Friday Feature: Watercolor Wrap Up

Last weekend I held my 3 day watercolor workshop in Mt. Vernon, Illinois at the Shrode Art Center.  I had a fabulous group of students and just like every workshop and any time you get a group of artists together ideas were flowing.  I always think I learn just as much as my workshop participants.

We started on day 1 painting pears.  First in sepia and then in color.  This exercise gets everyone playing in their paint and working on getting strong values.  I also begin the day with a presentation.

Me demoing the green pears.  I paint from my ipad now.  I think I  have a couple converts in the class now:)

On day 2 we began the day talking about my process and how I set up my till life set ups.  I showed a step by step demo of the painting we were going to be working on.  We painted "Spin the Bottle".  Everyone did a fabulous job painting glass, getting their values established and creating the 3 dimensional bottle.

My demo.  Love painting from my Ipad.

Close up of me painting the bottom of my bottle.  Thank you Tracy for taking pictures:)

Me painting "Spin the Bottle".  

Day 3 I talked about my favorite tools and websites, talked a little marketing and favorite books.  We worked on painting ball jars.

Everyone watching me work on Ball Jars:)  Such a great group of students!!

Winter and great news

"Winter" watercolor on 260lb Arches by Carrie Waller

Hi Everyone,

I'm a day delayed in my post because it's Thanksgiving break at our house and yesterday we took the day off:)  I'm so glad that the boys are home all week.  We also have family coming into town tomorrow.  We are excited at our house:)  Let the pie making commence!!!

I'm sharing my latest painting.  This is a painting of my Grandmother, which she will not be fond of because she'll want to know why she has trees coming out of her head, ha:)  I took this photo of her on our last visit before she moved out of her home of 60 years.  She was standing behind the storm door in her house coat bidding her farewells.  I titled it Winter because it is the Winter of her life and  the Winter of her time living at her home in Goreville, IL.  The trees in the reflection and snippets of the property that you can see are very reminiscent and have a lot of meaning for me.  Having said all that, painting portraits is not in my wheel house and I have a lot to learn.  What I wouldn't have given to have Crystal Cook over my shoulder during this process.

I also have some great news.  All 4 of my entries in to the Randy Higbee 6" Squared show have made the cut and are heading to Cal-i-forn-i-a.  If only I could go with them:))  I'm ecstatic to be participating in this show for the 3rd time.

Hope you all have a fabulous Turkey Day (for all my US friends).  For the rest of you, you just don't know what you're missing:))  I'll save you a plate, come on by!!!

Carrie

Carterville Heritage Celebration

original watercolor on paper 18 x 24 for auction Sat. June 25th, Carterville, Illinois

original watercolor 18 x 24 up for auction Sat, June 25, Carterville, Illinois

This weekend my hometown of Carterville, Illinois is having a huge celebration.  There will be a parade, tours of the old high school that just graduated its last class, a special program celebrating the town, a book launch, a silent auction, a crepe paper social and lots more.  Some very talented ladies, Sheri Hunter and Jennifer Spence have written a book about Carterville and the surrounding towns and will be selling copies.  I had the honor of contributing some paintings to the cause.  My paintings will be auctioned during a silent auction Saturday.  It should be a fabulous time, I'm proud to say I'm a Carterville alumnus--Go Lions:)

Here is the link to the original post which gives a little more info about each painting.  Click Here

Pink Hydrangea in Bird Pitcher original watercolor on paper 8x8 BID NOW

 I also have "Pink Hydrangea in Bird Pitcher" up for auction at Daily Paintworks.  Don't miss out on this one:)

See you Monday,

Carrie

A step back in time

watercolor on paper 18 x 24

watercolor on paper 18 x 24

 This week I took a departure from my regular subjects.  I completed a project for my hometown.  I was approached by a former high school teacher to paint some pictures of Carterville, Illinois, circa 1940.  Mrs. H is working on a book for our hometown.  She's been hard at work with a partner Ms. S compiling photos and information so that Carterville's history is preserved.  It is a wonderful project and I'm honored to be part of it.

The first painting is the interior of Hampton Drug. I wanted it to have a vintage feel, like a hand tinted photograph.  I had a blast painting this one and stepping back in time.  I just love that soda fountain and the old cars through the window.  I also included the neon sign into the composition.  Mrs H and Ms. S actually found the sign in one of the town's downtown buildings.

The second painting is of the old movie theater.  I had few photographic references to go on for this one.  The building lacked architectural interest, so I played up the very interesting marquee and decided to paint a night scene.  I also added the car to give a sense of the time and add a focal point. 

Hope you enjoy my step back in time.  See you next week:)

Carrie
carriewallerart@gmail.com
www.carriewallerfineart.com (website)