Connie Williams Watercolor Meanders

Blind Contour Friday Weeks 3 & 4

2009-11-06T15:09:00.000-08:00

Oh, I am such a slacker. I did not get my Blind Contour sketch posted last week. But here 'tis, better late than never. It's entitled Dragonfly on a Blade of Something. I lost some line work in the photo process, but you see the basics. The very basics.

And this next sketch for Week 4. Well, let's just say that if this were a close approximation of my little dog, Molly, we would be on our way to the vet. Pronto. I was inspired by Diahn Ott's sketch of her son's stuffie and appreciate her excellent sketch even more now!This Blind Contour drawing is a fun exercise. Even though the product is, well, quite sketchy at best, it makes me really focus on edges and I am automatically looking for them everywhere....on dragonflies, the dog, the husband. (He IS a bit edgy this week.) Oh, and the best part.....it's also veeeeery humbling!

Blind Contour Friday Week 2

2009-10-24T06:00:00.000-07:00

So......here's attempt number two at blind contour drawing. (I almost typed that "blond" contour drawing. Either way's correct. =O) Innnnnn-teresting. My two drawings have something in common. They are both a little off-center, listing to starboard, leaning slightly towards the right. Hmmmm. In every way, even politically, that's a reflection of me.
Fun. Easy. Done. Didn't peek. Yep. I am going to keep practicing! You have GOT to try this. Check out this little explanation blind contour drawing and instructions on what to do on Diahn Ott's blog and join us!

Blind Contour Friday

2009-10-19T14:09:00.000-07:00

What fun to accept artist Diahn Ott's invitation to participate in Blind Contour Friday! Maybe this exercise in blind contour drawing will help with my disease, inkapencilphobia, or is that drawcolepsy? My fear of drawing is decreasing little by little with the help of a couple of FANTASTIC instructional books, Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain, and The Art of Sketching, but I still have so much to learn. Practicing blind contours will help, I'm sure. Here’s my humble entry for Week 1, a blind contour drawing of my iced tea bottle. Yep. I need to do a few more of these. It's such fun and just takes a few minutes. Please join us!

Spike and Chester

2009-09-14T12:02:00.001-07:00

"Terrier and Chives" Watercolor on paper 14" x 11"

Do you remember Friz Freleng’s cartoon dogs of the early 1950s, Spike and Chester? “Hey Spike ol’ buddy, ol’ pal. What do ya’ think Spike? How about we chase the cat?” asks an exuberant Chester the terrier. I feel just like Chester when I enter an art show. I know it’s risky to enter. My ego could get scratched and bruised, but I enter with hopeful confidence and enthusiasm.

“Nah,” says the big ol’ bully bulldog Spike, backhanding Chester out of his way and sending him head over heels. The slap that sent happy little Chester tumbling is not unlike the letter that reads, “Dear Artist……we regret to inform you….”

I know. There are a bazillion reasons why I shouldn't let a rejection letter bother me. But the fact is, they do. You can't open one and not feel just a wee bit bummed, and even start second guessing your work. I am still very happy with my painting of you, my little Molly dog! Though, maybe, just maybe.......things would have gone better had I remembered your light saber!My heartfelt congratulations to my friend Liz Crain and all the artists whose work was juried into “Beasts on Broadway, Animals Galore” at the Santa Cruz Art League.

Artist's Blast Off Class Begins 9/16

2009-09-09T15:36:00.000-07:00

Hello artist friends. Would you like to....

Define success for yourself?
Commit to your vision?
Identify and personalize strategies?
Create good habits?
Release what you don't love?
Set boundaries?
Remove road blocks to making progress?
Make a real commitment to your artist's journey?

Participating in one of Alyson Stanfield's workshops last winter was a turning point in my art career. Her instruction helped me identify tasks that needed to be completed and formulate a plan for getting them done. After the workshop, I made progress by leaps and bounds and am happy to say that the positive momentum continues. If you need to energize and focus your art career, review the information about Alyson's upcoming Blast Off class, sign up, and look forward to accomplishing more than you imagined possible. To your success!

Still in Squirrel Mode

2009-08-29T20:09:00.000-07:00

What does making jam have to do with watercolor painting, you ask? Well, maybe I will take blog reader, Gabrielle, up on her suggestion to paint some lovely jars of jam someday! Other than that, not much. You see, I'm following my instinctive late summer urge to squirrel food away for the winter and not doing any painting. I spent the last few days peeling, chopping, blending, boiling, canning and freezing. (See yesterday's post "In Squirrel Mode.")
Today was really exciting because I invented a new kind of jam! I made a batch of Mango Jalapeno Jam that turned out very tasty, then to be sure it really was an original creation, I Googled it. Darn and disappointment! There are a dozen recipes for Mango Jalapeno Jam out there. None of them used dried mangoes, though, so my jam is unique in that respect with its yummy concentrated mango flavor. It has nice jalapeno overtones, but is not spicy at all, probably due to a very mild batch of jalapeno peppers. I will add one Serrano chili next time for a little heat. Here's my recipe if you would like to make some. Enjoy!

Mango Jalapeno Jam
from the kitchen of Connie Williams

o 1/3 heaping cup jalapeno peppers, stems & seeds removed and cut into 1/2 inch pieces
o 1 Serrano pepper, stems & seeds removed and cut into 1/2 inch pieces (optional)
o 1 large red bell pepper, stem & seeds removed and cut into 1 inch pieces
o 2 cups cider vinegar (Braggs is the best!)
o 1 - 1/2 cups dried chopped mangoes (about 12 oz, chopped in food processor in several small batches)
o 6 cups sugar
o 3 oz package liquid pectin (I use Certo)

Put jalapenos, bell pepper, and vinegar in blender. Puree until coarsely ground and small chunks remain. Combine mangoes, sugar, and pepper-vinegar mixture in a large saucepot. Bring to a boil. Boil rapidly, 5 minutes, stirring constantly to avoid boiling over. Remove from heat. Stir in liquid pectin quickly. Return to full rolling boil and boil exactly one minute, stirring constantly. Remove from heat. Skim off any foam with metal spoon. Pour into sterilized jars, adjust lids, and process in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes. Fruit may float, so after lids snap down, flip jars over every half hour or so until set.

Yield: 7 half-pint jars, plus a little for the fridge.

This recipe calls for mangoes, but dried apricots, nectarines, peaches and pears work equally well.

Serving suggestion: Stir to soften jam and spoon over a 4 oz. square of cream cheese (1/2 a package). Warm in the microwave at cook power 50% for 45 seconds and serve with butter crackers or wheat thins.

In Squirrel Mode

2009-08-28T15:14:00.000-07:00

This distraction from watercolor painting happens to me every fall. The tomatoes are ripe. We have squash coming out our ears, and I get that very strong annual urge to put food up....can, freeze, dry, whatever works. It's more than a family tradition. I really think it's an instinct that's well entwined in my DNA. Mom and Grandma Barker used to put up applesauce, peaches, pears, apricots, plums, cherries, beans, tomatoes, mincemeat, bread-and-butter pickles, watermelon rind pickles, crabapple jelly, grape jelly and strawberry jam. You name it. They canned it. Every fall there were canning kettles gurgling and wonderful smelling sticky jelly fixings dripping from big cloth sacks over the stationary sink on the screen porch. I can still remember Grandma, with that impish twinkle in her eye saying, "I can what I can can, and what I can't can I put up in glass jars." And she did.
So, as a result, when the fruit is ripe and the weather is lovely, fog-free, and hot again after school is in session (that's always the case), I get that irrepressible urge to squirrel away everything in sight. So far, I have frozen 20 packages of gravenstein apples and made apple butter. Hmmmmm. What next? For some reason the terrier has been a little stand-offish. =O)
I know! Apricot Jalapeno Jam! My sister, Marty, has a pal in the Bitterroot Valley, Montana who makes and sells this ambrosia in the local grocery stores, but I can't find it locally, so decided to make some this morning. Marty serves it over a 4 oz square of 1/3 less fat cream cheese, warmed in the microwave at 50% power for 45 seconds. Dip-in with Wheat Thins or buttery Waverly crackers and oh-my-goodness, is it ever a yummy appetizer! I made a batch this morning from an internet recipe that I tweaked a bit. Here it is in case you want to try it. It has great flavor, is very pretty and makes a great gift. Calories? I don't want to discuss that part. Just enjoy!

Apricot Jalapeno Jam

Modified by Connie Williams

1/2 cup jalapeno peppers, stems & seeds removed and cut into 1/2 inch pieces
1 large red bell pepper, stem & seeds removed and cut into 1 inch pieces
2 cups cider vinegar (Braggs is the best!)
1 - 1/2 cups dried apricots, 14 oz, chopped in food processor
6 cups sugar
3 oz package liquid pectin

Put jalapenos, bell pepper, and vinegar in blender. Puree until coarsely ground and small chunks remain. Combine apricots, sugar, and pepper-vinegar mixture in large saucepan. Bring to a boil. Boil rapidly, 5 minutes. Remove from heat. Stir in liquid pectin quickly. Return to full rolling boil and boil exactly one minute, stirring constantly. Remove from heat. Skim off any foam with metal spoon. Pour into sterilized jars, adjust lids, and process in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes.
Yield: 6 half-pint jars, plus a little for the fridge.

Firsts are Fun!

2009-08-17T07:23:00.000-07:00

It's delightful that life is so full of firsts, and that they seem to be more numerous in the middle chapters of life than ever. This blog post is to let you know about my first solo art show. So that all you Blogger pals who are beyond driving distance are able share my joy, here are a couple of pictures of the show at Sushi Garden Restaurant, 820 Bay Avenue, Capitola CA. Original paintings and giclee prints have been on display for a month and the show will close on Sept 4th. (Woo hoo! Little artistic plateau reached. Check.) Above is a picture of Jay, Restaurant Manager and fabulous Sushi Chef, and me, a bit messy and happy-tired after hanging the show. Wishing you artist readers plenty of firsts to enjoy!

Brush Water Blotters

2009-08-06T10:30:00.000-07:00

To survive these rough economic times, we need to be creative about gift-giving. Who on the planet would be delighted to receive a stack of Viva paper towels all folded nicely and tied with a ribbon for a gift? ("Lady, you are nuts!" is not the appropriate answer here!) Why a watercolor artist, of course! Folded Viva paper towels make the softest, lowest-lint, thirstiest brush-water-blotters ever, not to mention they are very gentle on your brushes. A stack of these will last 6 months to a year.....depending upon how much of a duck (splash, splash) you are when you paint, and how often you paint.
Tear a roll of Viva brand paper towels (no substitutions please!) into three-sheet sections. Fold each 3-part towel along the perforations, then fold in half along a line parallel to the perforations. Stack the whole roll up and tie with a ribbon to give to your soon-to-be-delighted watercolor artist friend. You just gave them the gift of your time and a GREAT brush blotter.

MASKING WATERCOLORS WITH CON-TACT PAPER

2009-08-04T20:08:00.000-07:00

Finally! Here’s the masking film lesson I promised in a blog post way back in February. Thank you patient blog followers and a special thanks to reader “Gabrielle” for her kind and gentle reminder to me to make good on my promise!

PROCESS OVERVIEW
Traditional transparent watercolor painters do not use white paint. Instead, the white of the paper is preserved throughout the entire painting process. The safest, best way to save white paper areas larger than one half inch in diameter is to use masking film. Most of the time (especially if I plan to paint a really juicy-wet background wash) I mask foreground subjects with clear Con-Tact paper sealed with masking fluid (liquid frisket) and paint the background first. When the background is finished, I remove the dried masking fluid and Con-Tact paper, then re-apply masking fluid to the subject’s pure white and nearly white highlights. Masking saves white areas with very crisp, sharp, hard edges that can be softened later in the painting process.

MATERIALS
--CLEAR Con-Tact or other light adhesive backed shelf paper
--Black Sharpie fine point permanent marker
--Winsor and Newton Colourless Art Masking Fluid (the BEST!)
--Masking fluid application tools (see blog post February 16, 2009, Top 10 Watercolor Masking Tools and Supplies)
--Rubber cement pickup
--Scissors
Important tip! Don’t buy expensive artist’s masking film or frisket film for watercolor painting. It’s a wonderful product for air brush, acrylic, pastel work, and any application where you need crisp, clean painted edges because the edges seal so nicely on smooth surfaces. Masking film is not intended for use with wet, soupy washes on textured paper like Arches 140 lb or 300 lb cold-pressed watercolor paper. Instead, use Con-Tact brand paper or other shelf paper with light adhesive backing. You will save a lot of money and produce the same result. No adhesive residue remains on the watercolor paper.

INSTRUCTIONS
Tape the Con-Tact paper over your painting and trace a line on the RIGHT side of the Con-Tact paper with a Sharpie marker, 1/16” to 1/8” inside the pencil line of the shape to be masked. Warning: Be really careful about using the Sharpie marker near your watercolor paper. It’s permanent!
If you can't see pencil lines on the watercolor paper through the Con-Tact paper and backing, here are three suggested work-arounds:
1) Trace the shape 1/8” inside the pencil line onto tracing paper, cut out and lay the tracing paper over the Con-Tact paper. Draw a line around the shape with a Sharpie marker.
OR 2) If you transferred your line work to the watercolor paper from a full sized line drawing, tape the line drawing to a window or light box, lay the Con-Tact paper over the line drawing and trace your line onto the Con-Tact paper using the Sharpie marker. Remember to trace 1/16” to 1/8” inside the original pencil line.
OR 3) Place clear acetate film over the pencil sketch on your watercolor paper. Trace a Sharpie line on the acetate 1/16” to 1/8” inside the edge of the shape to be masked. Place the acetate on a light box or window. Tape Con-Tact paper over the acetate and trace the line onto Con-Tact paper with the Sharpie.
Using scissors, cut out the Con-Tact paper shape along the center of the Sharpie line, leaving a solid black line all the way around the shape. If you need to, draw along the edge of the Con-Tact paper with the marker to make a continuous solid black line. This line is VERY important because it is your guide for applying enough masking fluid. Do not over-cut inside corners. This is the most common reason for getting a watercolor “bleed” or leak under the Con-Tact paper. If you do cut too far into a corner, just mark the edges of the cut with the marker and remember to cover the entire cut and slightly beyond with masking fluid.
Remove the backing from the Con-Tact paper and position it on your painting. Apply masking fluid all the way around the shape, sealing the Con-Tact paper to the watercolor paper by bringing the fluid right to the pencil line of your shape as well as over the Con-Tact paper a minimum of 1/16” inside the Sharpie line. When the masking fluid dries, the black Sharpie line will show through indicating places where you need to apply extra fluid to prevent bleeds. Strangely enough, most bleeds originate from the Con-Tact paper side of the masking fluid, not from the side closest to the pencil line.
After the liquid frisket is totally dry, you can apply watercolor washes. You WILL get a bleed….if not today, then someday! It happens to everyone. Here’s one of mine on the fisherman's hand. Just understand that it’s not the end of your painting. We can always lift and scrub, right? Watercolor painting keeps me very humble. My philosophy is to accept “what is” and keep on keeping on! It’s all good!
Removing the masking film is easy. MEGA-IMPORTANT TIP: Your painting must be totally bone dry before you remove masking or you risk tearing the watercolor paper. Using a rubber cement pickup, lift one piece of the dry masking fluid until you can get a good grip. Slowly and carefully peel that fun-stretchy-rubber-bandy-stringy-latex hand-over-hand from around all the edges, then gently lift and peel back the Con-Tact paper. Remove any masking fluid residue from your painting with the rubber cement pickup. Now you are ready to apply masking fluid to highlights that were under the film and finish your painting.
I'm delighted to share my techniques and information with fellow artists and hope you find this information helpful and useful. Comments or questions are always welcome! c.2009 Connie Williams Jack in the Stalk 14 x 22 Watercolor - My husband, Jack, fishing near Stalk Creek in Spatsizi Plateau Wilderness Provincial Park, British Columbia.

Reasons to Buy Art

2009-07-16T13:33:00.000-07:00

While preparing for an upcoming outdoor art show I brainstormed a list of reasons why people buy fine art, though I must admit, it took some mental aerobics to switch roles from artist to collector. Since it's downright painful for me to be serious, I came up with a few goofy answers too. The reasons that did not make the cut are: 1) Because my significant other wants me to buy it, 2) Because I have a hole in the wall that I want to cover, and 3) Because it matches my sofa. Here's the list I'm thinking about posting in my art fair booth. As always, your comments and suggestions are appreciated!

Reasons to Buy Art

Because I love it! It makes my heart glad!

I am drawn into the piece for a closer look.

This painting triggers nostalgic memories.

This piece appeals to my love of beauty.

The artwork is a reflection of my personality.

I need a very special gift for someone.

There’s a perfect place in my home for this piece.

I know my friends will appreciate seeing it.

It’s affordable and will last a lifetime and beyond.

Art is a wonderful investment.

I know quality work when I see it.

I like owning original works of art.

I am a fine art collector.

Shy Girl Peony

2009-07-12T19:44:00.001-07:00

This, my latest 10 x 14 watercolor painting, is entitled Shy Girl Peony because the lovely peony face is slightly hidden by a few leaves, leaving a bit of the composition to your imagination.
My painting pals and I visited Filoli Gardens in Woodside, CA for a source photo shoot at the end of April, just as the peony blooms were in their springtime glory. There was a collection there like no other I have seen, a rainbow of absolutely luscious colors. The painting above is based on one of the peony source photos I took that day, which I will insert at the bottom of this post.
Peonies are a very special flower. My grandmother always had them in her flower garden where I grew up in the Santa Cruz Mountains of California. When my husband and I worked for the USDA in Montana, we owned a home with a HUGE, hearty, ancient peony plant that sprung up in the middle of the lawn every year while springtime snow was still falling. We put a little wire fence around it because it produced such large blossoms that the whole plant would collapse after spring showers or a lawn sprinkling. This lovely lawn-bound peony produced beautiful pink and white flowers very similar to Shy Girl.
Peonies have a symbiotic relationship with black ants. In early spring, peony buds secrete a small amount of waxy nectar, which attracts ants. The ants pull gently at the peony petals to get to the nectar. This helps loosen the peony's petals and makes it easier for the flower to open. The ants, contrary to many an old wives tale about peonies and ants, are not absolutely necessary for peonies to bloom, but they are helpful and do not harm the blossoms.
The painting, Shy Girl Peony, is painted entirely with non-staining colors of Holbein paints, because I wanted the freedom to layer, then lift paint. The star of this painting is Holbein's luscious Opera, a lovely hot neon pink that lights up this girl like no other color could. I understand that Holbein's version of Opera is extremely light fast and stable, which will be a plus for the new owner of this painting.....which is, by the way, going to be offered for sale at an upcoming outdoor exhibit on July 26th. Stop by my blog next week for more news about this event!

Inspiration

2009-07-03T09:26:00.000-07:00

In the 13th century, Persian poet Rumi wrote this beautiful poem inviting beauty and gratitude....

Today, like every other day, we wake up empty and frightened.
Don’t open the door to the study and begin reading.
Take down a musical instrument.
Let the beauty we love be what we do.
There are hundreds of ways to kneel and kiss the ground.

Holding onto its essence, this modern day artist hears:

Today, like every other day, you wake up hopeful yet uncertain.
Don't open the cover of the laptop and begin browsing.
Pick up the paint brush.
Let the beauty you love be what you paint.
There are countless ways to be humble and grateful.

Signing off now to paint something beautiful that I love......

Capitola Sunrise

2009-06-28T17:26:00.000-07:00

This afternoon I finished Capitola Sunrise 22 x 30, a painting that, in keeping with my typical thoughtful, contemplative style, took over two years to mentally compose, and three months to paint. It's truly a day to celebrate. Yay! The subject is a portion of the Capitola Wharf, a historical landmark in my home town and one of my favorite places to take a stroll with friends.
I am fortunate to reside only three-fourths of a mile from the beach and this beautiful pier, in the oldest seaside resort on the Pacific Coast. Since 1869, Capitola has been a destination for inland residents headed to the coast. The area today is home to many restaurants, stylish tourist shops and art galleries.
The wharf was originally built in Capitola, formerly Soquel Landing, prior to 1857. In 1860, it was lengthened to 1,100 feet but a storm in November of 1865 destroyed the outer 500 feet of the wharf. The beach itself became a favorite of vacationers from San Francisco, brought initially by horse-drawn vehicles, and then, after 1876, by the Santa Cruz-Watsonville narrow gauge railroad. When I was a little girl, I enjoyed hearing my grandmother's stories about her family's annual summer train trip from San Francisco to Capitola in the 1890s and early 1900s. The Capitola wharf was repaired and rebuilt numerous times during the last hundred years. The current 855 foot pier is fairly new, having been rebuilt in the mid-1980s following storm damage, and was restored extensively in 1998.
Capitola Sunrise is based on a source photo taken on a sunny morning in September of 2006. This late in the season, there is only one sailboat anchored on the nearby moorings and a couple strolls along the pier, while another person takes in the sunrise from one of the pier's many well placed park benches. It was a challenging work because the "color" source photo was literally black and white with a little brownish tone in the sand area. I had to make a few visits to the pier and relive this serene morning over and over (fun job, eh?) in order to get get the colors and values just right. Because I use no white paint in my studio paintings, I must carefully preserve all whites and highlights throughout the entire painting process. If you would like to own the original or a giclee print, you are invited to stop by my website, cwwatercolors.com for more information.

Vincent

2009-06-25T21:43:00.000-07:00

Click this link to Blip.fm and hear Don McLean's classic song "Vincent" set to a video of Van Gogh's paintings. This video has been done before, many times, but this one is very special. Maybe it's the timing. Twenty years ago, I had the pleasure of touring the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam and it was unforgettable. Enjoy this well done video!

Aquabord Surface Fix

2009-06-10T15:04:00.000-07:00

In my post for Tuesday, June 4, 2009, I discussed speckled areas that repel paint on some, but not all, Aquabord clayboard panels. I concluded that these speckles were caused by air trapped within the board, as Ampersand suggested on their FAQ page. Upon closer inspection and comparison of my board with the boards of other studio members today, I discovered that the speckling was not caused by air trapped within the clay that escaped before the pigment was dry. Rather, it was caused by tiny mountains of clay with sides so steep that the paint pigment ran off and settled in the valleys below, leaving little bare mountain peaks behind.
My solution to fix the speckled sky area of my painting-in-progress was to:
1) sand the surface very lightly (3-4 strokes) with 180 grit sandpaper and dust off the board.
2) apply water and gently lift the remaining paint with a very soft brush and paper towels.
3) re-apply watercolor paint.
It worked! No more speckles. In the future, I will examine the Aquabord surface before I begin painting and knock down any potentially troublesome bumps with a quick, light sanding. This is a great painting surface and I'm looking forward to having lots more fun with it!
Please leave a comment if you have ideas to share about painting on Aquabord or found this information helpful.

Now, go paint your world!

Eating Sugar Instead of Painting

2009-06-08T06:00:00.000-07:00

I heard a psychologist on the Today Show this morning describe using Twitter, Facebook and blogging to be as pleasurable as eating sugar. She could have not made a more fitting analogy. We buzz around the Internet looking for short, quick little rewards like a bee gathering pollen. Thankfully, I don't tweet, just can't get into that for some reason, but Facebook and blogs are becoming my daily routine for learning about what's new in the art world. I cruise from blog to blog and absorb all kinds of great tips and information. It's such a wonderful e-world out there, but I have to be very careful. Because, you see, browsing has become more than my daily sugar high. I just came to the somewhat startling realization that this is my favorite way to procrastinate when I have a difficult work on the painting table! Recognizing this fact helped me decide to put a thirty minute time limit on my browsing. If you have had a similar experience, what's your solution? I will enjoy hearing your comments!

If you did happen to see your reflection in my story, then maybe we BOTH need a prod into action, a jog, a gentle nudge today to get back into the studio to make art. Here you go: Nudge! .........Now, go paint your world!

Aquabord is a Lovely Watercolor Surface

2009-06-04T08:13:00.000-07:00

My painting pals and I had a fun time yesterday painting a quick sunset seascape on Aquabord, an acid-free, textured, clay-coated hardboard product marketed by Ampersand Art. We used 1/8" thick 5 x 7 panels for this project. What a great surface for watercolors! I love the vibrant colors, ease of lifting, and the fact it forces a dabbler like me to be sparing with brush strokes when adding layers of paint so as not to lift underlying paint. Finished paintings are sealed with several coats of a UV resistant sealer, allowing them to be presented without glass. Works on Aquabord will be cheaper to frame than watercolor paper, easier to transport and ship framed, and will show better outdoors or under track lighting.
On this, my fourth painting on Aquabord, I ran into a snag, however. My Aquabord panel resisted paint, leaving little dots or speckles over the entire surface (see photo below). Thankfully, I did not have this problem with my last three paintings on Aquabord. Speckle and Bubble Syndrome (SBS, as named by me) seemed to diminish as additional glazes were applied, though it is still quite visible and noticeable, especially in a photograph.
I visited the Ampersand Art Supply Website and found a solution in their FAQs which you may read on this link: http://www.ampersandart.com/faq.html#specks
In summary, Ampersand recommends "flushing out" air bubbles trapped in the clay before painting. Who knew? You probably did, right? Grins! I gave the surface a good sloppy wet wash of plain water before beginning to paint, which should have done the trick, but maybe my mistake was to let it dry too much before adding subsequent washes. Interesting! If you have had a similar experience with SBS, know another work-around, or have other tips or tricks to share about painting on Aquabord, please comment. I really want to keep painting on this product, but want no more weird surprises! Thanks!

Bouncing Back from Rejection

2009-05-26T20:38:00.000-07:00

It takes courage to enter an art show. Entering is such a risk that it takes all the confidence I can muster just to fill out the paperwork and mail it. I entered a piece in a show and sale and was kindly notified earlier this week that my painting was rejected by the juror. To take a leap of that size and be rejected is more than disappointing. It is more than humbling. I must admit the rejection had erosive effects on my confidence. The self talk sounded something like this. Maybe I really blew it. Maybe the juror saw my painting and bellowed, "This artist violated composition rule number 243!" Maybe the brights are too bright or the sky is overworked. Maybe there are too many visible pencil lines. Maybe the work is too tight and he likes abstract paintings. I was pretty sad......
And then I re-read the many positive comments from an old blog post about this painting and realized that one juror's rejection could never undo all of the positive comments I had received. It could not take away the energy and the love I put into the painting....nor the joy I felt painting it, or the pride I felt when it was finished. This is one person's opinion, and he believed the painting did not fit into his vision of one particular show. That's all. It's not personal. It's not permanent or damaging. My self-talk now sounds like this: C'mon now. Get a grip, girl. You will NEVER know the real reason for the rejection. It is what it is. It's not a measure of who you are or who you will become. There's no time for self-doubt. Now, get back to painting! That's better, isn't it?
A special thanks to my potter pal, Liz, for loaning me her copy of "The Art of Rejection" by Arthur Gonzalez. Talk about inventive and creative! Arthur took an accumulation of 25 years of rejection letters, added clever illustrations and commentary to each, and bound and published them. It's a quick, fun read.
If you have had similar experiences you would like to share, leave a comment! If you have not faced rejection in the art world, comment about that too because I would love to know how that works! =-)

Steeped in Inspiration

2009-05-12T06:00:00.000-07:00

Collectors and other artists often ask how to decide what to paint and how to prepare for the process. Here's my best advice:

Pinpoint your inspiration and breathe it in, bathe in it, steep in it, until your soul is infused with its very essence. Then paint.

In other words, spend time on the land if you are painting landscapes. Play with a beloved pet before you paint his portrait. Spend time getting to know your human subject. Watch the sunset every night for a month. Get down on the forest floor and smell the moss. LIVE with source photos pinned to bulletin boards, under magnets on the fridge, even taped to the bathroom mirror. Look until you see. You have to drink it all in before you pour it out!

Happy Birthday Aunt Dotty

2009-05-11T07:08:00.000-07:00

My cousins commissioned the painting Steadfast for my dear Aunt Dotty for a birthday gift. Based on the above picture, I think she likes it! The funny part of the story is that I planned to have another couple of landscapes painted to enter in the 79th Annual Statewide Exhibit, California's premier landscape art show, at the Santa Cruz Art League. Due to family obligations taking priority, the paintings did not get painted, so I entered Steadfast in the show and was delighted to have it accepted. Meanwhile, I had the painting scanned and a giclee printed and framed.....just in case. Yesterday, after Auntie unwrapped her painting, I told her I have to take it back next week and give her a giclee to hang in its place for a month, but she can visit her painting at the Art League. She was delighted to hear that news too!

Crazy Woman Kayaker......

2009-05-04T15:39:00.001-07:00

I learned yesterday, while paddling in O'Neill's Forebay below San Luis Dam, that it's a little tricky taking photos from a kayak in 10-20 mph winds. Even if you have a steady hand, you can take very blurry pictures. I also learned that you can choke yourself with a lid latch (little clip-on bungee that holds your hat to your collar) if you forget it's attached and try to flip your baseball cap around backwards to take a picture. Sheeeesh. I can see the headlines now, Crazy Woman Kayaker Who Feared Drowning and Blurry Photos Strangled by Lid Latch. Anywhoooo, these wild irises were just past peak bloom, but still will make a good reference photo to add to my stash. The clouds below will set a dark and foreboding mood in a future painting. Fortunately they did not shed even a drop of rain, and we enjoyed a lovely day just messing about in boats.

Steadfast in Statewide Exhibit

2009-05-01T20:52:00.000-07:00

The snail mail letter arrived today. You know, the one enclosed by the SASE with your address printed in your own handwriting, with your return address sticker affixed in one corner and your stamp in the other. It's one of those letters that makes you hold your breath. You can't wait to open it, but on the other hand, wonder if you really want to know what's inside. It was such fun to open it and see the salutation, Dear Artist, and the words Congratulations, you have been selected to participate..... (Insert sigh of great joy and relief!!)
Steadfast (see my earlier blog posts Steadfast and Source Photo for Steadfast) has been selected by the juror to be included in the 79th Annual California Statewide Exhibit. This historic landscape painting show runs from May 30th through June 28, 2009 at the Santa Cruz Art League gallery, 526 Broadway, Santa Cruz, CA. For more information, visit their website at www.scal.org. The Artist's Reception will be on Saturday, June 6th from 3 to 5pm. It would be fun to see you there!
This particular painting is sold, however, this amazing Monterey Cypress and the Carmel Bay shoreline just begs to be painted again. Let me know if I can paint it for you!

People's Choice Tenth Place

2009-04-30T10:36:00.000-07:00

It is with delight that I share some exciting news about my painting, Window on Bodie. 2,909 People's Choice Award ballots, which included each viewer's top three choices (so about 8,700 total votes), were tabulated at the California Watercolor Association's 40th National Exhibition, and Bodie is the 10th place favorite. What an honor it is to have so many people appreciate Bodie, my very first entry in a CWA show, and to have my painting hanging in a show alongside the works of so many accomplished and wonderful artists. My congratulations to the show award winners and to all the other People's Choice artists!

PEOPLES CHOICE BALLOTING RESULTS
Overall Top Ten Scorers
1 Church Door by Dean Mitchell
2 Little Wing by Ric Dentinger
3 Harbor Guardians by Marilyn Wear
4 Weight of the Day by Wesley Merritt
5 Velvet and Tulle by Bev Jozwiak
6 No Through Street by Dick Cole
7 Milan by Yong Paik
8 Autumn Jewels by Arlynn Bloom
9 Cantaloupe Slices by Grace Swanson
10 Window on Bodie by Connie Williams

Here is information about the show, should you be in the area in the next few weeks:
Water+Color:
California Watercolor Association
40th Annual Exhibition March 18 to May 24, 2009 Wednesdays to Sundays
11 am to 5 pm
FREE
Presidio Officers’ Club, 50 Moraga Ave, San Francisco, CA

The Search for Paintable Subjects Continues

2009-04-27T09:34:00.000-07:00

Jack and I and our two dogs spent the weekend at our friend's lovely ranch in Paso Robles, CA where we were treated like royalty. We had frosty mornings and warm days to tour the ranch in a jeep, go karts, Mercedes Unimog, and on foot. The birds, landscape, sunsets and wildlife were spectacular. I was impressed with the abundant digger pines, pinus sabiniana. Click on the above photo to zoom in and see a couple of them nicely silhouetted near the center of the photo. Unlike other pines, it is common for their trunk to branch off in different directions. The needles are bluish green and clumped in threes. This tree loves to lean, but rarely falls because its roots go so deep searching for water in this hot, dry environment. The ranch is home to many wild turkeys. None of the toms fanned while we were there..... Maybe next time I will capture that in a photo.

Love my Brother!

2009-04-23T12:14:00.000-07:00

Today I mentioned to my brother, Patrick, that I am having trouble mentally colorizing a very "black and white" looking color source photo of the Capitola Wharf at sunrise. My process is to mentally paint the painting before I even place a stroke on the paper, and I am really reluctant to begin without a sound game plan. Patrick said I need to spend more time on the beach at sunrise. Yeah. I like.

Searching for Paintables

2009-04-20T13:23:00.000-07:00

What a lovely morning it was to walk in Henry Cowell State Park! Since I am feeling drawn towards landscape and bird painting lately, I am spending a lot of time out-and-about enjoying this gorgeous country and searching for the perfect paintable subjects, with time out for a little laundry and minimal housekeeping in between. So, that means my posts will be short and sweet for the time being. REALLY short and REALLY sweet! All my best to you! Connie

Playing Tag with the BEST

2009-04-06T11:04:00.000-07:00

I am jumpin' for joy because it is spring (LOOK at my sister's Wisteria!!!!) and because I was tagged by Chris Beck! I’m deeply honored to be tagged by such a talented artist who paints the most vibrant and delightful watercolors. Her work combines whimsy and creativity, is executed with perfection in brilliant, clean color, and never fails to please both the discerning artist as well as the child in me. Stop by Chris's blog to view the painting Snail Mail and you will see exactly what I mean!

Well, the rules for tagging are these:
1. Put a link in your post about the artist that tagged you.
2. Write 5-7 unusual things about yourself.
3. Tag 5-7 other bloggers and let them know they have been given a blog award.

RULE #1. The link to Chris Beck's blog is right here: I'M PAINTING AS FAST AS I CAN.

RULE #2.
Here are seven unusual things about me:
1) I became a grandmother one month before I graduated from college in 1996.
2) Two days into a trans-Pacific sail to San Francisco in 2002, I committed mutiny off the coast of Kawaii to save five crew mates and myself from certain death at the hands of a rum-crazed captain.
3) Last night I munched on a yummy piece of gourmet chocolate while reading a Weight Watcher's e-newsletter.
4) Because we firmly believe in the healing power of art, my painting pals and I donate packets of art materials called Chemo Doodles to cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.
5) After completing two university classes in engineering calculus, I decided Jimmy Buffett is right. Google Jimmy Buffett + math.
6) I herded black angus cows in the middle of a dark moonless night in Montana, then finished up around midnight at the Cozy Cafe where all the cowboys ordered chicken dinners.
7) I've enjoyed 20 wonderful and glorious years of marriage to my husband, Jack. We will celebrate our 36th wedding anniversary in August. :-D
OK, I know, there were supposed to be only seven items, but HEY, I can relate to the term "unusual."
8) Four things REALLY frighten me. They are: politicians, spiders, calculus, and rum-crazed captains.

RULE #3. I can pick only seven artists? How about just one for now? Check out the graphite pencil drawings by the amazing Geri Dunn. I will tag more artists later!

Blackbird Sentry

2009-04-03T10:24:00.000-07:00

Paralleling the Bitterroot River, near Stevensville, Montana, is the gorgeous Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge. On a walk there a couple of years ago, I spied this yellow-headed blackbird perched in the dense cattails along the bank of a large, still pond. Every few minutes he threw his head back and sang his heart out. I could have stayed there listening for hours. Across the pond were more cattails, and a few puffy clouds in the Big Sky. Muskrats and ducks sent an occasional ripple across the surface of the still water. This scene was such a pleasure to paint. I hope it takes you back to your memory of a serene pond with a blackbird sentry.

Peanut

2009-03-26T15:50:00.000-07:00

I had the total pleasure of giving my sister, Marty, from Montana her very first watercolor painting lessons while she was visiting me this past week. She chose to base her painting on a recent picture of her beloved Morgan/Arab paint horse "Peanut" who passed away last month at the sweet old age of 33. This painting is filled with love and emotion and is everything that art should be. I am so proud of my sister and hope she enjoys watercolor painting for many years to come.

Quite an Honor

2009-03-23T20:21:00.000-07:00

Pinch me, I'm dreaming. My painting Window on Bodie is hanging in the Presidio Officer's Club in San Francisco alongside 98 paintings by very accomplished watercolor artists from the United States, Canada and Europe. It was exciting to attend the Awards Reception yesterday, surrounded by family, friends, and many other artists.
Admission is free to the 40th Annual California Watercolor Association National Exhibition and the gallery is open from 11am to 5pm Wednesday through Sunday. It is located at 50 Moraga Avenue, San Francisco, CA. For more information visit the Presidio's web page at http://www.presidio.gov/calendar/cwa.htm. The CWA is to be commended for their hard work and dedication to furthering the understanding and appreciation of watercolor art and for sponsoring such a beautiful show. Hey! I felt that pinch. It's not a dream, but a dream come true.

The Cause for One Brushstroke

2009-03-18T07:02:00.000-07:00

My painting tip for today addresses one of my greatest watercolor challenges. APPLY WATERCOLOR WITH ONE STROKE AND LEAVE IT ALONE. I’ve also heard,

1) Get in and get out.

2) Don’t noodle and doodle.

3) Don’t puddle.

4) Paint and leave it alone.

5) Apply paint evenly and without fussing.

If you have another favorite way to say this, please comment below!

Why is this important? There are reasons too numerous to mention in this blog! Though particle size of pigment is important, the reasons have more to do with the paper than the paint. When sizing in the watercolor paper becomes wet, it releases compacted cellulose fibers and allows them to pop up. Repeated brushing lifts and tangles the fibers, making them fluff up even further and they can’t settle back in place when they dry. If you have naturally curly hair or have ever had a really curly perm, you can relate. Brushing curly hair when it’s wet makes it wild and fuzzy when it’s dry. It’s the same with watercolor paper. When the surface of watercolor paper is fluffed up, watercolor pigment particles will settle further down into the paper and their color is dulled or muted by the fuzzy paper above them.

The trick is to put paint down without disturbing the paper fibers. I don't know about you, but this requires all the self-restraint I can muster. Wet watercolor paint just begs me to fuss with it!

If you are interested in learning more about this subject, go to handprint.com, a wonderful site that will answer your most technical watercolor questions, and read the article entitled "The Secret of Glowing Color."

Elizabethans Make Art and Make a Difference

2009-03-10T10:13:00.000-07:00

Artists agree that the experience of making art is enhanced by an association with others who are also compelled to make art, whether in a workshop, art vacation abroad, studio class, or simply a group that carves out time from their busy schedules to get together and paint on a regular basis. The Elizabethans of Capitola, California, a watercolor painting group, formed under interesting circumstances. When our studio watercolor instructor moved away in 2006, four of the eight students promptly formed a studio group. We call ourselves the Elizabethans and we continue to paint together in my home every Wednesday morning, inspiring each other with art salon style critiques, education and companionship. A fifth member joined our group last fall.

I originally thought we would meet temporarily to support each other until we found new mentors, but the group has grown into so much more. Each week, one member presents a short, fifteen minute demonstration on the topic of their choice, and another brings a decadent dessert to share. Other than that, there is no agenda. We just work on our own current paintings, discuss techniques and materials, supportively critique each other’s work and laugh a lot.

A nominal monthly member fee is collected and used to pay for workshops, bring in guest artists, and to support various causes like the high school show at the local art league and our pet project “Chemo Doodles,” a kit of original line drawings with felt pens that we donate to oncology centers for patients undergoing chemotherapy treatments. We have made 350 kits so far, and the centers are constantly requesting more.

We Elizabethans believe that surrounding ourselves with friends who share a passion for watercolor painting manifests itself in improving the quality of our work, helps us recognize our potential, and helps us make meaningful art as well as meaningful contributions to the community. It’s easy to form an artist’s studio group. Keep it simple. Call a few friends, get together and paint!

Investing Something Very Personal

2009-03-03T07:17:00.000-08:00

While I was putting away the source materials for the painting Morning on Cannery Row, I was surprised to see how different the source photo (above) is from the final painting (below in previous post). Thinking about the subject for a couple of years helped me paint the subject as I remembered and experienced it that morning. For me, creativity is about seeing, remembering, mulling over the inspiration, and investing something very personal in the finished work.

Morning on Cannery Row

2009-03-02T08:58:00.001-08:00

I'm excited to share my latest watercolor painting, Morning on Cannery Row (22 x 30) with you. The source photos were taken in late January 2007 in the sweet light of early morning. How did I happen to be behind Bubba Gump's restaurant photographing Monterey's Cannery Row at sunrise? I'm married to a SCUBA diver who dives early when the water is calm and there is good vis as he calls it. I often tag along with him as far as San Carlos Beach at the breakwater, then enjoy a walk and photo shoot along the beautiful historic waterfront while he is diving. This particular morning, there were decorator clouds, nice little wispy bands that caught the pink sunrise glow just right. The blue-roofed tan concrete buildings of the Monterey Bay Aquarium glowed pink and there were pink cloud reflections in the windows. Magical. The water was glassy calm, typical for a good SCUBA diving day. I wanted to produce a work which did justice to my memory of that tranquil, peaceful morning, so spent two years mentally composing the painting before I felt ready to tackle it. I hope you enjoy the view as much as I did! As always, please comment!

So Much to Paint, Such a Slow Painter

2009-02-26T11:30:00.000-08:00

I'm thoroughly impressed with artists who can knock out a lovely painting-a-day......especially if it is done in watercolor. That takes incredible creativity, organization and discipline. I'm also convinced that this level of production is not possible for me. I'm a slow and methodical painter who carefully plots, plans, and then plods along. I mull over a subject photo that may hang on my paintables board for years, crop and re-crop photos, compose and re-compose, draw thumbnail sketches, and paint several value studies. The painting is completely painted in my mind before I even begin the sketch on watercolor paper.
Most of my painting is done without a brush in hand. I watch the paint dry,which, contrary to popular assumption, is not boring at all because those sneaky watercolors MOVE. Then I put the painting on an easel and live with this work-in-progress, looking at it often as I go about my daily routines. When I've decided how to approach the next step, I paint a little, then look some more, making sure the painting continues to tell the intended story.
Watercolor painting is humbling for a planner like me because even though I attempt to control the variables to achieve a specific result, I'm always somewhat surprised by the outcome. It's like working with computers, in that repeating the same action often gets you a different result. It's best to be very accepting of most any surprise result and move forward from that point. Plan. Paint. Watch it dry. Accept the result. Repeat the process. Speedy? No. Fun? Oh yes! Please comment on this post. I would love to hear your thoughts!

Leaves in a Starry Night Sky

2009-02-19T10:41:00.000-08:00

Our watercolor painting group, the Elizabethans, began studio painting together several years ago with Elizabeth Kincaid and continue to meet weekly to learn from and inspire each other. We are just finishing a quick, small (mine is 6 x 10) paint-along designed by artist and author Elizabeth Groves, coincidentally another Elizabeth, using leaves as the subject. Basically, you draw a few leaves, mask them and splatter masking fluid, apply a layer of paint, then repeat the process. It is amazing that 5 artists can take the same basic subject, use a similar palette of colors and come up with such diverse results. Linda is painting ivy, Jovita chose grape leaves, Vicki ferns, Donna oak leaves, and I chose to paint liquidambar (or more commonly called liquid amber) tree leaves that look somewhat similar to maple leaves. To steepen the artistic learning curve, I gathered a shoebox full of gorgeous burgundy red leaves for reference, then painted them using the suggested palette of greens, yellows and blues. What a fun subject.

Top 10 Watercolor Masking Tools and Supplies

2009-02-16T08:11:00.000-08:00

After reading, researching, observing other artists, doing lots of experimentation with masking tools sold in art stores, and making more than a few boo boos along the way, I’ve refined a masking process for preserving whites in watercolor paintings that works really well. I am delighted to share my list of favorite tools and supplies with you along with a few helpful hints. Click on the photo to zoom in. Numbers in the photo correspond to the item numbers below.

Tools, Materials and Supplies for Masking Watercolor Paintings

1. Pointed wooden stick – You have lots of options here. a) Sharpen the end of an old watercolor brush. b) Another alternative is a bamboo skewer, but it doesn’t retain a sharp point for long. c) Sharpen a piece of hardwood dowel. d) My favorite solution is to cut a good quality long-handled brush off to make a 3 1/2” travel brush. Make your masking tool by sharpening the remaining piece of brush handle in a pencil sharpener (see photo items labeled “1d”). Good quality brushes, like Sceptre Gold II are made of hardwood so you will rarely have to re-sharpen the end. Coat the sharpened end with a little hand soap, dip in masking fluid, and trace an outline around the very edge of a detailed shape before back-filling with more masking fluid.
2. Colour Shaper #2 Taper Point, Soft - made by Royal Sovereign Ltd UK. This is a silicone rubber tool that is intended for manipulating oils, acrylics and pastels. I use it to trace an outline of masking fluid around shapes before back-filling with more masking fluid. It works better than the Incredible Nib and it cleans with a quick wipe of a tissue.
3. Ruling pen - These are hard to find and were used for applying ink back in the day when drafting was all done by hand. The ruling pen is adjusted so the tips almost touch each other, then loaded by dipping into masking fluid about an eighth of an inch. It is used to mask fine lines such as hair, whiskers, leaf and petal veins, wood detail, twigs, etc. It’s also useful for tracing the outline of extremely detailed or jagged shapes before filling in with masking fluid. Keep a tissue handy as you work and draw a single thickness between the blades to remove any drying fluid residue. A Masque Pen is a product designed to make fine lines, but does not produce a line as fine as you can make with a ruling pen. It is also more cumbersome to hold and takes time to clean.
4. Synthetic flat wash brush - Wet the brush, then squeeze a small drop of liquid hand soap (like clear Softsoap) into the bristles. Use the brush to apply large areas of masking fluid, then rinse it as soon as you are finished. You will be AMAZED at how easily it cleans up.
5. Child’s toothbrush – Carefully heat the handle over a flame, bend it up at an angle and hold in position until cool. Wet the brush with water, then work in a small drop of liquid hand soap and blot the excess. Dip into masking fluid and use your finger or a palette knife to splatter dots or drops.
6. Rubber cement pickup - These are available at any office supply store and are used like an eraser to remove masking fluid. Less effective substitutes are masking tape, artist’s tape, or an eraser.
7. Plastic paint cup – Find these crystal clear hard plastic cups with an opaque plastic lid in the art store near watercolor or air brush supplies. Keep a small amount of fluid sealed in the cup for quick access while you are painting. It’s a handy size to hold while you work, seals air-tight, and cleans up very easily. You may have to buy a package of a dozen cups, but you can share the extras with your painting pals and they will be forever grateful.
8. Clear Contact paper – Recommended for areas more than a couple of square inches. It is a waste of money to buy expensive artist’s quality frisket film for masking large areas of a watercolor painting when you can use clear Contact paper and achieve the same result. It’s actually easier to use because it has a lower tack and is repositionable. In a future blog, I will discuss applying clear Contact paper and sealing the edges with masking fluid.
9. Clear (non-sudsy) ammonia - Use to thin masking fluid as needed. Store in a spray bottle and you don’t have to open the lid and risk spilling, or breathe the fumes.
10. And last, but not least! - Masking fluid – Winsor & Newton Colourless Art Masking Fluid is the best I’ve used. If a bottle has been on your supply shelf for a few months, test it first on a scrap of watercolor paper to make sure it is fresh, thin and easy to apply. I used Incredible White Mask for years, but found the shelf life extremely short, the product too thick even when brand new, and it left a dull yellow stain where I wanted to preserve bright white paper.

I hope you find this information helpful. Please comment!
c. 2009 Connie M. Williams All rights reserved.

Felt with the Heart

2009-02-14T00:01:00.000-08:00

The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched. They must be felt with the heart. -Helen Keller

As an artist, I busy myself making pieces of fine art that people will hopefully find visually pleasing, but my real reason for making art is to evoke an emotional response. In a nutshell, that's why I paint. There is nothing more satisfying than to see a person looking through misty eyes at my painting, or to listen to peoples' stories told and relived while viewing a painting, and nothing more rewarding than helping another human being feel something very deeply and experience emotion......to help them truly live.

On this Valentine's Day, I hope you see or touch a lovely piece of fine art that takes you to the next level, thoroughly engages you and makes you feel the deepest heartfelt emotion. It may send you back in time, make you say "Wow!," bring a peaceful calmness to your soul, or shoot a nice tingly sensation across your shoulders from one side to the other. Whatever your reaction, enjoy it and know that it is the artist's gift to you.

On this Valentine's Day, I wish you all the best and most beautiful things........felt with the heart.

Steadfast (click on image to enlarge)

2009-02-06T20:11:00.001-08:00

Here is the finished painting using the source photo included in my January 30 post. This steadfast Monterey Cypress tree is firmly rooted at the top of a sandstone incline just above Carmel Beach where it has withstood hundreds of Pacific storms, endless salt spray, heat, cold, fog, wind, and occasional removal of very large branches. Along the beach, a couple walks together, supporting each other as they navigate the uneven sand. One can imagine they have weathered a few of life's storms too. I hope viewing this scene adds a serene moment and maybe even a touch of joy to your day.

Learn How to Market Your Artwork

2009-02-02T08:56:00.000-08:00

I had the pleasure of meeting Alyson Stanfield this weekend and dove into the world of art marketing in a two-day workshop in Hollister, CA. Follow the link below for more information on Alyson's book and workshops.

Alyson Stanfield's book I'd Rather Be in the Studio! The Artist's No-Excuse Guide to Self-Promotion is the most comprehensive self-promotion advice out there for artists. And not only is it packed with information, she also shows artists of all kinds how to implement each action step. For example, I love the section where she explains very simple steps to follow to create a successful blog. I can also attest that the book is well designed, easy to follow, and a pleasure to look at (graphically). I just love the big red exclamation point that I see on the spine when it sits on my bookshelf!

The book also includes online worksheets and downloads.

Window on Bodie to CWA Exhibition

2009-01-31T06:00:00.000-08:00

Today I delivered "Window on Bodie" to the California Watercolor Association for inclusion in the 40th Annual Exhibition at the Presidio in San Francisco. The show opens on March 18, 2009. I am delighted that my painting was juried into this prestigious show and am looking forward to sharing the experience with family, friends, and all those friends I have yet to meet! Something wonderful and memorable always happens at watercolor exhibitions, so I'm also very curious about what the future has in store. Maybe it will be blogworthy...... Hey, did I just invent a new word?

Source Photo for "Steadfast"

2009-01-30T08:32:00.000-08:00

With this post, I am officially blogging, something a very private person like me thought I would never do, but this is so easy and fun! Maybe I can share a little joy with you, inspire you to try something new, or possibly sell you a giclee, a painting, or arrange for a commission. I am delighted to have you follow along and enjoy the journey!

Ah, the gorgeous cypress tree on Scenic Road near the end of 8th Avenue in Carmel..... This is the source photo for my first painting of 2009 entitled "Steadfast," which is now finished. The painting is a commissioned gift for a special someone who will receive the painting in late spring. I will post a picture next week after it is scanned, so please check back to see the painting!