Demonstration...

I spent my day concentrating on my larger painting
so there is no small blog today. If you go to 8/21
you can see the beginning steps to this painting. I am
ready to paint. You can click to enlarge the photos
for a close up view.

Step 4 I want to build my colors so I start with thin
(more water than paint) washes of Yellow Ochre.
I have good brush control so I painted around the
areas that will be lighter. You can use misket if you
need to. I know the light will come through the
window, lays across the chair so that will be saved.
Also folds in the drape.
Step 5 build the Yellow Ochre a bit deeper along
the folds in the drape and the arm. Here is a close up view.

Step 6 I went to the legs. Using a mixture of
Burnt Sienna and Cadmium Red. You need
to understand where your shadows are which
requires studying your subject before you start.

Step 7 I started working on the fabric on the
bench. Back to the Yellow Ochre wash, drying
it well. Then to make the pattern I added a bit
of Paynes Grey, outlining and adding texture.
Did the same on the drape under the bench.

My best advice is use a hair dryer to throughly
dry each wash as you go along. If it is not dry
your colors will turn muddy. Do not rush, this is
a full days job.

We are visiting friends in NJ on Tuesday so there
will be no blog tomorrow.

Sarlat-la-Canéda, France #9 ~ window

4"x6" Original Watercolor
$275.00 ~ SOLD!

I was attracted to two things in this painting.
First was the unusual colors on the stones,
then the fancy ironwork caught my eye.


I promised to share my next project.
Step 1 I almost always start with a value
drawing in my sketch book. It is mainly to work out
the composition but also because I like to
draw.














Step 2 Get the paper ready. This is
Arches 300lb cold press paper simply taped
to a board with masking tape, leaving a 1"
border around. I do not soak or scrub my paper.
This image size is 15"x17"

Step 3 Draw my composition. It may be a bit
light to see real well.
So far I have several hours into this project.
The drawing must be well planned because
it is my guide, not a lot of room for changes
once I start adding paint.

Sarlat-la-Canéda, France #8

5"x5" Original Watercolor
$200.00 (framed 9x9) Contact the studio

This stone structure was in the backyard
of our B&B in Sarlat. Le Jardin Sarlat.
I have no idea what it was but they had it
filled with flowers. I was interested in
painting the stones.

I started the drawing for my next large
painting this morning. It is not from France!
I think I will use it for a demo painting.
I will show you tomorrow. Linda was busy
in the studio all day restocking the mats for
the mini prints.

Watercolor classes start in September here
at my studio. Class size is limited so call or
email to sign up. I also scheduled a one day
workshop for October 24th for those of you
out of the area. A full day of painting with
lots of hands on demonstrations. Call if you
need more info.

Sarlat-la-Canéda, France #7

6"x4" Original Watercolor
$200.00 (framed 8x10) contact the studio

Spend some time looking at this one.
The foreground has this great rounded
worn cement wall with a freshly painted
blue gate. There was even moss growing
on this old wall. Interesting shaped planter
that just held green plants. The background
is a barn with more blue paint. Lots of detail.

I finally finished the large painting that has
been keeping me busy. I loved every second
of it. No title or price, I need to live with it
a few days. This has strong light and the
stone floor feels like a masterpiece.

Image is 13"x 19"
This looks even better in real life!!

Sarlat-la-Canéda, France #6 ~ Cathedrale St-Sacerdos

4"x6" Original Watercolor
SOLD!

I have been wanting to play around with
stain glass windows. This is an unusual
angle from inside the Catherdrale St-Sacerdos.

Since I worked and painted all through the
weekend at the Mount Gretna show we took
Monday off. Not off exactly, I mowed the lawn,
Linda did laundry, caught up on some house
chores. In the evening we went to see
Julie & Julia and we both loved it.
All the French scenery!!!
Today I got right to work... well after a 40 mile early
bike ride and a visit to my Mom. On the way
home I stopped and picked up sunflowers for
Linda... just another little reminder of our trip.
I am a sentimental kind of guy!!
There were fields of them growing in France
and sooner or later I will get to painting them.

Friday update

No painting today. I packed the van and we
were off by 1:30. Set up at Mount Gretna and
just now getting home. I need to be up and on
the road by 6am so it will soon be off to bed.

Mount Gretna Art Show
Sat. Aug. 15 from 9am to 6pm
Sun. Aug 16 from 9am to 5pm
Held under the oaks of the Chautauqua section of
Mount Gretna, PA between Route 117 and
Pennsylvania Ave.
$7 admission ~ rain or shine
My space is along the foot path #228

Evening in Provence, France

6"x4" Original Watercolor
SOLD!

Again I am offering this painting to the
first person who calls or emails. It will
be available until 8/17 at midnight EST.

This painting gave me great pleasure to
paint. I loved the landscape and if you
know my work you already know I have

a thing for full moons. Vineyards as far
as I could see!

We had a care plan meeting for my Mom
early this morning then spent two hours
with her. I painted and then took a break
to try a restaurant in Lancaster called
Rachel's Cafe and Creperie. Excellent crepes!
It brought back that "French" feeling and
inspired me to get back to the studio to finish
my blog.

Reminder: Mount Gretna Art Show is this
weekend. More info on my website.

PS... make sure you check my feature at:
http://www.brush-paper-water.blogspot.com/

Crissay-sur-Manse, France #3 ~Daisys

4"x6" Original Watercolor
SOLD!

Trying something new! This painting is
NOT on eBay, it is available to the 1st
person to take it at $100. It is available
at this price until 8/16 midnight EST.
You may call or email the studio to
make the purchase. Not sure how well
this will work but we will give it a try.

Who knew there were daisy's in France. I
was surprised at how many flowers I
recognized. Loved the red on the picket fence.

I am the featured artist on "Brush-Paper-Water
blog, make sure you look at it. I feel honored
to be included.
http://brush-paper-water.blogspot.com

Saint Emilion, France #9 ~ Lamp

4"x6" Original Watercolor
$200 SOLD

Another hanging lamp. I was interested
in the warmth of the sun against the back
building and the contrasting coolness in
the foreground. Usually there is a main
focal point but here it is a toss up between

the lamp and the white shutters.

I had an early bike ride, unloaded the van,
visited my Mom and painted. That was
pretty much my day. I want to spend some
time tonight working on a larger painting.

I have watercolor classes starting in September.
They are listed on my website. Feel free to call
if you have any questions. I put a Saturday
workshop in there for anyone needing to travel.
The Mount Gretna Art Show is this weekend
so get it on your calendar.

Sarlat-la-Canéda, France #5 ~ Pottery

4"x6" Original Watercolor
SOLD

This is a close up view of some pottery
and a set of stairs. They are a corner
from a large painting I am thinking of
doing. I am studying each part separately
before tackling a big one. This part is all
clay and stone with very little color until
you study it.

Joan was visiting today so I got a very late
start painting. Anyway that is the excuse I
am using! I had to rearrange my van for the
craft show and go scope out my space. I will
need to be out to set up in the dark around
5AM...feel free to come out and help!!

Saint Emilion, France #8 ~ Cobblestones

4"x6" Original Watercolor
SOLD

If I have my story straight, these cobblestones
came from England on the bottom of the ships
for ballast, then removed and they loaded barrels
of wine. The cobblestones were then used for
streets. We are talking long long ago... they are
lots of fun to walk on and add to that the hills...
Going down was no easier than going up!
But what a memory.

This Saturday is the BIG Lititz Craft show.
My space was changed, I am on Broad Street
(Rt 501) in front of Dosie Dough Coffee Shop!
My advice is to leave the husbands home and
take a girlfriend, this show is huge with lots of
walking. Make sure you walk my way!

NEW 14x18 (frame) watercolor. As yet untitled!
Suggestions??
I can tell you it is from Sarlat, France. I just
love the blue shutters and open windows.

Saint Emilion, France #7

5"x5" Original Watercolor
SOLD

We took a wine tasting tour in
Saint Emilion and I learned so much.
This is one of the buildings on the
estate. A beautiful property that I
will paint again. The sun just felt
brighter in France and it is reflected
in my choice of paint colors.

Saint Emilion, France #6 ~ Lamp

4"x6" Original Watercolor
Contact the studio for information

My wife has this thing for lamps
and is always after me to paint them.
We found lots of them in Europe so
I am sure you will see several more.
The lamp may be the focal point but
the building has an interesting angle and
there is a nice blue sky.

I actually was very productive today.
I have a series of 4 small paintings from
the PA Governors Residence to get finished,
ok...started! I sketched one and started
painting it today. I liked the feel of it so I
decided to expand the theme and paint it
larger with more detail so I also drew that.
Plus today's blog. A full days work.

Just an FYI: This Saturday, 8/8 is the
HUGE Lititz craft show. Get it on your calendar!!
They moved me out of the park and onto
Broad Street. I will check out my space
number and let you know later in the week.