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| "Flight of the Bumblebee" 4.5" x 5.5" watercolor by Carrie Waller Day 19/30 Buy Now |
I'm also sharing a group shot of my paintings from this week.
Carrie
Original Watercolor Paintings by artist Carrie Waller that are bold, dramatic, and vibrant. Compelling compositions and beautiful light are incorporated in each painting, making an ordinary scene or object an extraordinary work of art.
Showing posts with label florals. Show all posts
Showing posts with label florals. Show all posts
Thursday, September 19, 2013
"Flight of the Bumblebee" Day 19/30
I'm also sharing a group shot of my paintings from this week.
Carrie
Friday, April 5, 2013
Friday Feature: Helen Shideler
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| "Drama Queen" original watercolor by Helen Shideler |
It's Friday Feature day. Today I have the fabulous Helen Shideler. Helen's paintings are full of life with a sense of whimsy. She uses vivid watercolor colors focusing on details and the precise handling of the paint. A majority of her work is produced in a series, she says that she paints what interests her therefore one painting usually lends itself to the next.
To see more of her work visit her blog, website and facebook page.
How did you get your start? What’s your artist journey so far?
I have always drawn and been interested in painting. When I was 17 I won a scholarship for a summer wildlife workshop with Gary Lowe. I was in heaven. The workshop was in St. Andrews, New Brunswick right on the sea and offered so many things to paint. We actually learned a bit about taxidermy, having to stuff the bird we were painting in order to preserve them. But most importantly, I was introduced to watercolor paint. Not the cake-y stuff we used in school but real W&N watercolor paint. I was in heaven!
To me, being an artist is more than painting. It is looking at everything with fresh eyes. Looking for those exciting and fleeting moments of great light, the perfect shadow and the beauty of clouds and trees. Admiring the soft textures of flowers, wet leaves and rocks, being fascinated by bees, etc. My journey has and continues to be about respecting nature, being surrounded by it as much as possible and reveling in it.
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| "Raindrops on Sedum" original watercolor by Helen Shideler |
Where were you born?
In beautiful Sydney, on Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia, Canada.
If you could live anywhere where would you live?
Someplace warmer with a vibrant art community with low crime rates.
What’s your favorite thing to paint and why?
I am attracted to many elements in nature. I am drawn in by light, texture and detail and oh, rich color. My husband and I are active gardeners. Frankly, I think I garden to ensure I have a wide variety of subjects to paint in my studio when the season changes and chases us indoors. I paint intimate florals, up close and personal, gnarly branches and birds. My current favorite subject are ducks. They make me happy with their round cheeks and perpetual smiles.
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| "Ruby Red Tulips" original watercolor by Helen Shideler |
Could you talk about your painting techniques?
I really have two painting approaches, both filled with enthusiasm and energy. My more traditional paintings are drawn out in relatively loose detail making sure proportions and perspectives are correct. I paint in a controlled manner in that I wet only the areas I am applying the paint. I then float in the color allowing it to mingle and mix on the paper. Often times I will remove or blot out almost as much paint as I apply. Once the area is dry or a bit damp, I will go back in and sharpen up the details, float another wash - or whatever it takes to get the desired effect.
I always create a little paint journal for each painting by applying some of each color to a piece of watercolor paper and labeling them. I do this because I often have more than one painting on the go at a time and well, you can forget which is which.
Often, when I am painting a highly detailed piece or a portrait, I will give my mind a break and do a poured painting at the same time. This helps me to paint my traditional work with a bit of looseness. I start to get really tight or detailed with my work if I do not do something which includes a freer painting in the mix.
I start the poured paintings with the same approach as I described previously. The drawing is particularly important with this technique because the colors are less controlled and float into areas where that color may not exist. I apply a mask, a layer of paint, more mask - getting the colors more intense end deeper with each wash. This process will often have 7 to 8 applications of mask and poured paint. Once I am satisfied with the depth of the color, I remove the mask. This can be a real workout. It is hard work removing that stuff. I forgot to mention, these are almost always full sheet paintings. From there I go back in and bring up the detail, soften the edges where the mask was applied if necessary and apply color in places that may need it.
The majority of my work is produced in a series. I am quite intentional with this as I try to perfect my handling of the subject. And one painting leads to another then another.
Then I squint at it for a few days to decide if it is really finished or requires any color balancing.
Do you have go-to paints/colors, what are your favorites?
I love both Windsor & Newton and most Daniel Smith colors. Favorites are all the quinacridone colors then sap, green gold, opera rose, neutral tint, almost every shade of red, cobalt blue. I have a love /hate relationship with cerulean! Love indigo, violet, lemon yellow and burnt orange.
Do you have a favorite artist? Who has been your biggest inspiration?
When I think of artists who dedicate and invest much of their time and effort into their work I admire them. It takes a lot of stamina to stay with this. I am inspired by dedication and hard work!
I love The Impressionists, Emily Carr, the Canadian Group of Seven especially Tom Thompson. I really admire all of the Art Colony Group! There are so many wonderful artists out there.
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| "Summer Finery Clematis" original watercolor by Helen Shideler |
What have been some of your crowning achievements?
Having been accepted as a signature member of the Canadian Society of Painters in Watercolor (CSPWC) last May made me feel hugely proud! To be accepted into this group is a big deal for me - eeee, still so excited. I have to admit winning Best in Show for a watercolor painting of raindrops on a sedum plant was incredible special as well. I have hung nine solo exhibitions over the years, I feel pretty accomplished when I see a large body of my work hanging in one venue and seeing people’s positive reaction. Both humbling and exciting.
What are five things you would like to happen in your life in the next five years? Dream big here:)
Oh my... permission to dream. Ok, here goes...
1. Attending the Susan Kathleen Black Foundation Plein Air event in Wyoming in September is really exciting - and is going to happen!
- Be included in an International watercolor show in Europe or Japan - or both
- Solo show a gallery in Toronto or New York - dare I dream it?
- To tour leisurely around Italy, Portugal, Greece and having the luxury to paint en plein air as I travel
- Publish a book featuring my watercolor and acrylic paintings
Dreaming is actually getting easier!
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| "Maritime Blues" original watercolor by Helen Shideler |
What is your advice for other artists who are just getting started in their career?
Work hard, stay with it and develop your own style. Don’t copy the work of other artists they have already solved any problems there may be - you have to do it for yourself to develop. And have some fun with it as well!
What is the best advice that you have received as an artist?
Stop painting before you make it muddy! Stop painting before you put in so much detail it will get flat! Learn when to stop!
SPEED ROUND!
Chocolate or vanilla?
Absolutely chocolate - dark, milk or white
Your dream vacation spot?
Peru, Greece, Italy any place with history, art and great beaches
Book or movie?
These days would have to say movie. Reading takes too much time from the studio.
Favorite author?
Not sure anymore, I often read books about positive thinking - like Dr. Wayne Dyer, any natural history type books as well and books about artists. I love good fiction that is not about wars or have too much violence
Favorite movie?
Thomas Crown Affair - just because
Romance or comedy?
Comedy
Favorite dessert?
Apple crisp, lemon pie or cheesecake, fresh fruit salad, berries
Night owl or morning person?
Definitely morning
Thank you so much Helen! Have a great weekend everyone:)
Friday, December 7, 2012
Friday Feature: Kathleen Alexander
Hi Everyone,
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| "Gifts" original watercolor by Kathleen Alexander |
It's Friday!!! Today is another fabulous feature with and extraordinary artist, Kathleen Alexander. Her work is vibrant and gorgeous!!! Take a look for yourself.
How did you get your start? What’s your artist journey so far?
I started painting in watercolor in high school, but had
no idea what I was doing as far as materials. I had a Prang paintset and slick
bond paper of some sort, then moved up to one of those horrible spiral bound
watercolor pads that absorb the paint on contact. It’s a wonder I didn’t give
up!
I didn’t learn about artist’s materials until I took a
general ed. art class as a graduation requirement in college. After I was married,
working full time, and raising a nine month old, I started taking a watercolor
class at night at the local community college. I was fortunate to have a great
instructor, James Torlakson, who encouraged me. Many years have passed, (my
daughter is 22 now), and I show/sell my art in art festivals, am represented by
a gallery in Maui, have exhibited my artwork in national and international
exhibitions, and have had my artwork published in Watercolor Artist and
American Artist magazines.
Where were you born?
San Francisco, California
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| "Koi Pond" diptych original watercolor by Kathleen Alexander |
If you could live anywhere where would you live?
Three years ago we sold everything so that we could have
the freedom to live in Maui half the year—so Maui : ) I live in California for the other half, and
that’s great too.
What’s your favorite thing to paint and why?
Tropical flowers—for years I would take short (5-day)
trips to Hawaii and then try to keep that feeling alive by painting tropical
flowers when I came back to California. I don’t know what my excuse is now, but
I’m still in love with them—so much color!
Could you talk about your painting techniques?
I do a lot of underpainting to establish the shadow
shapes and structure of the painting. Then I glaze over with the local color. I
also like to create depth by making items in the background slightly out of
focus.
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| "Abundance" original watercolor by Kathleen Alexander |
Do you have go-to paints/colors, what are your favorites?
Cobalt Blue, Aureolin, Perm. Rose, Quin. Gold., Indigo,
New Gamboge, Quin. Magenta, Perm. Sap Green, Winsor Violet and I have a whole
new list of Daniel Smith Reds
Do you have a favorite artist? Who has been your biggest inspiration?
Mark Adams. I love the simplicity of his paintings and
his smooth washes. I wish I’d met him.
My biggest inspiration is my friend and fellow watercolor
artist, Terri Hill. She has been battling brain cancer for a few years, and
still inspires me to paint more, market more, & try harder.
What have been some of your crowning achievements?
Raising my kids to be wonderful people, staying married,
and still being in love with my husband.
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| "Orchid" original watercolor by Kathleen Alexander |
What are five things you would like to happen in your
life in the next five years? Dream big here:)
I’d like to write a watercolor book.
I’d like to travel to Europe and Asia.
I’d like to learn to paint in oils (really well).
I’d like my art sales to quadruple (I guess that means I
want the economy to get better!)
I’d like to have the time to be creative without the
pressure of deadlines or commitments.
What is your advice for other artists who are just
getting started in their career?
Don’t worry about where you fit in, just do what you
love.
What is the best advice that you have received as an
artist?
Keep good tax records, unfortunately!
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| "Hibiscus" original watercolor by Kathleen Alexaner |
SPEED ROUND!
Chocolate or vanilla?
chocolate
Your dream vacation spot?
A Greek island with ancient ruins
Book or movie?
Audiobook (then I can paint at the same time)
Favorite movie?
Just one?
The Godfather, The Matrix, or Shakespeare in Love
Romance
Favorite dessert?
Rhubarb pie with vanilla ice cream on the side
Night owl or morning person?
Morning person thanks to coffee
Friday, May 18, 2012
Friday Feature: Arena Shawn
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| "Hide and Seek" watercolor by Arena Shawn |
Hi Everyone, this week's feature is fellow blogging buddy Arena Shawn. Her work is magnificent. She has a fabulous play between abstraction and realism. Her wet on wet backgrounds add a dreamy romance to her pieces. They blend so seamlessly with the bright focused areas a beautiful dance.
To see more of her work visit her blog
How did you get your start? What’s your artist journey so far?
I was a graduate student studying physics in Purdue University, West
Lafayette, Indiana, and the policy of the university is that graduate student
working as teaching assistants (which I am) can take any classes the university
has to offer except business classes. So, I went ahead and took some computer
art classes – painting in photoshop, vector images for advertisement, etc. I
found out (to my surprise! :-P) that if you cannot paint or draw using physical
media, going digital is not going to make you a better artist! Frustrated and
deciding to get my foundations right, I started to take studio art classes, and
one of the teacher referred me to a nice local watercolor artist, Rena Brower,
who teaches in the community art center. Oh boy was that eye-opening! She
paints these huge, semi-abstract florals and landscapes wet-in-wet, and after
three classes I was hooked! She also introduced me to books of her mentor, the
late Zoltan Szabo, who paints these beautiful moody landscapes also wet-in-wet,
and is a master of the watercolor medium. That was the beginning of my love
affair with watercolor…
After graduation I got a job in California, as an after-sales engineer in
a scientific instrument company. The work involves a lot of travel and made it
difficult to paint, but I still managed to squeeze at least 2-3 hours a day to
practice. I had a suitcase which I always had a few quarter-sheets watercolor
paper, a couple of gator-boards and my palette and brushes packed in, and I
took it around the country painting in hotels and on location. I started to
enter juried shows in 2010, and was lucky to get in a few national shows, even
winning some awards. In the mean time, my works exhibited with local art groups
started to get sold in Art Walks. With the encouragement of my boyfriend, I
took the leap after some serious thought, to leave my job and try to paint full
time. I’ve started my Daily Paintworks page at the beginning of this year, and
found a very supportive online community of fellow artists, from whom I’ve got
lots of encouragements and great tips of both art and marketing. I’ve also
started entering local art fairs and outdoor arts-and-crafts markets this year.
Hopefully that would spread the name across locally and generate more sales.
With more time dedicated to painting, I’ve also been able to produce more work
to submit to juried shows. This year I have been accepted to the Richeson Small
Works Show, the Watercolor Art Society – Houston National Show, and the Illinois
Watercolor Society National Show. Hopefully, there would be more to come…
(Greedy…)
Recently I’ve started to go back to the foundations, and joined a
full-time classical drawing and painting atelier program. The full-time program
would ideally last 3-4 years, and each student would start from copy master
drawings, then progress to drawing plaster casts of classical sculptures and
live models, painting casts in limited palette, and finally to full-palette
painting of still life and figures. The teacher I am training under, Andrew Ameral, studied and
later taught in the Florence Academy of Art for years, which inherited the
19th century French Academy lineage. So far, I am absolutely in love with the
training, and I'm counting my blessings everyday for being given
this opportunity...
Where were you born?
Shanghai, China.
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I would be torn between cities rich with classical art and architecture
wonders, such as Rome or Florence, and remote and barren places devoid of human
trace, but haunted by nature beauties, such as Iceland or Alaska. Maybe half
and half in time?... Yes, I admit I’m greedy…
What’s your favorite thing to paint and why?
I love flowers (what, you already know that? How? :-P) but I really want
to be a landscape painter too. I am so captivated by remote, barren places
whose beauty was rarely seen by human eye. My last trip to the central
highlands of Iceland just made me realize again that the ability to transfer
the experiences of being in these places and moods of these places on paper
would be a true blessing. I am working toward it – being a landscape painter
requires a lot more editorial, designing and abstraction skills and so far I
have been a related literal painter. Lots to learn there…
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Could you talk about your painting techniques?
I paint mainly wet-in-wet, starting with a faint under painting with
light and more bright colors than the finished painting would normally look,
indicating both value and color temperature relationship in this underpainting.
Then I would wet the painting section by section, and go with more saturated colors,
and heavier pigment density, trying to finish each section in one go, before
the paper totally dries. For the center of focus in my painting, which is
normally painted more sharply than the surrounding elements, I would often wet
it multiple times and glaze wet-in-wet to achieve the in-focus look, but still
try to maintain a soft color transition within each shape.
How did you arrive at your current style?
My first teacher in watercolor, Rena Brower, started my love with
wet-in-wet techniques. I read a ton of books by the later master Zoltan Szabo
and did lots of exercises in them to practice. After I moved to California, I
studied with another master painter, Karen Frey, and she taught me my current
approach of faint underpainting + controlled wet-in-wet. I have been fortunate
to be able to take lots of workshops with many great watercolor artists, from
each of them, I have always learned a great deal, and added to my arsenal of
techniques, which I’m sure have influences my current style as well. For
example, lately after taking a class with the wonderful artist Jeannie Vodden,
I have started to experiment with multi-colored underpaintings, and much more
glazing in the underpainting stage. Every teacher leaves their marks…
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Do you have a favorite artist? Who has been your biggest inspiration?
If only one can be picked, I will definitely say Dean Mitchell. His
watercolors just blow me away – each one with a solid drawing as foundation,
and all sorts of different subjects – from still life to portraits to street
scenes to rural landscapes, and techniques carefully chosen for the best
rendering effects of that subject. I’ve looked at his miniatures (4x5 or
smaller) in person and been absolutely amazed that there is no sloppiness in
even such small work, and the underlying abstract design and value patterns
makes his painting stand out even when you are viewing it across the room.
What are some of your favorite things or things that are
essential to your well being/success as an artist?
I love hiking in the wilderness. I used to hike five miles everyday in
the open spaces and regional parks all across the San Francisco Bay Area, and
marvel at the beauty untamed nature has to offer. I am also really taken by
good food, and love to seek out local restaurants with a personal touch! Last
but not least, I am a gallery and museum junkie. When I was working as an
Engineer and travelling across the country, for each city I go to, I would plan
my trip after a day’s work, not matter how tired I am, to see their art
galleries and museums. Seeing works of other artists and past masters online is
great, but sometimes, seeing a beautiful work in person just blows your mind
away!
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Do you have go-to paints/colors, what are your favorites?
Cobalt Blue and Quinacridone Burnt Orange. I will go through a nervous
breakdown if I found that either of these two colors are down to the last tube
and the new supply has not arrived in mail…
What are five things you would like to happen in your
life in the next five years? Dream big here:)
- Being juried into the American Watercolor Society International Show and win an award;
- Being juried into the Shanghai Zhu Jia Jiao Watercolor Biannual International Show;
- Get Signature Status in National Watercolor Society;
- Get a gallery representation in Scottsdale;
- Being able to support myself painting and selling my paintings!
What is your advice for other artists who are just
getting started in their career?
Ask yourself about the goals you are trying to achieve, and try to be as
clear and honest about them as possible. What would success mean to you?
It may be different from everyone else’s definition. If you wish to make a
living as a full-time artist, then a lot of time spent marketing yourself may
be necessary and yes, it would take away from your studio time. Is that a
sacrifice you are willing to make? If you want to be the best painter you can,
then you may have to spend a lot of solitude time in the studio, and not get
recognition any time soon. You may have to go back to relearn drawing skills,
or the basics of painting without being able to produce finished work for a
while. Is that a sacrifice you are willing to make? Life is all about making
choices for yourself, and stick to it. I am still suffering to make mine, but I
believe if one give a clear and honest evaluation about what to give for the
gain he or she desires, a lot of unnecessary agony can be avoided later.
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What is the best advice that you have received as an
artist?
Don’t be a workshop
junkie (which I am). Being an artist is largely about being able to stay in
your studio alone and paint lots and lots of paintings in solitude! (by Keiko
Tanabe)
SPEED ROUND!
Chocolate or vanilla?
Vanilla, my
boyfriend and I both like it, while Chocolate is only my love ;-)
Sunny beach or rustic mountain retreat?
If sunny beach is packed with people, then rustic mountain retreat, as
long as I can occasional go down and get online… :-P
Book or movie?
Book – although I guess e-books soon could include a few movie clips in
them…
Favorite author?
He is non-fictional and I am a nerd, John McPhee. He is a great nature
writer. I love his large volume, “Annals of the Former World”.
Favorite movie?
Currently is “In the Mood of Love” – self-restrained love stories are my
favorite. I’m twisted, I know…
… (Blush) Romance… I am such a girl…
Favorite ice cream flavor?
Vanilla, plain and
simple.
Night owl or morning person?
Night owl by personality, although after joining the atelier program I
was forced to get up at six every morning a paint a little before attending
class, because after standing and drawing for 8 hours a day I rarely had any
energy to paint at night on weekdays any more… Carrie, how do you do it? I
admire you and Crystal…
Cake or Cupcakes?
Cake, and to be specific – large Cheesecakes! ;-)
See you Monday! The movers called yesterday and asked if they could come early, as in today, that would be a Negative. We compromised and may have packers showing up on Monday, earlier than scheduled. Wish us luck that we can get it all together:)
Carrie
Friday, April 6, 2012
Friday Feature: Kelley Sanford
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| "In the Red" original oil by Kelley Sanford |
Hi Everyone,
It's Friday again:) Today I'm introducing a fabulous oil painter, Kelley Sanford. Kelley was on some of the first Artists Helping Artists radio shows. I began following her blog at that time and just love her work.
To see more of Kelley's work check out her website
How did you get your start? What’s your artist journey so far?
I went to college with the goal of obtaining an art degree but switched majors after feeling that I learned more from my high school teachers than the professors and lost the desire to be an artist. It took almost 2 decades before I realized that I really did mean to be artist. It’s been almost 13 years since I called my boss & quit without a real plan except to pursue my art. While the road has been anything but smooth, I wouldn’t change a thing. The true surprise was in starting to teach art. A few ladies kept showing up at my studio asking if I taught. Oh no, I said but they refused to leave it alone. So a deal was struck. I’d teach for one month & at the end they’d realize that I couldn’t teach & they would stop bugging me about it. 5 years later, I’m still teaching & loving it.
Where were you born?
Asheville, North Carolina
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| "In the Orchard" original oil by Kelley Sanford |
If you could live anywhere where would you live?
Anywhere I can look out & see water
What’s your favorite thing to paint and why?
It’s color & light that attracts me, not the object.
Could you talk about your painting techniques?
I’m an Alla Prima painter. If I have to work on a piece for more than 4 hours, it usually never makes it out of my studio. The intimacy of brush to canvas is what attracts me & try not to have more than a couple of passes across the canvas. I also work with a limited palette. It consists of a warm & cool of the primaries plus burnt sienna (with which I make my own darks…not black out the tube for me). I don’t knock artists with a more expanded palette but I can mix almost any color & know that it will be in harmony with the rest of the painting.
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| "Blueberries" original oil by Kelley Sanford |
How did you arrive at your current style?
I always envied the artists that had gorgeous brushwork & color but realized that it was time at the easel & having a solid understanding of the basics that allowed my brushwork/color to develop. Although I have recently realized that the “style” wasn’t what made me unhappy with a piece, it was if the painting lacked freshness. Having my painting appear spontaneous & fresh is the ultimate goal for me. I guess the clue should have been that I was an “alla prima” painter. Guess I should tell you now that I’m blonde.
Do you have a favorite artist?
It’s so hard to say just one but John Singer Sargent is probably it. I remember standing & looking at one of his portrait’s & being memorized in how he painted a strand of pearls.
Who has been your biggest inspiration?
Russian Impressionists. They are the masters of grays. Nicolai Fechin, Sergei Bongart & Fedor Zakharov are among my favorites. But I’ve also been following a few contemporary Russian artists recently.
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| "All in Yellow" original oil by Kelley Sanford |
What are some of your favorite things or things that are essential to your well being/success as an artist?
They include …
A good cup of coffee or margarita (depending on the time of day)
Some inspirational art books by my bed
Collectors & gallery owners who believe in you as an artist
A trustworthy artist friend who will tell you like it is, push you to grow & pick you up when you can’t seem to paint anything well
Listening to your inner voice to not follow the crowd
Friends & family who love you but don’t ask them tell you what is good or bad about your work
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| "Hydrangeas on Turquoise" original oil by Kelley Sanford |
Do you have go-to paints/colors, what are your favorites?
Just ask my students what will happen if they touch my Gamblin Indian Yellow. It’s my go to color. Gamblin & Winsor Newton are my mainstays.
What are five things you would like to happen in your life in the next five years? Dream big here:)
1. A large studio with the best light
2. Signature status from the American Impressionist Society
3. Someone to clean my brushes on a daily basis (this should be #1)
4. Teaching workshops around the country
5. Taking 2 months off each year to travel and paint anywhere
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| "Passing By" original oil by Kelley Sanford |
What is your advice for other artists who are just getting started in their career?
Take time to really understand the foundations of painting. Once you’ve got those down, the rest will work itself out. And to not take yourself so seriously. Painting is serious but have fun along the way.
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| "Yellow House, Beaufort" original oil by Kelley Sanford |
Just paint!!!!!!!!!
SPEED ROUND!
Chocolate or vanilla?
Chocolate
Sunny beach or rustic mountain retreat?
Beach
Book or movie?
Book
Favorite author?
David McCullough
Favorite movie?
Blazing Saddles (don’t ask)
Romance or comedy?
Comedy
Favorite ice cream flavor?
Nope…got to be a salty thing
Night owl or morning person?
Night owl
Cake or Cupcakes?
Once again…salty reigns.
Thanks so much Kelley:) I had to laugh at your favorite movie choice, that is a favorite of my husbands and I'm subjected to it at least once a year:)
Have a great weekend everyone:)
Carrie
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