Friday update...

I was not able to paint today because I left
early to set up for my show in New Jersey.
This week I was able to finish my large Bittersweet
painting and get 3 blog pieces done plus keep up
with my teaching schedule. It may not sound like
much but I was hustling.

Next week I start a new series of classes, Tuesday
mornings from 9:30 to 11:30. Call if your interested.
I am not going to have evening classes for now because
I need to paint!

Linda and her girlfriend went to
www.chanticleergarden.org to visit the gardens
for the day. It was recommended by a client.
They had a great time. She thought it was well worth it
and they plan to go back several times next year
as the plants bloom. Should be interesting to
see what photos she took for me to paint!

The Show: SEPT 29 & 30
COLTS NECK ART & CRAFTS FESTIVAL
Held at the Colts Neck Fairgrounds,
Bucks Mill Rd, Colts Neck, NJ
10AM to 5PM ~ this is a pretty crafty show
but I usually have a good following.

Evening #5

4" x 6" original watercolor
SOLD

The leaves are turning.
A harvest moon...
Another in my fall collection.

Pumpkin

5" x 5" original watercolor
SOLD

This is the beginning of my "fall collection". It sounds
a bit like a fashion show. It is in a way, a show of
colors and shapes. And what is more fashionable
than a huge pumpkin in fall. It can be found on all
the chic porches this time of year.
For you artists who are following my blog, dig out
your Cadmium Orange, its time to squeeze it onto
your palette.

Bittersweet ~ finished!

I finished my painting! I need you to help decide
which painting I will print. Look down to 9/20
and cast your vote. Each painting has its own
merits. Offer your opinions either below by leaving
a comment or send me an email. I can only pick
one!

I will have a new blog piece tomorrow.
I went to a market today and found new inspiration
for fruit and pumpkins. I also finished teaching
today. If you are interested in classes, I plan to
have Tuesday morning classes in October.
I need my nights to paint.

Shaker Boxes

5" x 5" original watercolor
SOLD

This is a very simple painting with clean lines.
I liked the look of the brown wood boxes
against the white and light gray.

Bittersweet Demonstration #1 and Friday's Update

I was unable to paint a blog today. Not enough hours
in my day. I worked this morning on my next large
painting titled Bittersweet. It is the second painting
in the running for my new print. Don't judge it yet...
It is days away from completion.Again, you can see pencil lines. I started the washes
but it is pretty much shades of yellow ochre as underpainting.
Feel free to send questions about the early stages of a painting.


I must say a huge thank you to a special client who played
tec man with my computer today. Linda is pretty excited
about the changes. I could not stay to watch, I left at 1:30
to drive to New Castle, DE to set up my tent and panels for
tomorrows show.

The Show: SEPT 22 ~ ART on the GREEN
Held in Battery Park, New Castle, DE
10am to 5pm ~ free admittance
I have a new space location...the center section
of Row A, down with the crafts. (A 21)

window demonstration #3 ~ finished!

Finished! I compromised on the geranium color, between
a pink and red. Definitely the focal point. I hope you were
able to get a glimpse of how I lay on color. If you are new
to my blog, go back to 9/13 and then 9/18 to see the progression.
Also, in watercolor all the white areas are the paper, not white
paint. This will not be for sale until open house. It is one I am
considering for this years new print. Don't cast your vote until
I show you the other paintings. Actually, I need to paint them first!

New to my blog is "comments". I think it is working. Feel
free to give your opinion, make a suggestion or ask a question!

Springhouse

5" x 5" original watercolor
SOLD

I needed a change from the still life paintings I have
been working on, but not to big of a challenge. I
went with some of what I know well. An old stone
springhouse with a lush green landscape. But I
got a little thrill from the reflection across the pond.
It turned into a great looking pond!

window demonstration #2

I worked on my geranium painting all day so I did not paint
a blog painting. I may need to do that every so often until
I have enough paintings for my annual open house, held
November 16-18 at my house. This is a pretty big event and
it is important for me to have all new paintings.

On 9/13 I showed you the early stages of this painting. Take
a quick peek back and you can tell how far it has come.
I worked outside the window, building the grass and trees.
The pencil lines are gone except for the window sill shadows.
Remember I am working from light to dark, building my color.
I use a hairdryer to dry each layer of color before adding
another layer. If you don't dry it thoroughly, you will end
up with a muddy mess. If you own one of my original paintings
and you have taken time to sit and study it, you can actually see
the layered tones of color. My goal is to slowly darken the
foreground, letting the light lay across the sill and give a warm
tone outside.

I am often asked "how long does it take to finish a painting"?
Because I paint everyday I know what my paint will do on the
paper. I understand color and perspective. This comes from
years of practice. When I start a new piece I have a clear path
in my mind, I am not struggling with my skills. It still takes time.
Since the other photo to now, I probably worked 20-25 hours.
And there is still much to do. But to all you struggling
watercolorists did you hear me say I paint everyday...
it takes practice!
So, it is back to the paints for me. I am getting anxious to see
this finished.

If you have questions, send an email. I am working on getting
comments added to the blog. But I need tec help for that!
There will be a new blog painting tomorrow.

Cabinet Door #2

4" x 6" original watercolor

I spent most of my day working on the large
original painting. I looked up and felt panic
that I needed to also get the blog started. Usually
I have an idea what I want to paint but today I
was clueless. So I looked around the house for
something to jump out at me. I decided to work
from life. We have this wonderful antique cabinet
that has original blue paint. One door was open
part way and the other side was closed. I was
intrigued by the composition. My plan is to make
you feel like you want to peak inside but you know
you shouldn't!