4 Must Do Things to End the Year - Painting & Drawing Tips

OMG!! is there really 4 Must Do Things to End the Year 

What am I forgetting? You ask. 


Don't panic.  There is still time.  I find that the Whirl of Christmas Prep has an ebb and flow to it.  Sometimes I am in a panic and feeling totally out of control.  Other times I cross something off my list and feel 'hey, I can do this.  As you can tell, right this minute I am in the 'hey, I can do this' mood.  

POPPIES: FULL OF LIFE - With this picture I felt I had reached a new level.  I really loved how successfully I worked wet-into-wet to bring these Poppies to Life.  (Vanished Watercolour on Wood Cradle $700 )  Read its creation story Here. 

No matter what is happening each day I have to head out for a walk.  Max, really isn't concerned about Christmas Shopping but he is concerned about his daily walks.  I find them calming and a great opportunity to think.  I am sure you have those moments too.  Maybe driving. Waiting for the kids at a pickup. Watching a . . . 

This is the moment to . . .

1.Review your Art Successes this year.   Your other successes too.  What really went well?  Was there a new style you tried that really made your heart sing?  Special Event? A painting that nailed it?  Take a moment to celebrate your Successes.  It may be a little thing like a new colour you added to you pallet that really seems to bring new life to your work.  But it should be celebrated and cherished. 

Winning the Sketch Off was definitely a highlight for me - I knew I could draw animals,  but in 20 minutes?! . . . Read more Here

As Artists you work alone.  You face challenges, problems, defeat and failure.  Sometimes all in one session. Focusing on the positive is a great motivator and encourager for me.  It may help you too.

MUSHROOMS IN THE LEAVES - Sketchbook Practice - Working with coloured pens and Coloured Pencils, I discovered there was more to Pen Art than Black Ink.  And guess what?  I liked it.  Need to try more for sure.  Read more Here

2.  Start thinking of the Future.  I know, that is what New Years resolutions are all about.  But I find as I think about successes it inspires me to try more. Which in turns leads me to the future. New things I want to try, places I want to go, series I want to develop, materials I want to experiment with, . . . Sometimes I can get carried away.  But I am excited, ready for the new year.

My 3 Juncos SOLD - I discovered that I really could combine my Pen Work with Watercolour in an Awesome Way
Read more about this collection Here

My pictures of the 3 Juncos really gave me confidence to add more Pen Work to my work.  I found I really could make interesting images.  I have several new ideas I want to try in this area.

VARIED THRUSH: DOWN FROM THE MOUNTAINS - My latest pieces and a style I want to pursue as a series.  I love the combination of Wildlife, Pen Work and Watercolour.   Read more Here.  (Vanished Watercolour on Wood Cradle $400 ) 

3. Relax and enjoy the Christmas Season - Something I need to be reminded of.  Stop. Breath. Enjoy. I am a planner and organizer and when there is lots to do I sometimes forget to just 'live in the moment', relax and enjoy. 

4.  Capture Memories to Cherish and Share in the Future
Have a wonderful Christmas Season with Family and Friends and I look forward to connecting with you again in the New Year.

Art by Wendy Studio/Gallery is always Open: 

Looking to move your Drawing Skills to the Next Level?

Book a 3 Pack of Private Lessons with Me - 3 Lessons 2.5 hr each $225

Drawing/Painting lessons in graphite, ink, watercolour, watercolour pencils or coloured pencils Or any combination of these.
Flexible Schedule, at my Studio/Gallery, N. Surrey. 

Gift Certificates Available 

February is Marketing Month for Artists!!

Each February I offer an all day workshops “Let’s Get Your Art Out There!!”
2020 Date: February 23, 10-3pm

Having trouble getting started or knowing where and what to do?

This workshop gets your Marketing Plans fired up to new and more successful levels. Learn the basics of today’s Marketing World, learn how to develop markets both online with Social Media and off line in your community, learn how to develop a productive network, and set up a Marketing Plan that will work for you. Taking this workshop is a valuable step in moving your business forward. Workshop runs 10-3:00 pm with a lunch break.    Class limited to 8 people

Cost $90 Tax Incl      Pre-Registration Required, contact Wendy      Gift Certificates Available

Save the Date . . . . . 

January 18, 2020 - Opus Langley Demo:  Put WOW! into Your Mark Making with Wendy Mould, AFCA, CDM  11-12:30pm and 2-3:30pm.  Free but must Register: (604) 533-0601

See you there!!

My Etsy Store is always OPEN: Etsy - WendyMouldsArt

Originals, Prints, Commission Work and Instant Printable Cards for all Seasons available.

Be sure to like and share my posts to keep me coming into your box, 

You won't miss a single post if you Follow by Email or Like my Facebook Page.

Have a great Artful Day,

Wendy

When is your Painting/Drawing Finished? - Painting & Drawing Tips

When is your picture Done?  Finished?
 What does DONE mean to you?
 How do you tell when your picture is finished?

VARIED THRUSH: DOWN FROM THE MOUNTAINS
 12 x 15 Varnished Watercolour on Board $400

For me,  the question is 'have I said what I want to say?"  I have goals for my work.  My first goal is to my subject, My Wildlife. I want my viewers to experience a special moment with my birds and animals.

I do a lot of hiking, boating and beach combing.  For me there is nothing more special then turning the corner on the trail and seeing a Varied Thrush perched on a branch, a heron fishing the tide line or a deer resting under a bush.  Somehow it is a piece of Magic to experience nature in the wild.  I want to present that moment to my viewers. Make them feel how special that is.   

But that is only part of my goal  . . .

VARIED THRUSH, DOWN FROM THE MOUNTAINS: WIP 1
(I tend to work already my picture so I can get a feel for how my plans are working

I have goals as well, about the type of work I am doing.  My favourite mediums of choice are graphite, ink and watercolour.  I work with them separately and together.  As many of my readers are aware, my pen work has been drawing me more and more.  Combining my ink with watercolour is something I really enjoy doing.  However, usually it is my watercolour that shines and my pen work takes a back seat.  

My pens are not happy about that . . .

VARIED THRUSH, DOWN FROM THE MOUNTAINS: WIP 2 
I decided I needed a few more branches in the background as I wanted to leave the back white

This has lead me into several directions.  My abstract work combined with my ink work is one direction that I have followed. See Juncos at the Feeder below.   (See more in this series here)

JUNCOS AT THE FEEDER - 8 x 10 Vanished watercolour on Wood Cradle - $200

Another way of mixing my pen work with watercolour, is my more realistic drawings in ink surrounded by watercolour. See Pacific Harbour Seal: Sunbathing below.   In this series, only the setting has been painted.  The birds and animals are untouched.  I liked this, as it really brought my inkwork into the more primary role. (See more in this series here.)

PACIFIC HARBOUR SEAL: SUNBATHING - Matted 8 x 10, Ink & Watercolour.  $130

In my picture Varied Thrush: Down from the Mountains, (at the top of the post) I feel I have taken things one step further. Both my ink and watercolour are given staring roles.  And, there is a bonus.  It feel like you get a peak at the creation process as well.  I love this kind of feel. Its like you can see and feel the back story to the piece.  

So yes, I feel Varied Thrush: Down from the Mountains is finished. How do you feel?  Finished or Not?  In the end it is personal, the Artist makes the call. 

NB: Learn more about Vanish Watercolour on Board here

Have fun with your art work and see you in 2 weeks.  I will be busy next week with my show.  See Below.   ↓↓↓↓

Looking to move your Drawing Skills to the Next Level?

Book a 3 Pack of Private Lessons with Me - 3 Lessons 2.5 hr each $225

Drawing lessons in graphite, carbon, ink, watercolour, watercolour pencils or coloured pencils.
Based on your Schedule at my Studio, N. Surrey. 

Gift Certificates Available 

Christmas Comes early at Art by Wendy:Thurs Dec 5 to Sat. Dec 7, 10-4pm

Paints’n Bloom Workshops & Show & Sale

Mandeville Gardens, 4746 Marine Dr, Burnaby.

Featuring Artists Wendy Mould, AFCA & Audrey Bakewell
 in Support of the Alzheimer’s Society of BC.

See you there!!

My Etsy Store is always OPEN: Etsy - WendyMouldsArt

Originals, Prints, Commission Work and Instant Printable Cards for all Seasons available.

Be sure to like and share my posts to keep me coming into your box, 

You won't miss a single post if you Follow by Email or Like my Facebook Page.

Have a great Artful Day,

Wendy

Using Edges to Make Soft & Fluffy Drawings/Paintings - Painting & Drawing Tips

NEW WORKS FROM THE STUDIO OF ART BY WENDY

CATCHING SOME SUN, WIP - when finished matted 11 x 14, $225

It was a special treat when Max and I rounded the corner on the trail and I saw this little Varied Thrush.  We were walking in our favourite wooded park a few weeks ago.  There had been a light snow fall the night before which was already melting in the warm sunlight streaking through the trees.  I saw a few birds off in the bushes, much larger than our usually fair.  As I watched them the sunlight suddenly caught one and I saw that flash of orange.  I know right away it was an illusive Varied Thrush.  Well, illusive for me.  They are not usually found in the suburbs preferring the more forested areas but in winter they may visit us looking for food.  This was such a treat I just had to paint him. 

I find birds and short haired animals a bit of a challenge when it comes to creating that soft fluffy look. I think that it is because Edges play a more important role than values to create that softness.  With furry animals you have those wispy pieces of hair flying and they help in a big way to tell the story of the texture.  With a good splash of value changes you are there. But unfortunately small birds don't really have those wispy pieces. (see my last post on building a fluffy look with values here)

What do I mean by Edges?

I know there are many different ways of talking about Edges but for me Edges are "the transition areas between shapes".  This can be the outside edge of an object but also the many different shapes within the object.  In the case of my Varied Thrush, where the wing and body meet are shape transition points but also the colour changes on his chest are different shapes with transition points.  Each of these transition spots forms an Edge.  What happens at these spots seems to go a long way in telling the story of the texture of the object.  

Detail from CATCHING SOME SUN

Creating 'Fluffiness' through Contrast of Edges:

Contrast is a very powerful way to send messages to your viewer.  The contrast of the sharp edge of the wing feathers with the puffy lines in the chest area tell the viewer their texture is different, one is sleek and one is softer.  The same is true with the moss and branch.  The smooth edge of the branch contrasts with the short rounded edges in the moss, both the outside edge but also the color transition edges.  This re-enforces the idea that one is soft and fluffy and the other is dense and harder. 

SKETCHBOOK WORK - Blacktail Deer 

This young Blacktail Deer was one of the friendly fellows that greeted us on Cortes Island last fall.  He was most obliging in letting me get a few good shots of him.  With his short summer coat and in places very angular lines, it was a challenge to give him a soft, fluffy look. 

The contrast of the smooth, straight Edges around the face and the curved edges of the body help to tell my story.  But what happens inside his body at the edge of each shape gives a clearer picture.  (For me, I see shapes as the area formed by each different value) Looking at his neck, I see 2 shapes.  The darker area at the back and the lighter area in the front.  The value change between them is soft and gradual, telling my eye that this is a soft, rounded shape. This contrasts with the sharper, straight external edges of the neck.  The contrast (contradiction) between the two areas tells the story. This same story is happening all over the deer's body.  

The transition area between these value shapes is key.  Whether it is gradual or sharp the transition area tells a very important story about the texture of the surface.  I feel "where things meet" is a crucial part of any drawing or painting.  The most important stories happen there: texture, location in the picture plane and location in relation to other parts of the object/picture. Check out your paintings and drawing.  Do you feel the same way? Do you see other important story telling points?  

To learn more about creating that soft and fluffy look with your birds and animals check out my post How to Draw/Paint Fur that is Soft and Fluffy.  

Next post takes a break from Soft and Fluffy to look at the Crisp Line of Ink. In the meantime check out the opportunities below.

My Etsy Store: WendyMouldsArt  is always open and new things added all the time.  

Opportunities Happening now: 

Have an Artfilled Day:  Wednesday, April 25

Gardenworks at Mandeville, 4746 Marine Dr. Burnaby

1.  Beginner Watercolour Class 10-12pm

Learn the secrets of Watercolour, the Big Wash, Wet into Wet, then drop in those Sprinkles of Detail to bring it all alive.  Just in time for your summer fun. 

2.  Creative Card Making Class 1:30-3:30pm

Start your Spring season off with a fun afternoon of making Creative Cards for those special people in your life; Mother's Day, Father's Day, Birthday, Friendship, Thank You's are more meaningful with personalized cards created by you.  Learn tricks and techniques to put your ideas into action.   

Workshops $35 each, all supplies included. Register Now with Wendy 
They have a wonderful little cafe there which I highly recommend for lunch. 

Drop-In & Draw Sessions: 

Tuesdays: Mar 20,   Mondays: April 2, 16 & 30- 10-12pm or 1-3pm

Expression Art Gallery, 227 & Lougheed Hwy, Maple Ridge,

Choose a morning or afternoon session. Bring your sketchbook or project and come and work.  I will be happy to give you pointers.  $15 Pre-Registration Required.  Contact Wendy Here. 

Good Follow-Up Session to the Marketing Workshop: 

April 9 - Building Your Online Presence with Wendy Mould, AFCA 6-8pm. Federation Gallery, Vancouver, BC. $20 nonmembers $15 members.

How to Find Your Starting Point in a Drawing - here

4 Ways to Grow the Sketchbook Habit - here

Get Those Values Working for you - here

 Be sure to like and share my posts.

 You won't miss a single one if you Follow by Email or Like my Facebook Page.

Have a great Artful Day,

Wendy