

SOLITARY BEAUTY

Original Watercolor - 11x15

Purchase Info

Across from the Tin Shop is the cute little Ceramics Studio, another part of the growing Breckenridge Arts District.

The studio is run by ceramic artist Maria and classes are offered along with open studio hours for artists to work on projects of their own.

Years ago I tried to learn how to throw a pot using the wheel - the clay seemed to control me instead of the other way around. Rachel does not seem to have that problem.

Breckenridge and Creative Monday Challenge 44 & 45

2011-11-07T06:43:00.003-07:00

POINSETTIAS

Original Watercolor - 11x15

Purchase Info

The Creative Challenge last week was to finish up one of your paintings that has been sitting around waiting for some love. With all of the classes that I teach I am always starting a painting as a demo to show the students the main idea for the day but then spend the rest of the class giving individual help to everyone. My goal as a teacher is to inspire everyone to find their own artistic style and not just copy mine, so Iusually end up a stack of half finished paintings.

The above painting is one that I brought with me to Breckenridge and I managed to get it finished yesterday. This class demo began with wetting the paper and then painting in some light background colors. Using more paint and less water, I painted the flowers shapes, some leaves and the suggestion of berries. To finish the painting I gave more definition to the existing flower petals and leaves and added a few more berries and leaves to balance out the composition.
Creative Monday Challenge #45 - paint a ribbon in your painting. It can be a challenge to create depth and direction with something as soft and supple as a ribbon so pay attention to your values.

Breckenridge Guest Artist Welcome for Colorado Artist Martha Kisling

2011-11-06T08:04:00.003-07:00

ASPEN AND FLOWERS

Watercolor Batik - 12x19

Purchase Info

I woke up to eight inches of fresh snow and a winter wonderland. A white blanket covering everything - so pretty!

The Tin Shop looks so cute all covered in snow. I had to really bundle up to go outside and take this photo.

I hung out the sign to tell everyone that the studio was open for visits and even placed a painting on an easel out front to make it more obvious. Don't you love my homemade Studio Open sign - I had to make do with the materials on hand.

This is the flyer that was made for my visit - made me feel so official! The Arts Council even hosted a reception to welcome me to the Breckenridge Tin Shop Guest Artist program and introduce me to the public. It was great fun to meet people who are a part of their growing Art District, local artists and art lovers.

Inside the Breckenridge Studio

2011-11-05T07:51:00.000-06:00

VILLA WINDOW

Original Watercolor - 11x15

Purchase Info

It took me a couple of hours to get everything unloaded from the car and set up inside the Tin Shop studio.

I placed an email sign up sheet and information about my art on the small round table for people to see as they first entered the studio.

It was a challenge to figure out how to arrange everything using the space and furniture that was available. I grouped all of my Watercolor Batiks together since that is the focus of my workshop.

Wonderful light and plenty of table space available for me to paint and demo the batik process. I have a stack of half finished paintings that I hope to complete during my stay.

Breckenridge Tin Shop - Artist Studio

2011-11-04T07:06:00.005-06:00

FRESH SNOW

Original Watercolor - 11x15

Purchase Info

While I am in Breckenridge as an Artist in Residence I will be staying at the historic Tin Shop located in the town's Arts District.

The Tin Shop is Breckenridge's guest artist facility with studio space on the ground floor and furnished living quarters above.

Artist are invited to stay at the Tin Shop and work on their medium of choice - mine of course is watercolor with an emphasis on watercolor batik. The artist is also expected to interact with the public and lead a participation program so I will also be teaching a Watercolor Batik Workshop. Don't you love the cute sign!

This is the wonderful view from the Tin Shop of the Breckenridge mountains and ski slopes - just beautiful. I feel so lucky to be able to look at this everyday!

I shared this with Paint Party Friday and Artists in Blogland

The Journey To Breckenridge Begins - Colorado Artist Martha Kisling

2011-11-03T07:39:00.001-06:00

MOUNTAIN POPPIES

Original Watercolor - 11x15

Purchase Info

If you have been following my blog at all you know that I have been excitedly preparing for my visit to Breckenridge, CO where I will be their Artist in Residence for two weeks.

I got up early and loaded up the car with all of my watercolor paintings, art supplies, clothes and a few snacks for the long drive to the mountains - luckily everything fit with room to spare.

After an hour and a half of driving and listening to my country music - yes, I am a country girl at heart - I got my first glimpse of snow covered mountains.

Another hour on the road and I was headed over Hoosier Pass - a very windy road over the Rocky Mountains that peaks at an elevation of 11,532 ft - then you head down to the beautiful town of Breckenridge.

I was happy to see the town sign welcoming me - well, maybe not me specifically - to my newest art adventure!

Grapes in Oregon

2011-11-02T15:21:00.000-06:00

GRAPES AND LEAVES

Original Watercolor - 15x22

SOLD

Grapes and Leaves is on it's way to a new home with Pamela in Oregon. When I began this painting I used wax paper and cheese cloth to create the initial abstract shapes and then later used ALOT of negative painting to form the shapes of the grapes, leaves and stems.

Creative Monday Challenge #44 - Finish Up

2011-10-31T07:51:00.002-06:00

The Creative Challenge for this week is to stop procrastinating and finish up one of those paintings that you started a while back but is just sitting in your 'To Do' pile. We often get caught up in the creative excitement of beginning an art project but then fizzle out before we finish it. Sometimes it just takes making yourself sit down and start working on that unfinished painting to get those creative juices flowing again. As they say - Just Do It!

Creative Monday Challenge # 43 - Bird and Blossoms

2011-10-30T07:00:00.001-06:00

BIRD AND BLOSSOMS

Original Watercolor - 8x10

Purchase Info

Last week the Creative Challenge was to paint a bird or birds - cute or otherwise. I chose to paint a cute little blue bird sitting among the peach blossoms. Birds are not as hard to paint as you might think - just take a section at a time - the head, body, wing - and remember that round objects are lighter in the center area and shaded around the edges.

Breckenridge Batik - All Packed and Ready to Go!

2011-10-29T09:41:00.002-06:00

FLOWERS IN POTS

Watercolor Batik - 23x29 Matted

Purchase Info

I am all packed and ready to head to the mountains for my Artist in Residence program in Breackenridge, CO. I will be focusing on Watercolor Batiks and showing the technique to the public so stay tuned!

Aspens in the South

2011-10-27T09:27:00.003-06:00

MOUNTAIN STREAM

Original Watercolor - 15x22

SOLD

Tabatha from our old stomping grounds of South Carolina purchased both of these paintings. Aspens are my favorite trees to paint so I am happy they both have a new home!

ASPEN REFLECTIONS

Original Watercolor - 11x15

SOLD

My Symphony

2011-10-25T06:18:00.000-06:00

WINTER SYMPHONY

Original Watercolor - 11x15

Purchase Info

My Symphony

To live content with small means.... To seek

elegance rather than luxury, and refinement rather

than fashion.... To be worthy, not respectable, and

wealthy, not rich.... To study hard, think quietly,

talk gently, act frankly.... To listen to stars and birds,

to babes and sages, with open heart.... To bear all

cheerfully, do all bravely, await occasions, hurry

never.... In a word, to let the spiritual, unbidden and

unconscious, grow up through the common....

...this is to be my symphony.

William Henry Channing

Creative Monday Challenge #43 - Birds

2011-10-24T07:40:00.002-06:00

The Creative Challnge for this week is to paint a bird or two - they can be cute little birds or huge wild ones - your choice!

Creative Monday Challenge #42 - Painterly Floral

2011-10-23T10:30:00.004-06:00

GARDEN BOUQUET

Original Watercolor on Gesso - 11x15

Purchase Info

The Creative Challenge this week was to use a painterly style in your artwork."Painterly" is defined as having visible "brush strokes", the result of applying paint in a less than completely controlled manner, generally without closely following carefully drawn lines. It is a little more challenging to paint this way with watercolor but I have found that if I coat the paper with white gesso first to create a slick surface it allows the brushwork to show up more and give a painterly effect.

In this close up of Garden Bouquet you can see the brushwork and the drips and runs that are created with the watercolor during the painting process.

Golden Colorado Aspens

2011-10-22T08:26:00.000-06:00

ASPEN TREES

Watercolor Batik - 19x24

Purchase Info

We are so lucky to live in the beautiful state of Colorado and see the aspen leaves turn a brillian gold each year. I am honored to have Aspen Trees included in an Etsy collection titled Golden Colorado Aspens. To see other items from artists living in the Mountain Time Zone click here.

A Rose Is A Rose

2011-10-21T07:51:00.003-06:00

YELLOW ROSE

Original Watercolor - 8x10

Purchase Info

Last week when I announced to my students that we would be painting roses they did not even try to quiet their moans and groans. Roses are such a perfect flower that they can be challenging to paint but with practice and an open mind you will learn enjoy the process and be happy with your results - I promise!

I began with a light sketch of the rose and then wet the whole piece of paper. Keeping in mind that I wanted a light colored rose, I laid in my colors of pale yellow and light blue. I added a little bit of peach in the flower area and then some green where I wanted the leaves to be. To loosen things up a bit I spattered some paint. Notice that some of the green crept into the flower because of the wet paper - no need to panic, this will just add a cohesive look to the painting.

After everything is dry, I just took a petal at a time and painted in the shadow areas of the rose, building up the value a step at a time. Be sure you let each layer dry before painting on top - this will keep your colors clear and pure.

I shared this with Paint Party Friday and Artists in Blogland!

A Loving Granddaughter With An Artist's Heart

2011-10-19T07:00:00.001-06:00

It has been a hard year for our family - losing my Dad in May and now my Mother-in-law Pat, who passed away yesterday. We were able to spend alot of time up in Denver with her during her illness and painting, crafts and knitting have always been a big part of her life. My twelve year old niece, Dakota, has been an absolute angel during these last three months, coming by to visit her grandma every day and always treating her in a caring and loving manner - brushing her hair, giving her a facial, painting her nails, helping her eat, sharing the events of her day and always telling her how much she loved her.

During several of these visits Dakota had time for a few watercolor lessons - learning and sharing with her grandma. As you can see from her wonderful painting and her bright, beautiful smile, she has a true artist's heart!

Creative Monday Challenge #42 - Painterly Style

2011-10-18T08:14:00.000-06:00

In the world of painting you often hear the term 'painterly' being thrown around - what exactly does that mean? Here are a few definitions that I found.

paint·er·ly adj.
1. Of, relating to, or characteristic of a painter; artistic.
2. Having qualities unique to the art of painting.

An oil painting is "painterly" when there are visible "brush strokes", the result of applying paint in a less than completely controlled manner, generally without closely following carefully drawn lines. Works characterized as "painterly" can be produced with any painting media, oils, acrylics, watercolors, gouache, etc.

Painterly refers to achieving an organic, loose, hand-crafted quality of mark-making as opposed to glossy photographic high realism where no marks are evident and the work takes on an almost mechanically made quality.

The Creative Challenge this week is to create a piece of art in a 'painterly' manner using whatever medium, that you choose.

Creative Monday Challenge #41 - Fall Leaves

2011-10-18T08:13:00.000-06:00

FALL BLUES

Original Watercolor - 11x15

Purchase Info

The Creative Challenge last week was to paint fall leaves. Every year in my classes we bring in real leaves and use them as stamps to get wonderful leaf impressions on our paintings. For Fall Blues I first wet the paper and painted in some blues and purples for the background using a cruciform composition design. When that was dry, I took a real leaf and painted watercolor on the back and them stamped it on to the painting, creating wonderful leaf shapes and vein details. It doesn't always work perfectly but that just adds to the artistic effect. I then used negative painting to further define the shapes and add some leaves in the background. I added some warm burnt sieena to balance out the cool tones of the blues and purple.

I know I am a day late posting this but my camera decided to stop working and I had to wait for the new one to arrive - maybe I should call it the Creative Tuesday Challenge!

Sunflowers in Indiana - SOLD

2011-10-16T18:00:00.000-06:00

STARS OF SUMMER

Original Watercolor - 11x15

SOLD

I do love to paint sunflowers and this painting was finished and posted just last week. It is now happily on its way to a new home with Barbara in Indiana - a very quick turn around!

October Newsletter - Everything is Coming up Roses!

2011-10-15T20:26:00.000-06:00

YELLOW ROSE

Original Watercolor - 11x15

SOLD

My Fine Art Newsletter for October was sent out a few days ago and this month's winner of the free art give-a-way was Lorraine from Canada. A print of Yellow Rose is in the mail and on its way and I am thrilled to have subscribers from our neighbors up north!

If you have not already subscribed to the newsletter you can do so in the upper right corner of this blog and you can see this month's newsletter here.

Watermedia and Collage - A Fun Combination!

2011-10-14T08:29:00.003-06:00

WINTER ROSE

Watermedia Collage - 8x10

Purchase Info

Sometimes it is fun to experiment with different media so I decided to try using some acrylics in a manner similar to my watercolors.

I used 140 lb watercolor paper and wet the sky area first. I used the acrylics thinned down to create soft, loose shapes for the trees. After that dried I wet the foreground and painted the soft shadows in the snow.

Then, I decided to collage on some thin rice paper in the background trees and snow area. The nice thing about the acrylic paint is that it won't run or lift once it is dry, so coming in with more paint or matte medium for the collage won't change the underpaitning. When dry, I used more acrylics to paint on top of the rice paper, creating interesting shapes and texture. I also started painting the barn and fence.

I ended going back to watercolor to paint in the trees and forground. I used gesso on the edge of a piece of mat board to stamp the aspen trees and added details with watercolor. I also added some rose colored collage papers which gave a winter wonderland feel to the painting.

A fun piece to paint - going back and forth between watercolor, acrylic and collage!

I also shared this post with Paint Party Friday and Artists in Blogland

Memories in the Making - The Color Purple

2011-10-13T07:30:00.000-06:00

This cute lady was one of the artists at a Care Community I visited last week. She participates in the Alzheimer's Memories in the Making art program where each week she uses painting to express herself artistically. People with dementia may start to lose some of their verbal skills but art gives them another avenue for expression and a way to tap into a lifetime of memories.

I told her that she looked so pretty in her hat and she pointed out that it had a purple rim that matched her outfit and the color she was using to paint with. She was painting with a fan brush and having a wonderful time!

The artists can use still life objects, photos or even their own imagination for painting inspiration. The wonderful volunteer at this care community had spent alot of her own time cutting out pictures and mounting them on colorful card stock for the artists to use.

As the coordinator for the Memories in the Making program in Colorado Springs I am always thankful for all of the time and effort our volunteers put into the program - we could not do it with out them - thanks!

Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening

2011-10-11T07:01:00.000-06:00

COMING HOME

Original Watercolor - 8x10

Purchase Info

Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening

Whose woods these are I think I know.

His house is in the village though;

He will not see me stopping here

To watch his woods fill up with snow.

My little horse must think it queer

To stop without a farmhouse near

Between the woods and frozen lake

The darkest evening of the year.

He gives his harness bells a shake

To ask if there is some mistake.

The only other sound's the sweep

Of the easy wind and downy flake.

The woods are lovely, dark, and deep,

But I have promises to keep,

And miles to go before I sleep,

And miles to go before I sleep.

~ Robert Frost ~

Creative Monday Challenge #41 - Leaves

2011-10-10T08:03:00.000-06:00

The Creative Challenge for this week is to use fall leaves as your subject - any medium, any style.

Creative Monday Challenge #40 - Oil and Wine

2011-10-09T07:32:00.001-06:00

SOLITARY IRIS

Oil - 9x12

The Creative Challenge this week was to try a new medium soI decided to play around with my oils some more. Years (and I do mean years) ago I used oils when I was doing some decorative painting but they tended to be very small, structured paintings. This summer I decided to give oils a try again, ordered some paints and took a couple of classes but have not touched them since.

I was getting together with friends for a Paint Day so decided it was a good time to dig out the oils again. Here I am packed up and ready to go - don't you love my fancy paint box?

HereI am all set up and ready to start painting. Beautiful, freshly squeezed paint, clean brushes and of course the all important glass of wine and bowl of cheese sticks!

The end of the afternoon - my iris painting is finished, the palette is a little bit messier and of course the wine glass is almost empty. I had moments of frustration with the oils but overall I was happy with the results. I have painted an iris similar to this in acrylics and much prefer the soft, buttery feel of the oils.

Overall, a great day of painting with friends and experimenting with a new medium - it just doesn't get much better than that!

Just Beachy!

2011-10-08T08:36:00.002-06:00

BEACH DAY

Original Watercolor - 11x15

Purchase Info

A day at the beach is always fun and a great way to relax and unwind. This painting is featured in an Etsy Treasury titled Just Beachy and was put together by someone who gets to enjoy the Florida beach every day. To see more clever beach items click here.

Where is your favorite beach to vacation?

Stars of Summer

2011-10-07T06:37:00.013-06:00

STARS OF SUMMER

Original Watercolor - 11x15

SOLD

As most of you know I LOVE painting sunflowers - you can have so much creative fun with their overall shape, big centers and crazy petals. For Stars of Summer I began with wet paper and randomly applied color all over. When everything was dry I began defining the flowers by painting around the shapes (negative painting) and then added more definition to the sunflower centers and petals. A bright, happy painting to remind us all about summer.

I have shared this post on Paint Party Friday and Show and Tell Saturday- check out the other artists.

Mailboxes and a Family of Geese

2011-10-05T07:15:00.000-06:00

SNOWY MAILBOXES

Original Watercolor - 15x22

Purchase Info

A stormy sky, mountains in the distance and snow falling on country mailboxes - this is a scene where I would expect to see geese flying overhead or nestled in the grass to keep warm - not walking around right outside my back door.

The other day as I headed outside for my morning run (not that I actually get it done every morning) I suddenly saw a family of geese calmly walking down the street.

I watched them for a while and then ran back for my camera - luckily they stayed put long enough for me to snap a few pics. Sometimes it is life's little surprises that can put a smile on your face and make your day!

Breckenridge Batik - Headed to the Mountains

2011-10-04T07:42:00.001-06:00

SUNFLOWER GARDEN

Watercolor Batik - 12x14

Purchase Info

Just a few more weeks and I will be in the mountain's for my Artist in Residence program in Breckenridge, CO. It should be a wonderful experience - time to paint, interact with the public and teach a workshop on watercolor batik. To see where I am staying click here.

Creative Monday Challemge #40 - Try a New Medium

2011-10-03T06:48:00.000-06:00

The Creative Challenge for this week is to experiment with a new medium or one that you do not use very often. Relax, experiment, have fun!

Creative Monday Challenge #39 - Clouds

2011-10-02T13:07:00.000-06:00

ON THE RANGE

Original Watercolor - 8x10

Purchase Info

The Creative Challenge this week was to paint big, full clouds. For On The Range I painted the sky on dry paper - not my usual wet on wet - and saved white paper for large, dramatic clouds. This whole painting was done in a quick, bold, direct style of painting with little fussing over details.

Sunflowers and Gesso

2011-09-28T08:42:00.003-06:00

SUNFLOWER BLISS

Original Watercolor on gessoed paper

$70 - Buy Here

Last week in my Wednesday night class we painted with watercolor on gessoed paper. The white gesso creates a slick surface to paint on, allowing the watercolor to slip and slide around creating glowing color and interesting texture.

This technique is a great way to use old paintings that did not quite turn out and are ready for the trash -am I the only one who has those? All you need to do is paint several coats of white gesso on the 140 lb watercolor paper, using very smooth strokes or creating texture with the brush if you want.

As you are painting with the watercolor it helps to lift the paper and let the paint run, creating fun drips and blossoms.

You can also spatter drops of water and paint for texture and the paint can be lifted off easily at any time if you make a mistake or change your mind. This is a great way to loosen up your painting style!

Check out Paint Party Friday and Show and tell Saturday where I am sharing this post along with other artists.

Creative Rituals

2011-09-27T07:46:00.001-06:00

GARDEN BASKET

Original Watercolor - 11x15

$60 - Buy Here

Do you have a Creative Ritual that you follow? Something you do to put yourself in that artistic frame of mind? Do you light candles, place fresh flowers in a vase, play a certain kind of music, practice deep breathing? Do you have a space set aside just for creativity - whether it is painting, arranging flowers, writing or cooking? What do you do to encourage your Creative Self?

Creative Monday Challenge #39 - Big, Full Clouds

2011-09-26T08:05:00.000-06:00

The Creative Challenge for this week is to paint a sky with big, billowy clouds - don't be subtle!

I hope you are enjoying your own Creative Journey whatever that may be - I would love to hear from you about it!

Creative Monday Challenge #38 - Textured Poppy

2011-09-25T07:45:00.003-06:00

POPPY

Original Acrylic - 5x5x1.5 canvas

$45 - Buy Here

The Creative Challenge this week was to experiment with using mediums to create texture. I used acrylics with modeling paste to build up texture on a painting of a large poppy. I started with a small stretched canvas - 5x5x1.5 inches - and sketched in the overall shape of the poppy. Using the modeling paste I built up texture for each petal, especially along their edges. It is sort of like icing a cake, spreading it with a palette knife. When that was dry, I used acrylic paints to add color to the flower. The background and suggestion of leaves was created with paint only - no texture.

I continued the painting onto all four sides of the canvas to add to the three dimensional look. Because it is a gallery wrapped canvas - no staples showing - it is ready to hang or display on a table easel.

I enjoyed experimenting with the modeling paste but could definitely use more practice. Using acrylics can create a shiny look that presents challenges when photographing - using any flash just creates reflections. I did enjoy using the small canvas and painting around the sides - all in all it was a worthwhile exercise to stretch my artistic muscles!

A Silver Queen is Honored

2011-09-23T07:21:00.000-06:00

This happy lady is one of the artists in the Alzheimer's Memories in the Making art program at a Care Community in Colorado Springs. When I visited last week I found out that they had taken her down to the State Fair in Pueblo to participate in the Silver Queen Pageant - an event that has been going on for 37 years! All contestants had to exhibit a talent and hers was her art. In this photo she is holding up one of her paintings in progress.

Here she is with her trophy. She told me with a smile that she thought they gave all the ladies one but they also got to enjoy a delicious lunch and she had a wonderful day. The whole story really touched my heart - what a lovely way to celebrate these Silver Queens!

Class Assignment - Large Tree

2011-09-22T07:48:00.002-06:00

WINTER DAY

Original Watercolor - 8x10

$45 - Buy Here

The topic for class last week was to incorporate a close up of a tree into a painting. This was my demo showing how to paint texture on the tree using burnt sienna and ultramarine blue. Those two colors mixed equally make a wonderful gray for shadows and you can make it a little more blue or a little more brown if you want. We also talked about focal points - the tree is obviously the center of interest becasue it is the largest shape, has the most detail and has the brightest color.

It is not quite winter yet but we did have snow on Pikes Peak - must of inspired me to paint a winter scene that day.