Crawfish completed

"Crawfish on Newsprint, 10 x 10"  original watercolor on paper by Carrie Waller

Hi Everyone,

I have completed my crawfish!!  Yay!  Now I have to get my TWSA entry mailed off and work on a couple more commissions and some paintings for my workshop.  I can get this all done in a week and a half, no problem:) 

Hope you're having a great week!  We have beautiful weather here, and the pool is just about up to the right temperature, can't wait!

Oh and Daniel Smith's perinone orange and permanent deep red are some of my new favorite colors.  They make for the brightest most beautiful red!

Carrie

Crawfish WIP

Hi Everyone,

I hope you all had a nice weekend.  At our house the Easter bunny underestimated Steven and Sam's excitement and had not visited our house yet when they awoke.  So with some covert ninja like skills the Easter bunny was able to make things magically appear and all was well at the Waller house.

I'm working on a commission piece this week so I'm posting my work in progress pics.  It's a larger version of a painting I sold last year.

wip original watercolor 10" x 10"

See you on Wednesday,

Carrie

Friday Feature: Kelley Sanford

"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

 or her blog.

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

"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. 

"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. 

"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

"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

"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.

"Yellow House, Beaufort" original oil by Kelley Sanford

What is the best advice that you have received as an artist?

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

Bunny O'Hare

"Bunny O'Hare" original watercolor on paper 6" x 6" $195

 Hi Everyone,

I hope you are all doing better than I am today.  I'm feeling pretty SheetzuCacaPoopoo this morning, actually since we got back from our spring break vacation.  I drove the kids (including one freshly potty trained little boy) on an epic rode trip.  We went to Charleston, South Carolina, stayed a night with my Mom and Stepdad and then onto Springfield, VA to visit some friends and visit our Nation's capital. Stayed for 5 days then back to Charleston, SC and then home again, home again.  I think we overdid it, we're all sick and visiting the Dr, this morning:(

"Spring Bunny" original watercolor on paper 6"x6" $195.

Anyway, I did manage to finish this painting just in the nick of time:)  You are not experiencing deejavu this is an accompanying piece to my other painting "Spring Bunny".  Such a cute little guy.  I've never personally seen the Easter Bunny, who knows, he may be green:)  Just loved his reflective surface and that fun floral print.  I'm including my wip pictures.

I'm also working on some commissions and prepping for my first workshop.  Which still has a slot or two open if you're interested. Click here for details.  I did have a dream the other night that Ellen Degeneres and Anne Burrell came in and took over the workshop.  Can't believe I'm having workshop dreams a month out, you may have to peel me off the ceiling the week before:)

"Anticipation" original watercolor by Carrie Waller

I also do have some exciting news!  My painting "Anticipation" was chosen to be included in North Light Book's Splash 14.  How cool is that!  There were artists that submitted paintings and they chose 106 artists to be included.  When I looked at the list and saw the names included I really thought there must be a mistake that my name was on the list.  Pretty surreal:)

See you Friday:)

Carrie

Friday Feature: Laura Mitchell

Hi Everyone,

"Black, White and Red All Over" watercolor by Laura Mitchell

It's Friday Feature day again:)  This week I'm featuring Laura Mitchell.  Laura and I met through Louisiana Watercolor Society.   Her watercolors are amazing.  I wish I lived closer so we could get together and paint.

How did you get your start?  Art has always been a major part of my life.  My father’s hobby was wood carving and mother always had some form of handwork in progress.  They both encouraged me and my four sisters to develop our creativity, and all five of us pursue some form of art today.  My teachers noticed a talent for drawing in grade school and provided opportunities for me to develop it.  I received formal art training in high school and college, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Fine Art from Mississippi Southern College, Hattiesburg, Mississippi, 1959, and a Master of Education Degree from Southeastern Louisiana University, Hammond, Louisiana, 1980.  

 What’s you artist journey so far?  After retiring from a successful career in education as a teacher, supervisor and administrator, I resumed my  first love of painting.  I studied at the New Orleans Academy of Fine Art.  In addition, I attended numerous workshops with leading watercolorists.  During the summer of 2003 I spent six weeks in Paris, France, studying art history.  I made a commitment to pursue painting as a profession.  I became active in local and state art organizations and entered as many competitions as were available.  Three years ago I began teaching watercolor at the New Orleans Academy of Fine Art.  Presently I am teaching a watercolor class in Mandeville.  I serve on the Louisiana Watercolor Society Board.

"At Rest" watercolor by Laura Mitchell

Where were you born?                Hattiesburg, Mississippi

If you could live anywhere, where would you live?   By the beach!

What’s your favorite thing to paint and why?  Nestled in the woods on the north shore of Lake Pontchartrain in Mandeville, Louisiana, I spend most of my days in my studio recording the world around me.  Pursuing my passion for painting, my medium of choice is watercolor.  I often choose ordinary household items and place them in a still life format.  It is how I see and interpret these settings that give my paintings their uniqueness.  Intrigued by the play of light on objects, the reflections created in objects, the bounce color makes on their surroundings and the patterns and shapes created by my choice of fabrics, I incorporate these elements to add an abstractionism to my paintings.  I also enjoy painting my interpretation of the local natural flora which surrounds me.  I want my paintings to beckon the viewer from across the room to come closer and discover that the sum of the parts is greater than the whole.

"Reflections of Three Pears" watercolor by Laura Mitchell

Could you talk about your painting techniques?  My preference is to work with transparent watercolors on Arches 140 cold press paper.  I develop my drawing on a separate sheet of index or  vellum paper,  then transfer it to my watercolor paper using a light box.  I begin with a very loose, wet into wet wash to establish an undercoating of the basic shapes and shadows.  After this dries completely I progress to more defined shapes of color and value, still working wet into wet.  Once everything is completely dry, I finish wet on dry to add the final details. 

What drew you to watercolor and do you paint in other mediums?  I started seriously painting in high school and was exposed to all mediums.  In college I was drawn to oils.  After retiring I decided to try my hand at watercolor, I loved the transparency and fluidity of the medium.  I also didn’t want the oil fumes in my house!

How did you arrive at your current style?  I have always been drawn to representational paintings and it seems to be what comes most naturally to me.  I still try my hand at experimental painting from time to time but always go back to representational. 

"Amaryllis" watercolor by Laura Mitchell

Do you have a favorite artist?  From the master’s, Turner.  Contemporaries include Ann Pember, Birget O’Connor and Lauren McCracken.

Who has been your biggest inspiration?  My teacher, Martha Guthrie.

What are some of your favorite things or things that are essential to your well being/success as an artist?  My dog, Max.   My art collection.  Things I inherited from my aunts, grandmother and mother.  Peace, quiet, harmony, classical music, nature.  Good friends and an artistic support group.

"Confederate Rose" watercolor by Laura Mitchell

Do you have go to paints/colors, what are your favorites?  I recently reviewed my paints ad found the majority of them were Winsor & Newton, but I do love Daniel Smith quinacridones.  You will always find new gamboges, aureolin, cerulean, cobalt blue, ultramarine blue, alizarin crimson, winsor red, vermillion, burnt sienna and payne’s gray on my palette.  If I have a warm and cool of each of the primaries I can mix most other colors I need.

What are five things you would like to happen in your life in the next five years?  Dream big here.

Receive my AWS signature

Be represented by a reputable gallery

Get a bigger studio

Study at the Art Students League

Live in London for a year

What is your advice to other artists who are just getting started in their careers?  It is extremely important to have a working knowledge of the principles and properties of watercolor pigments to create a successful watercolor painting.  Also, spend as much time as necessary on your drawing, if it isn’t correct from the start you will only have grief in the painting process.  I find watercolor fascinating to work with and that as much as I plan ahead there are always surprises and challenges in the process.

What is the best advice that you have received as an artist?  Know your craft and paint, paint, paint!

"Sunrise Sunset" watercolor by Laura Mitchell

Speed Round!

Chocolate or vanilla? Chocolate

Sunny beach or rustic mountain retreat?        Any beach

Book or movie?             Book

Favorite Author?          Jane Austen

Romance or comedy? Comedy

Favorite ice cream flavor?      Mint with chocolate chips

New

Hi Everyone,

Today is the day for the Cook-Waller Challenge for March.  Crystal came up with the theme of "new" for this month.  I immediately knew that I wanted to paint my boys when they were newborn.  I have always loved Carol Carter's growth series where she has painted a portrait of her son every year of his life, she is currently on year 26. 

I have to say I have such a respect for Crystal Cook and her portrait abilities because I felt lost during these paintings.  I may attempt them again.  I will say that my photo reference pool was not that great.  I wish I had better pics with great lighting when they were newborn.

"Sam, newborn" original watercolor by Carrie Waller 8 x 10

"Steven, newborn" original watercolor by Carrie Waller 8 x 10

We are on Spring Break this week so I'll be back Friday with another feature:)

Carrie

Friday Feature: Kathy Cousart

Kathy Cousart

 Hi Everyone,

Today I have a fabulous Friday Feature:)  Kathy Cousart.  Kathy and I have never met in person but I feel like we have.  She is warm and caring and wonderfully talented.  In the last couple of years she has completely transformed herself and left one career and become a successful full time artist.  She is also currently co-hosting Artists Helping Artists blog radio show.

To see more of Kathy's work visit her website.

"Hydrangeas" by Kathy Cousart oil on linen

How did you get your start? 

I hate to admit that I needed a painting over a double mantle fireplace and just could not find anything that size.  The more I looked the more I loved oil paintings and wanted to try.  I had no idea what I was getting into! 

"Blessings" by Kathy Cousart oil on linen

What’s your artist journey so far?

 I started painting almost 2 years ago and have loved every minute.   I have been so lucky to have some of the best teachers out there who have just encouraged and guided me.  I sort of jumped into it all backwards and am learning to paint right along with blogging and the business side.  Nothing like total immersion! I really work hard and want to get all the fundamentals right and be what I would call a fine artist.   I hope one day that my paintings touch people the way that I feel when I look at a beautiful painting.

Where were you born?

 I grew up in Spartanburg, South Carolina- my hometown now is Athens, Georgia.

"Hydrangeas, Cotton Bolls, and Tulips" by Kathy Cousart oil on linen

If you could live anywhere where would you live?

 I used to say Saint Simon’s Island- now just anywhere with Husband Dave and near our two daughters and their families. 

"UGA III National Championship Bulldog Surprise" by Kathy Cousart oil on linen

What’s your favorite thing to paint and why? 

I love to paint anything that has interesting light on it!  I really like landscapes but have been having fun with flowers lately.  Gotta say also that my Georgia Bulldogs (mascot) are just plain fun to paint.  Maybe because I am so new I just want to paint everything.   I do know I am alla prima- and that I like to change it up. 

Could you talk about your painting techniques?   

I paint with a limited palette of just the 3 primaries and titanium white.  I enjoy mixing my own colors and love the harmony that you can achieve with that.   I am also finding that I am learning so much more with doing that and can work on values and temperatures better.   I got spoiled painting on linen and love the toothy surface and the way my paint goes on the linen.

"Saint Simon's Island Marsh" by Kathy Cousart oil on linen

How did you arrive at your current style?

I was told early on that I needed to have miles of canvas behind me and a ton of starts.  I have really put in the time painting to learn and can see that coming together.  I hope my current style comes across as big beautiful bold brushwork with gorgeous clean color.  

"Go Dog Sic 'Em" by Kathy Cousart oil on linen

Do you have a favorite artist? 

I have too many favorites!     Who has been your biggest inspiration? I am going to say all my workshop teachers have been the biggest inspiration- Each in a different way. 

Karin Jurick  for saying early on I could do this, 

Dreama for sayng to launch where you are and find your voice. 

Leslie Saeta for the warm enthusiasm and total belief that sharing my art would work out, Carol Marine for just teaching me fundamentals in such a fabulous fun way,

Nancy Franke for teaching the most gorgeous brushwork and colors with such a fun spirit and always giving me too much credit and finally

Jim Richards-

I got to join Jim’s mentoring group and that has made such a difference in my growth as a new artist.  Having the gentle but honest consistent critiques and wonderful teaching has been inspirational and invaluable.  I feel so fortunate to have met and learned from such talented teachers…Now you see why I could not pick just one.  They have all been an important part of my journey. 

"Sunlit Hydrangeas in Window" by Kathy Cousart oil on linen

You have done a fabulous job of marketing yourself, with a new website and blog.  Can you tell us a little about that journey? 

I started blogging after Karin Jurick’s workshop when she told us to and I listened.  Great way to meet other supportive artists and to learn from them.   A few months ago, I decided it was about time for a website and actually built one myself on iWeb.  That helped me make a lot of design decisions and get organized as to how I wanted it to be.  That was a really good process to get me ready to really move ahead and go with WordPress.  I like that the website and blog are combined and that it looked clean and easy to navigate.   It was important to me to be able to manage it and I have been really happy with WordPress. 

"Shrimp and Grits" by Kathy Cousart oil on linen

What are some of your favorite things or things that are essential to your well being/success as an artist?

I take care of two Moms and need to know they are fine and then I feel free and able to take that time for me to paint.   Once I know they are good- I don’t think I am too picky- just want to get in time painting and will paint anything-anywhere.    I really work hard to carve out that time at the easel. 

Do you have go-to paints/colors, what are your favorites?

I tend to like higher key paints and colors.  I am not talking about bright loud saturated colors but soft lighter pale colors that all just look so gorgeous next to each other.  There is that harmony thing I was talking about with mixing your own colors. 

"UGA Golf Course 9th Green" by Kathy Cousart oil on linen

What are five things you would like to happen in your life in the next five years? Dream big here:)

That my husband and I are both retired and able to travel a bit. 

That my art career has gotten to where my paintings fall consistently into the fine art category. 

That I am in at least one big Gallery and my paintings just fly off the walls.

That I am good enough to be in some shows and gain recognition as a big girl artist.  Ex:Perhaps asked to join a plein air group like PAP-SE.

And that I am good enough to be able to teach and mentor/give back some of the fabulous things I have learned.

What is your advice for other artists who are just getting started in their career? 

To have fun and be honest with where you are with your art.  I try to use my blog to share things I am learning along the way.   I think art is like golf in that your fundamentals need to be really sound to build off of then.  Make sure to get those correct and learn from good teachers who can zero in on your weaknesses. 

What is the best advice that you have received as an artist? 

That with hard work I can become a really good oil painter and do something with this.

SPEED ROUND!

Chocolate or vanilla? Chocolate!

Sunny beach or rustic mountain retreat? Sunny Beach!

Book or movie? Book

Favorite author? Anything Art related

Favorite movie? Any movie with daughters-girl time!

Romance or comedy?  Romance with some comedy

Favorite ice cream flavor?  Turtle Tracks

Night owl or morning person?  Morning

Cake or Cupcakes?   Cake- I make this killer triple layer chocolate mocha cake with real whipping cream

Thanks Carrie- I enjoy your Friday Features and happy to be one :)

Thank you Kathy you are an inspiration:)

Carrie