Demo Painting

Last month, I had the opportunity of doing a watercolor demonstration for the Hood River Art Club. I didn't get much farther than the first color washes. As I rarely demo, I found it tricky to paint and talk at the same time. ( It makes me admire the good workshop instructors all the more.) However, the gals were very patient as I progressed, and asked lots of great questions.

I told the club members I would post the finished painting for them.

Sleepy Pine Siskin

Pine Siskins are commonly found in conifer forests, but during the winter and early spring, they love to visit niger thistle feeders. This little fellow had spent a good part of a morning eating thistle seeds. Between the warm sunshine and a full belly, he dozed off for a few minutes. I had to paint this endearing bird!

This painting, and many others, will be for sale during the Gorge Artists Open Studios Tour, April 12-14, 10-5 p.m. each day. I will be located at 306 Court Street, The Dalles, Oregon. Stop by and say hello. I plan to demonstrate watercolor with the start of a new painting.

People's Choice Award

Yesterday, I was informed that I had received the People's Choice Award for "Yellow Legs". It was a part of The Blues show at the Columbia Art Gallery. What an honor! I think people love these small shorebirds as much as I do. This painting will be included in my display for the Gorge Artists Open Studios Tour on April 12-14. Circle the date on your calendar!

"First Light"

I put the final touches on "First Light" this morning. The source material for this watercolor is Eight Mile Creek. My husband and I were staying at Camp Baldwin, and the early morning sunlight hitting the stones was striking. Camping by a creek...definitely one of my favorite things.

Intermediate Stage

This is the halfway point of this small river scene. The paint has been laid on pretty thick, but I go back and lift off some of the pigment to redefine some shapes. Hopefully, I'll be finished in a few days. Posting of completed watercolor soon!

First Washes

I've started laying in the base washes for this river scene. I'm using a traditional approach for watercolor, working light to dark. However, there are some deeper values in the center rocks to give me a feel of how dark areas of the painting will be. Most of the washes are loose and free at this point.

 I hope to take another photo in a few days if I make progress. Weekends can be crazy busy!

Painting Prep

I've returned to one of my favorite subjects: painting rivers. I have a detailed drawing on the paper, and there is a masking element on certain areas to save the sparkle of sunshine on the water. Right now, I'm planning out my color choices. I'll try to photograph different stages of this piece. Starting out,  it always feels like putting together a puzzle.