Multicolored Magnolias

When I was in California relaxing next to my daughters pool, I painted four small Multicolored Magnolias. The colors were so bright and cheerful and they expressed the vacation mood that I was experiencing. (The colors look brighter and more cheerful than they do in this post.)

Last night I started teaching my watercolor class at the Artistic Creations Classroom in Pembroke Mall. I decided to have my students paint the multicolored magnolias. They were all bright and colorful and each and every one was different from the other. I could see the beginnings of each student's style coming out in this painting project. the brightness of the flowers permeated the room and I do believe that everyone had a great time. I really believe that when you are having fun and experience joy when you paint it comes out in your art work.

I know that this is going to be a great class. We have spaces available. If you are interested please contact me at katsart01@yahoo.com and I'll give you all the information.

Sweetlips

Here are my Sweetlips. Aren't they sweet as they swim in the Indian Ocean? They appear so free and happy as the move along the coral reefs.

After painting three Koi paintings, I decided to try a different fish in watercolors and fluid acrylics.

I am very pleased with the overall look of the painting. I added the texture to the background and I really like it but it brings the value too close to the value of the fish. Otherwise I love the colors of the painting. They are so bright and clear as they depict the fish.

I just want to remind everyone that this Saturday I will be in the East Beach Art Show. It is from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm and it is on 27th Street off Pretty Lake, East Beach, Norfolk. Then on Sunday I'm doing a watercolor demo at Artistic Creations Gallery in Pembroke Mall, Virignia Beach form 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm. Monday I am starting a watercolor class at Artistic Creations Gallery from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm. Please contact me if you have any questions. My email address is katsart01@gmail.com.

Art Show Season

Well the Art Show Season is starting and I couldn't be happier. My Koi III were given an Award of Merit at the Chesapeake Bay Watercolorists spring show at Cape Henry. I am so honored to be amongst the artists that have been granted awards at this show. It is an annual show that has some of the most beautiful watercolors in any of our local shows.

I have listed the upcoming shows that I am going to participate in on the right side of my blog. Check them out. You might see something that interests you. If I don't know you and you attend one of the shows that I am in come and introduce yourself to me. I'd love to meet you.

This Saturday I will be at East Beach Art Show at 27th Bay Street at Pretty Lake in Norfolk, VA. If your in the neighborhood stop on by!

La Quinta California

This is the walk up the cove near my daughters home in La Quinta. I just spent a week visiting her and every morning I walked about a mile up the cove and then a mile back down. My daughters walked the paths through the foothills of the mountains.

As you can see the terrain is different on each side of the street. On the left everything is dry like the desert and on the right in the neighborhood everything is green and alive. This is because it hardly ever rains in the desert but the grounds around the homes are well watered.

There are mountains surrounding her home and there is only one way to drive in. The abundance of palm trees grace the streets and I was fascinated by the flowering cactus. The plants were growing to the sunny sky on perfectly clear days.

As I walked I could feel the energy of the plants living and breathing. I could feel the movement within them. It was like a meditation of the nature of life.

Marion's Dad

Here's Marion's Dad. He is almost finished. I say almost because I want to add a little more color to his hair on the right side and I want to blend his right cheek a little bit more. But otherwise he is complete.

I have continued to add more shadows to his face, neck, hair and shirt as well as more details. I lifted the highlights of his eyes.


I am pleased with him. I think I have captured the essence of him from his photo. He really has agreat deal of character to his face and is in a very pensive moment. I never met Marion's Dad but I feel that I really like him.

I hope that you have enjoyed me taking you through painting this portrait step by step. Let me know if it is something that you would like me to do again in the future.