watercolor

Painting a Twisted Old Tree

Art, Trees, watercolor tutorials

Trees are one of my favorite subjects in general; so, I can’t think of a better watercolor subject than a large gnarly tree, taking center stage. Down at the end of our driveway stands a large Weeping Willow. It is the stuff of fairytales. Vines have now made a home on it too, adding even more character to this old being. My neighbor would not be so quick to romanticize this tree, as I have. We tend to see nature differently. 

Twisted Old Tree. Watercolor on Arches Rough Paper

If anything, this old Weeping Willow made a fine live model for this watercolor tutorial! Wouldn’t you agree? And, as if this tree isn’t already dramatic on its own; in this painting, I attempt to enhance its presence further by painting it in a near-silhouette, keeping a bit of sunlight on the right side of the trunk, which is reflected by the snow. This allows the viewer’s eyes to feast on the details of the bark – ridges, fissures, holes, and so forth, instead of viewing just a dark form. The shadows on the snow create additional interest and the diffused background; hopefully, incites the viewer to complete the painting in their mind. 

If you decide to follow the tutorial and paint this scene on your own – just remember, there’s no need for details early in the painting. In fact, as an initial wash – the entire tree can be painted in just one (light) tone, some of which, you might decide to leave on the paper when you are finished painting. Move loosely and freely on the paper, as you add water and pigment. This is something I (and most people) struggle with due to a desire for perfection. Save the details for last and good luck!

Winter is Still Here – So Let’s Paint Garden Pansies

Art, Gardening, plants, watercolor, watercolor tutorials

Usually, around February – I start dreaming of things that bloom! Which is why I thought it would be fitting to do a watercolor video tutorial about painting some of the most colorful members of the Viola family – the Garden Pansies!

This tutorial is all about staying loose…

So many people, myself included, tend to tighten up when we attempt to paint the most beautiful flowers. But, it seems the more we try to be perfect, the less appealing a painting turns out. I don’t know why, but perhaps what’s missing are the rogue and random brush strokes; they make no apologies, even though they don’t follow any specific rules or principles. Though the eye seems more attracted to the expressive and wild than the perfect, but boring.

So come join me and swing that brush around as you wish, as we try to create a free, airy, yet attractive floral watercolor painting in anticipation of early spring bloomers!

Thanks for watching!

Paint a Winter Sky in Watercolor Using Salt

Art, Outdoor Adventure, watercolor tutorials

I haven’t given up on the salt watercolor technique tutorials yet, although I probably should, since the first salt video that I put on social media was a bit of a flop (so far). But, I’ve got high hopes for this one because it did turn out to be a solid winter landscape painting! The idea of the painting hit me as I was driving the kids to school. The sky at sunrise was beautiful but subtle, as the sun remained hidden behind thick winter clouds, but there was just enough luminosity to have something special to enjoy on our ride to school. On my way back home, I snapped a quick photo on the side of the road and thought; the sky would look even more interesting with a salt effect if were to paint this scene in watercolor.

We have not gotten much snow over the past couple of years so I was excited to actually have snow to include in this winter landscape! The entire play by play for this painting is now available on YouTube (link below). I hope you enjoy!

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Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse

Art, lighthouses, watercolor

I was asked to paint a lighthouse, as a Christmas gift for someone. I didn’t know where the photo given to me, was taken, but I had a feeling this scene takes place somewhere in Maine. Shown below is the rough sketch I started with.

Lighthouse Sketch

Turns out, this is the Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse, and it is indeed located in Maine (Acadia National Park). Below are progress photos of the painting.

Sky painted and the rest being worked on
Most of the painting completed. Final details needed.

The recipient of the painting grew up in Maine and this painting had a lot of symbolic meaning for him. I am happy that he liked it. The final stage of the painting is shown below!

Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse (18”x24” Watercolor)

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Autumn Appreciation

Art, Life Balance, watercolor
Autumn Woodland 14”x20”

After an unexpected allergic reaction from a bald-faced hornet sting, I feel fortunate to experience another autumn season. As woodland creatures prepare for the winter by caching food and planning for shelter, I start to wonder if the old wives’ tales told to predict winter will prove true this time. If so, we might be in for a good one. And, by good I mean power outages and lots of shoveling. 

But now, the calm before the storm. A near autumn-peak woodland. Deciduous trees will soon lay down their leaves to reveal naked branches, as they curve and twist this way and that way. The decaying leaves will soon provide nourishment to the naked figures, and an insulated vessel for overwintering insects. The systems at work, even during what appears to be dormancy, are complex and wonderful.