SPRING DAY - Plein Air

 

SPRING DAY

Watercolor - 11x14

Purchase Info

Plein Air is a French term that means 'in the open air.' It refers to the practice of painting outdoors, using the landscape as a direct subject. You use the natural light, color and movement to capture the essence of a landscape and usually start and finish the painting while you are outside.

I love the idea of plein air painting but it requires packing all your art supplies up and somewhat dealing with the elements. Our Art Guild does have a Plein Air Group that meets in the springtime, summer and early fall and it is a lot of fun to be outside and enjoy nature with your fellow artists.

I painted SPRING DAY as we all sat by the lake and for once the weather was cooperating. I used watercolor and a bit of oil pastel for the wildflowers and some highlights in the water.

WHISPERS OF PINK & Tissue Paper

WHISPERS OF PINK

Watercolor - 11x14

Purchase Info

For WHISPERS OF  PINK I first wet the 140 lb watercolor paper and then lay crumpled tissue paper on top. I spritzed the tissue with water and quickly painted loose areas of watercolor paint on the wet tissue paper. When all was dry, I lifted off the tissue and was happy to see a very colorful and textured beginning of a flower painting. I used negative painting (paint around the shapes) to pull out the flower petals and leaves for a soft, romantic floral painting.

 

Mixed Media Monday - VINEYARD GRAPES

 

VINEYARD GRAPES

Watercolor - 14x18

Purchase Info

I taught a one day workshop at the Tellico Village Art Guild here in east Tennessee where we painted grapes using real grape leaves, wax paper and cheese cloth to create fun shapes and texture in the final piece.

BIRD & BLOOMS - Watercolor Batik

 

BIRD & BLOOMS

Watercolor Batik - 12x18

Purchase Info

I recently taught a watercolor batik workshop where we painted birds and flowers growing on a white picket fence. I think we are all ready for a little springtime:)

TRANQUIL - Abstract Artwork

 

TRANQUIL

Acrylic on wood cradle board - 12x16x1

Purchase Info

Occasionally I like to play around with abstract painting which is always harder than it looks. You can't rely on painting objects that people are familiar with like and apple or a tree so you have to ficus on the basic Elements of Design. Shape, line, color, value, texture and scale. And then try to make those elements interesting, balanced and cohesive.

I love the cool, calm colors of TRANQUIL and was pretty happy with the result. have you tried abstract painting? 

I painted TRANQUIL using acrylic on a wood cradle board. The sides are painted black so it is ready to place on an easel or hang on a wall.