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.

"Mrs. Talkie"

Commissioned paintings are always a challenge. I worry over trying to capture the vision inside of my client's mind. However, I always come full circle to the fact that a commissioned work rests on the artist's interpretation of the subject. When I was asked to paint a pet hen turkey, I moved away from strict realism and to having fun with color. Mrs. Talkie has a flamboyant, chatty nature, and I decided to paint the "inner turkey". Her owner was pleased with the results!

"Abby Bell"

This past year, a good friend asked me to paint a portrait of her favorite horse. Commission pieces are always a bit nerve racking, as one hopes to come close to capturing the vision in your client's mind. However, I do love horses, and this painting turned out to be an enjoyable experience. Abbey Bell's owner enthusiastically said I had nailed her personality...no greater compliment to me!

Bald Eagles in the Columbia Gorge

January brings frigid temperatures to our region, but it also brings the winter migration of bald eagles to the Columbia River. This particular eagle was fishing in the vicinity of The Dalles Dam. My husband, Dale, photographed it late in the day, the low sun back lighting the wings and body. In the resulting watercolor, my aim was to portray the strength and grace of these amazing raptors.

More Horses

This watercolor is called "Raising the Colors". It is a slice of life from our Fort Dalles Rodeo, a high point of The Dalles summertime experience. These gals and their steeds begged to be painted!

A Soft Spot in my Heart for Horses

Growing up on a farm allowed me to experience the companionship of horses. Although I longer have the pleasure of a horse in my daily life, but I will always have an abiding love for them. It is a joy to paint an equine subject, and really study their beautiful form. This painting is titled "Good Company".

Finished Painting

I'm glad to have completed this watercolor before December 25th. It's my visual Christmas card to everyone. All that's left is the title. I'm thinking "New Snow" or "Cascade Mountain Deer". Let me know which one you like.

Merry Christmas to All!

Painting the Deer

Yikes...these deer have been a challenge to paint, especially the foreshortened face of the doe. I usually don't focus on one area of the painting, but move around to develop several areas. In the case of animals, if their image doesn't start out right, why continue? (That's when I flip the botched watercolor over, and use the fresh, unused side of the paper. No waste, and another chance to bring my depiction to light.)

Every painting I start is like completing a puzzle. Each one has unique demands to solve. I'll post more on this winter scene as I make progress.

New Work n Progress

Watercolor in Stages

I thought I would show how I go about developing a watercolor. I started by put a masking agent on the foreground and deer, and painted in a loose background. The masking was then removed, and I painted a light wash of raw sienna in the shadowed areas of the animals. My process is one of applying layers of pigment glazes to achieve rich colors and depth.

I've never painted deer as the main focus of a piece. Challenging, but exciting!

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"Ibis at Sunset"  (Sold)

"Ibis at Sunset" now resides in the home of a couple of serious bird watchers...a great compliment to me! 

New Watercolor!

Autumn Glow, 22h x 24w

This stream view caught my eye along the trail to Tamanawas Falls, east of Mount Hood. The trail head starts at the Sherwood turnout.