Resolutions for 2016

In January, many people make resolutions of various kinds. Here are a few challenges that I throw out to you for 2016.  See if any of these will be of interest as their purpose is to increase the amount of time you spend thinking, planning, learning or creating art.

I challenge you to learn something new about art, for example:

• read a new book or two about a style of painting you may not be familiar with, e.g. like abstract for me;
• subscribe to a new blog or magazine;
• order new DVDs;
• sign up for a new workshop or class;
• study the works of a new artist;
• etc...

I challenge you to spend more time creating, for example: 

• watch less watching TV and spend an hour more a week painting;
• arrange your schedule to have blocks of quality paint time;
• practice more time management practices;
• etc.... 

I challenge you to become more involved in your art community, for example:

• join a new art association;
• volunteer at one of the many events;
• attend more vernissages;
• contribute to more art discussions;
• encourage and support those that are starting out;
• etc....

I challenge you to spend more time with artist colleagues, for example:

• go to art shows or galleries;
• visit new exhibits at museums;
• attend their shows;
• learn from their experience;
• etc...

I challenge you to share your art, for example:

• exhibit at any number of art fairs;
• join online groups that share art;
• start a blog or send me some articles;
• etc...

This week's artist find is Robert Goldsmith:. I really enjoy looking at his winter scenes.

Next week, I'll be sharing some lessons I've learned about taking photos for paintings.

Happy New Year / Bonne année à tous,
Danielle

Merry Christmas Wishes

May you experience lots of love, laughter and joy this Christmas season and a very Happy New Year too.
May you: 

• never run out of ideas to paint
• have the courage to explore beyond your comfort zone
• have an abundance of art supplies
• remember and apply all the learnings from the various lessons and workshops
• have loved ones who support you
• produce art that you are proud of
• paint in a way that is attractive and interpretive
• never lose the passion for painting.

Here are a few holiday themed watercolours found on Pinterest.

Joyeux Noël et bonne année!

Danielle

Watercolour on tissue paper

Last weekend I saw some beautiful watercolours on tissue paper. Here is the technique that was explained to me.

Do you have some old tissue paper lying around?

First wet the tissue paper and scrunch it.  Gently press down the crumpled up tissue paper on a piece of plastic wrap or plexiglass.  Be careful as it tears easily.  While paper is still damp, drop various colours onto the paper.  The paper will dry with some various lines creating texture.

Now the interesting part begins.  The objective is to look at the colours and shapes and visualize an image that could be painted. Once an image is perceived, the painting on paper begins again with a thicker mix of paint.  To bring out the shapes, it's necessary or useful to use a lot of negative shapes.

Note that this surface is not forgiving and you cannot lift any paint.

Once the painting is dry, the tissue paper needs to be glued to a rigid surface and then it can be framed like a regular watercolour

Here are a few paintings by Monique Huneault using this approach:

Have a great week
Danielle

Artist Trading Cards

One of the art supply store I go to always has packages of artist trading cards on the counter. I have to admit that I had no idea what these are for, so I looked it up.

What do they look like? They are made out of card stock and measure 2 ½" X 3 ½" or 64 X 89 mm card stock.  I don't know if there are some for watercolours.

Artists use this material to produce small paintings that can be traded with other artists who produce cards. So now what you ask? Some regions have face-to-face trading sessions while other exchanges are carried out by mail with other members or though internet swap groups.

One local art association has Artist Trading Cards challenges at some of their regular meetings. Sounds like a fun idea. Aside from that, I'm not sure what other venues exist in my region to use artist cards. What's your experience with these? What do you know that would be beneficial to other readers?

Here is this week's artist find is Craig Andrews.  I can only imagine the time he spent on this detailed painting.

Have a great weekend
Danielle