Today is a Special Anniversary . . . .
It was 10 years ago today that I started writing my blog: 447 posts. It is interesting and amazing. At the time when I started, I didn't really understand what a blog was, who would read it or what I would say. I also wasn't very confident in my writing ability. I definitely didn't think I would be doing it for long. Popular Posts
This post is my most popular post . . . .
and has been since it was created - March 11, 2014. I was thrilled at its popularity for several reasons:
1. The picture was inspired by one of my favorite photos of my son when he was young.
2. It is a graphite drawing and sometimes I feel Graphite as a Fine Art form is not valued. It is a great reminder that colour does not always rule
3. This was a prompt to help me focus my blog writing more on Painting and Drawing Tips. It has been a learning curve to do that but I am starting to understand how to present my ideas in interesting ways.
These Posts tell me Sketchbooking and Drawing Skills are valued . . .
One of my passions is my sketchbook work. My post on turning your sketchbook into your own Personal Treasure is a favourite for me. It is so inviting to see your book decorated by you and filled with your memories and treasures inside. This has always been easy to do for Acrylic Painters but to find a way for Watercolourists to do this was a SPECIAL.
Looking Forward . .
Celebrating my 10th Anniversary is exciting, looking back over my posts fills me with memories and ideas for the future. I am Inspired and ready to roll. Some of the things I want to focus on more are:
a. More thoughts on Drawing Skills: this will start with my demo Discover The Language of Drawing - Opus Langley, January 12, 11-12:30pm & 2-3:30pm Free but Registration Required: 604-533-0601 and yes I will touch on some of this with my blog posts
c. Wildlife drawing and painting: Of course all my work centers around this theme. Painting and Drawing more is all part of "Building your skills" a constant goal for me. There seems to be always something new to learn. I look forward to continuing to share my journey with you. My Number 1 Resource that helped me blog . . . As I mentioned at the beginning, my confidence in writing was very low. I considered it an important day in my life when I happened upon the blog Enchanting Marketing written by Henneke Duistermaat. Her writing style called to me and turned grammar and writing lessons into an enjoyable experience. I recommend you check her out. My Special Blogging Treat . . . Each year that I blog I create a special treat for myself - a book of all my posts for the year. Blog-to-Print offers good support to Blogger and Wordpress Blogs. They on line program offers an quick and easy way to publish all your posts in a soft or hardcover book. I just ordered my 2018 Book today. Having a printed copy of your posts is very empowering, I highly recommend it. (NB. Their 38% off sale is good for a few more days.)
Next up for me - Painting my Wildlife in the Garden Series - Tips on improving those Photo References, see you next week. My Etsy store is always OPEN: Etsy - WendyMouldsArt Originals, prints and Instant Printable Cards for all Seasons are available. Images are changing often so be sure and check back often. Coming up later this week, Printable Valentine Cards, in lots of time to personalize with colour if you like. Featuring Cats and Dogs - of course Max is my inspiration for the dog drawing! Special Opportunities Coming Up in the New Year:
Marketing Workshop - Let's Get Your Art Out There!! Sunday, Feb. 24, 2019 10-3pm with Wendy Mould, AFCA.
Need a focus for your Marketing Strategy? Unsure where to start, where to head next? Marketing takes so much of your time away from the Studio, learn where to focus your energy and ways to maximize your time. At the end of the day you will have plans and be ready for Action. Cost $84 Working with Wildlife Artist Wendy Mould, AFCA bridges the gap between the Entrepreneur and the Artist in the Marketing World. Contact Wendy to Register.
Be sure to like and share my posts.
You won't miss a single post if you Follow by Email or Like my Facebook Page.
Have a great Artful Day,
Wendy |
Showing posts with label painting tips. Show all posts
Showing posts with label painting tips. Show all posts
Feb 8, 2018
3 Steps to Putting Magic in Your Art - Painting & Drawing Tips
NEW WORKS FROM THE STUDIO OF ART BY WENDY
Like any Magic Trick there is research, practice and preparation involved. There is the need to keep the viewer's eye under control, seeing what YOU want it to see. Sounds just like what you want to happen when someone looks at your Art, Right!
See Magic in Action
Doesn't look like Magic but wait. . . Take another look at ALONG THE SHORELINE, MIRACLE BEACH, BC. When you look at the picture, does your eye run smack to the tree, wonder down the trunk, along the shore over to the logs, up and back to the tree? Do you see an interesting little tree, logs, underbrush, grasses, sand and more?
All that information is there but not all of it is detailed and carefully rendered. Most of the underbrush is 'implied'. Just colourful shapes, a few sharp lines. However, by setting the stage with my logs, and tree, the rest of the shapes have 'become the background/foreground'. Magic! (See more about putting HOCUSPOCUS in Your Work in last Post)
Step 1 in Making Your Own Magic
The first step in your Magic Trick is something you love to do, painting detail - setting your scene. Giving your viewer a sense of place and time.
In this case, the tree and the logs give the setting. Particularly the tree, it is the focus point. For this example I did not include the water and distant mountains but they certainly could have been part of the picture. More valuable information as to the setting.
Step 2 for Magic Making
For me this is the hardest part, painting shapes and patterns. Searching for colours. This little picture has few discernible 'things' in the foreground, thus forcing you to work only with blogs of colour. This is the part too where you 'push' some colour. Just painting 'green' wont cut it. There are yellows, golds, blues and violets in the underbrush but there could be more if you want. I like to take the challenge and add a bit of colour just to see where I can go with it. Remember though, put that colour in 3 places so it will be part of the scenery, not an isolate.
I painted the picture again, trying different colours in the foreground and experimenting with other shapes. My goal was to get lots of midtones, shapes that were in the picture, creating a nice flow.
Looking at the close up you can't see the tree and logs, my Scene Setters, only my colourful shapes. Really doesn't look like anything. But wait . . Step 3 of the Magic Steps is coming.
Step 3 - TA DA!!
After filling in all my foreground with those midtones I could see a 'nice' foreground emerging but to give it life it needs some Darks.
To make my darks I used a pen. (You know it is one of my favourite things) But you could also add those touches with your paints. "Little Bits of Jewellery" one of my artist friends calls it. Not tight rendered brushing, just giving the shapes some darks or shadow shapes.
Here is that same little cross section of foreground with some darks dropped in. Note how the ink lines do not 'draw a leaf or branch' they suggest them. Broken lines, half circles. Here is a chance to let your painting talk to you. Some of those shapes might suggest a rock, or log, add a little dark shadow to build on that. Note those little squiggles in the sand at the lower bottom - they suggest so much. Never underestimate the power of 'dot' or 'squiggle' when you are working.
If you would like to Make Magic with this picture, drop me a line and I will be glad to send you a larger file of the shoreline reference. I would also love to see how you bring it to life. What colours you infused into it.
Next Week is Chinese New Year - The Year of the Dog - Come meet some of the Dogs I have met.
AWESOME OPPORTUNITY: 2 Day Workshop with Dene Croft, SFCA - Friday, Feb 23 & Saturday, Feb 24, South Langley. 2 SPOTS LEFT- $160 Contact me to Register.
1 -Day Marketing Workshop for Artist - Let's Get Your Art Out There! with Wendy Mould, AFCA Sunday, Feb. 25, 2018 10-3pm $84(Tax Incd)
Looking for more Drawing Tips, check out these popular posts from the latest Drawing Series.
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.
"Abracadabra!"
Wait Stop!!
Uttering Magic Words is not the Answer.
Like any Magic Trick there is research, practice and preparation involved. There is the need to keep the viewer's eye under control, seeing what YOU want it to see. Sounds just like what you want to happen when someone looks at your Art, Right!
See Magic in Action
 |
| Along the Shoreline, Miracle Beach BC |
Doesn't look like Magic but wait. . . Take another look at ALONG THE SHORELINE, MIRACLE BEACH, BC. When you look at the picture, does your eye run smack to the tree, wonder down the trunk, along the shore over to the logs, up and back to the tree? Do you see an interesting little tree, logs, underbrush, grasses, sand and more?
All that information is there but not all of it is detailed and carefully rendered. Most of the underbrush is 'implied'. Just colourful shapes, a few sharp lines. However, by setting the stage with my logs, and tree, the rest of the shapes have 'become the background/foreground'. Magic! (See more about putting HOCUSPOCUS in Your Work in last Post)
Step 1 in Making Your Own Magic
The first step in your Magic Trick is something you love to do, painting detail - setting your scene. Giving your viewer a sense of place and time.
 |
| Lovely summer day, on Vancouver Island looking over to the Coastal Mountains on the Mainland |
In this case, the tree and the logs give the setting. Particularly the tree, it is the focus point. For this example I did not include the water and distant mountains but they certainly could have been part of the picture. More valuable information as to the setting.
Step 2 for Magic Making
For me this is the hardest part, painting shapes and patterns. Searching for colours. This little picture has few discernible 'things' in the foreground, thus forcing you to work only with blogs of colour. This is the part too where you 'push' some colour. Just painting 'green' wont cut it. There are yellows, golds, blues and violets in the underbrush but there could be more if you want. I like to take the challenge and add a bit of colour just to see where I can go with it. Remember though, put that colour in 3 places so it will be part of the scenery, not an isolate.
 . |
| ALONG THE SHORELINE, MIRACLE BEACH, # 2 |
I painted the picture again, trying different colours in the foreground and experimenting with other shapes. My goal was to get lots of midtones, shapes that were in the picture, creating a nice flow.
 |
| Close up of some of the detail from the picture |
Step 3 - TA DA!!
After filling in all my foreground with those midtones I could see a 'nice' foreground emerging but to give it life it needs some Darks.
 |
| ALONG THE SHORELINE, MIRACLE BEACH, #2 |
 |
| Close up with the darks added |
If you would like to Make Magic with this picture, drop me a line and I will be glad to send you a larger file of the shoreline reference. I would also love to see how you bring it to life. What colours you infused into it.
Next Week is Chinese New Year - The Year of the Dog - Come meet some of the Dogs I have met.
AWESOME OPPORTUNITY: 2 Day Workshop with Dene Croft, SFCA - Friday, Feb 23 & Saturday, Feb 24, South Langley. 2 SPOTS LEFT- $160 Contact me to Register.
1 -Day Marketing Workshop for Artist - Let's Get Your Art Out There! with Wendy Mould, AFCA Sunday, Feb. 25, 2018 10-3pm $84(Tax Incd)
 |
| Great Art needs Good Marketing to Move it out the Door |
During the day you learn Strategies that FOCUS your marketing, see effective ways to promote your work and find a path that is right for you. It is a full day and the synergy generated from the experience will keep you on track for 2018.
I look forward to working with you.
Good Follow-Up Session to the Marketing Workshop:
April 9 - Building Your Online Presence with Wendy Mould, 6-8pm. Federation Gallery, Vancouver, BC. $20 nonmembers $15 members.Looking for more Drawing Tips, check out these popular posts from the latest Drawing Series.
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
You won't miss a single one if you Follow by Email or Like my Facebook Page.
Have a great artful day,
Wendy
Wendy
Feb 1, 2018
Is there a bit of HOCUSPOCUS happening in YOUR Work? - Painting & Drawing Tips
NEW WORKS FROM THE STUDIO OF ART BY WENDY
Many artists, like myself, like to sit and paint or draw. I have a lovely drawing table made by my husband many years ago. It adjusts easily for different angles and heights. It works great.
My favourite thing is to work at my table: Max sleeping/playing beside me, little music going, sun shining in the window, drawing or painting. Close, detailed, realistic kind of work. This works wonderful when I am working on a bird, a leaf, a flower. The main subjects of my picture. But when it comes to the foreground/background, it just doesn't work.
Backgrounds are this huge area to be filled. They are not the subject so shouldn't be sharply focused, the eye should slide over them and head for the important stuff. But don't you find the detailed stuff is your favourite part. The loose, ambiguous stuff not so much fun.
The Struggle Point . .
There is no place in the background for your beloved detailed focused work. This is Magic Land. Everything is an Illusion. Little lines, shadows, darks, lights are all engineered to 'suggest something' rather than 'be something'. Do you struggle here? I do. I know I need to let go, get loose. Hard for me to do. Learning to Wave my Wand is my Goal.
Waving Your Wand . .
CAUGHT IN THE LIGHT is full of conjuring tricks. One night we were driving on a country road and a barn owl swooped down and was caught in the headlights. It was a breathtaking moment - this big beautiful bird right in front of me. It totally inspired me. What if you were out walking in the evening and you suddenly picked out an owl in the light. Wouldn't that be an amazing thing to see. That's what I wanted to do with this picture. So what is the trick in that, you ask?
The Illusion . .
Take another look at the picture. Yes, the Barn Owl is detailed and realistic but those background pieces - Illusions. Note the detail #1 above: If you cover up those leaves in the right hand corner, the background is just patterns and shapes.
See Detail #2: When you isolate these blobs they really don't look like anything. But in context they are one of my favourite parts of this picture.
How does the magic work?
I am continually studying this phenomena. It happens in different ways and is handled by Realists and Abstract artists in many different ways: using colour, patterns, and shapes they lead our eye around and make you believe you see a rock, a leaf, a branch. Often you pause and try to see more. This too is part of the illusion. (BTW I used salt to make some of those unusual shapes in this picture. You can see more on that here)
Is this your struggle too? Are your backgrounds too detailed? Have you found ways to move forward?
Next Post: 3 Steps to Put Magic in Your Art
AWESOME OPPORTUNITY: 2 Day Workshop with Dene Croft, SFCA - Friday, Feb 23 & Saturday, Feb 24, South Langley. 3 spots left - $160 Contact me to Register.
1 -Day Marketing Workshop for Artist - Let's Get Your Art Out There! with Wendy Mould, AFCA Sunday, Feb. 25, 2018 10-3pm $84(Tax Incd)
Looking for more Drawing Tips, check out these popular posts from the latest Drawing Series.
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.
Do you think of yourself as a Magician?
Are you Making Magic when you paint or draw?
 |
| CAUGHT IN THE LIGHT - $500 - 12 x 16, Matted to 16 x 20 inches |
Many artists, like myself, like to sit and paint or draw. I have a lovely drawing table made by my husband many years ago. It adjusts easily for different angles and heights. It works great.
My favourite thing is to work at my table: Max sleeping/playing beside me, little music going, sun shining in the window, drawing or painting. Close, detailed, realistic kind of work. This works wonderful when I am working on a bird, a leaf, a flower. The main subjects of my picture. But when it comes to the foreground/background, it just doesn't work.
Backgrounds are this huge area to be filled. They are not the subject so shouldn't be sharply focused, the eye should slide over them and head for the important stuff. But don't you find the detailed stuff is your favourite part. The loose, ambiguous stuff not so much fun.
The Struggle Point . .
There is no place in the background for your beloved detailed focused work. This is Magic Land. Everything is an Illusion. Little lines, shadows, darks, lights are all engineered to 'suggest something' rather than 'be something'. Do you struggle here? I do. I know I need to let go, get loose. Hard for me to do. Learning to Wave my Wand is my Goal.
Waving Your Wand . .
CAUGHT IN THE LIGHT is full of conjuring tricks. One night we were driving on a country road and a barn owl swooped down and was caught in the headlights. It was a breathtaking moment - this big beautiful bird right in front of me. It totally inspired me. What if you were out walking in the evening and you suddenly picked out an owl in the light. Wouldn't that be an amazing thing to see. That's what I wanted to do with this picture. So what is the trick in that, you ask?
The Illusion . .
 |
| Bushes in the half light - Caught in the Light detail #1 |
 |
| Leaves and Branches in the Dark - Caught in the Light detail #2 |
See Detail #2: When you isolate these blobs they really don't look like anything. But in context they are one of my favourite parts of this picture.
How does the magic work?
I am continually studying this phenomena. It happens in different ways and is handled by Realists and Abstract artists in many different ways: using colour, patterns, and shapes they lead our eye around and make you believe you see a rock, a leaf, a branch. Often you pause and try to see more. This too is part of the illusion. (BTW I used salt to make some of those unusual shapes in this picture. You can see more on that here)
Is this your struggle too? Are your backgrounds too detailed? Have you found ways to move forward?
Next Post: 3 Steps to Put Magic in Your Art
AWESOME OPPORTUNITY: 2 Day Workshop with Dene Croft, SFCA - Friday, Feb 23 & Saturday, Feb 24, South Langley. 3 spots left - $160 Contact me to Register.
1 -Day Marketing Workshop for Artist - Let's Get Your Art Out There! with Wendy Mould, AFCA Sunday, Feb. 25, 2018 10-3pm $84(Tax Incd)
|
| Great Art needs Good Marketing to Move it out the Door |
During the day you learn what the main focus of your marketing materials should be, see effective ways to promote your work and find a path that is right for you. It is a full day and the synergy generated from the experience will keep you on track for 2018.
I look forward to working with you.
Good Follow-Up Session to the Marketing Workshop:
April 9 - Building Your Online Presence 6-8pm. Federation Gallery, Vancouver, BC. $20 nonmembers $15 members.Looking for more Drawing Tips, check out these popular posts from the latest Drawing Series.
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
You won't miss a single one if you Follow by Email or Like my Facebook Page.
Have a great artful day,
Wendy
Wendy
Jun 15, 2017
R U Afraid Your Travel Journal won't Come to Life? Drawing & Painting Tips
NEW WORKS FROM THE STUDIO OF ART BY WENDY
You want to do a travel journal. The idea of setting up at a cafe, on a bench or on the beach and drawing a picture really attracts you. You want a journal, something just for you.
But you are afraid to . . . .
. . .work in front of people
. . . get started
. . .make a mess
. . . .be disappointed
I know what you mean. It's funny that little book you want to paint and draw in somehow feels you with fear. It is a common feeling, I know, I use to feel that way too.
Those feelings can be beaten. You can make your journal sing. It will tell you stories of special memories. Whether it was an afternoon in the park or a trek in the Himalayan Mountains. Those moments when you stop are when you really connect with a place. Those pictures will be your favourite mementos of the day.
I have just returned from my trip to Scotland and full of fresh ideas for how you can crack open that book and have success.
1. Keep your equipment to a minimum - You need to carry your book with you all the time so keep it light and portable. My post on ideas for basic equipment is here. My medium for this trip was ink, pencil and watercolour pencils. When I was really pressed for space and weight I just had my book and a pen. I was really pleased with how portable and workable this set up was.
2. Start off small - Drawing the entire Edinburgh Castle is not a good starting point. Better to pick a section to focus on. As you get your sea legs you will feel more confident and knowledgeable, in tacking the big stuff.
3. Focus on the most important thing and then add the details - Start with the boat, dock or building area that caught your eye. Put it in the middle so there is room for details on all sides. That way the most important thing is captured and as time permits you can add more. What I find surprising is that once my focus spot is drawn the little extras on the side can be quickly suggested. After all it is the focus spot that needs the detail anyway.
4. Add stuff later - Not everything needs to be done on site. Later in the day you can add or finish up things: make colour notes, rough pencil sketch for later inking, spruce up your darks, . . .
5. Pick up Brochures - When visiting an area pick up the travel information, it will help in planning ahead - what you might capture and where you might set up. They can also help later in adding the final touches you didn't have time for.
I also love brochures for adding special pictures in my book. I really wanted a bagpipe player in full regalia in my book. But there is no way anyone is going to pose for me but with the help of a brochure I was able to work on my 'man'.
Also brochures will give you ideas for symbols for the area which are fun to add as you decorate your pages.
Your paintings are for everyone but your Journal is your own special way of celebrating your art, it's just for you. Don't let your fear stop you. Oh, and if you are worried about the people around you hanging over you and bothering you. Turns out you are not as interesting as you think. Most people are in their own world and will pay you no mind. In fact, when I was working away on my 'grand drawing' of a section of The Royal Mile in Edinburgh and someone stopped me to ask where the train station was. They never gave my work a glance.
***Last Drop-In Drawing session until Sept
Great Opportunity to get some help with drawing: Drop-In and Draw Sessions, Monday, June 19, 10-12pm, or 1-3pm. Expressions Art Gallery, 227 & Lougheed Hwy, Maple Ridge. Bring your sketchbook and your project and come draw. I will be happy to give you a few pointers as you work on your drawing. $15 Pre-Registration Required. Contact Me.
Heads up, I have only 5 Drop-In Sessions scheduled for September, October and early November. Space is limited. Be the first to sign up.
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. Keep up with all the art events by joining my email list (see sidebar on my blog)
You want to do a travel journal. The idea of setting up at a cafe, on a bench or on the beach and drawing a picture really attracts you. You want a journal, something just for you.
But you are afraid to . . . .
. . .work in front of people
. . . get started
. . .make a mess
. . . .be disappointed
I know what you mean. It's funny that little book you want to paint and draw in somehow feels you with fear. It is a common feeling, I know, I use to feel that way too.
 |
| My sister, Maureen and I working on our Journals at breakfast time on the Royal Mile. Sherry, my other sister, was staff photographer for the trip. |
 |
| Working on St. Giles Church - note the little designs on the top and bottom corners of the pages. Those were put in as part of my prepping. They make nice little 'treats' when you come to draw on the page. (See prepping your journal here.) |
Those feelings can be beaten. You can make your journal sing. It will tell you stories of special memories. Whether it was an afternoon in the park or a trek in the Himalayan Mountains. Those moments when you stop are when you really connect with a place. Those pictures will be your favourite mementos of the day.
I have just returned from my trip to Scotland and full of fresh ideas for how you can crack open that book and have success.
5 Guaranteed Ways to a Successful Travel Journal
1. Keep your equipment to a minimum - You need to carry your book with you all the time so keep it light and portable. My post on ideas for basic equipment is here. My medium for this trip was ink, pencil and watercolour pencils. When I was really pressed for space and weight I just had my book and a pen. I was really pleased with how portable and workable this set up was.
 |
| This was a full day, sketching at breakfast then off on a day trip to Rosslyn Chapel. I only took my pen with me and splashed on my colour late in the evening. |
2. Start off small - Drawing the entire Edinburgh Castle is not a good starting point. Better to pick a section to focus on. As you get your sea legs you will feel more confident and knowledgeable, in tacking the big stuff.
 |
| Adding little symbols, maps of 'where you were', small street scenes builds confidence, are fun and inspire you to do more. |
3. Focus on the most important thing and then add the details - Start with the boat, dock or building area that caught your eye. Put it in the middle so there is room for details on all sides. That way the most important thing is captured and as time permits you can add more. What I find surprising is that once my focus spot is drawn the little extras on the side can be quickly suggested. After all it is the focus spot that needs the detail anyway.
 |
| The coloured picture was done on the train. Catching the lay of the land and adding colour made the landscape come alive for me. The trains all had chairs around a table which made it great for working. |
4. Add stuff later - Not everything needs to be done on site. Later in the day you can add or finish up things: make colour notes, rough pencil sketch for later inking, spruce up your darks, . . .
 |
| It was raining as I huddled under the overhang to draw my gravestones. Maureen and Sherry were searching for our ancestors. I added a bit of colour later to get them some context. |
5. Pick up Brochures - When visiting an area pick up the travel information, it will help in planning ahead - what you might capture and where you might set up. They can also help later in adding the final touches you didn't have time for.
I also love brochures for adding special pictures in my book. I really wanted a bagpipe player in full regalia in my book. But there is no way anyone is going to pose for me but with the help of a brochure I was able to work on my 'man'.
 |
| I finished up 'my man' on the way home on the plane. |
Also brochures will give you ideas for symbols for the area which are fun to add as you decorate your pages.
 |
| Looking out the airport window, flight delayed 2 hours so lots of time to draw. |
Your paintings are for everyone but your Journal is your own special way of celebrating your art, it's just for you. Don't let your fear stop you. Oh, and if you are worried about the people around you hanging over you and bothering you. Turns out you are not as interesting as you think. Most people are in their own world and will pay you no mind. In fact, when I was working away on my 'grand drawing' of a section of The Royal Mile in Edinburgh and someone stopped me to ask where the train station was. They never gave my work a glance.
***Last Drop-In Drawing session until Sept
Great Opportunity to get some help with drawing: Drop-In and Draw Sessions, Monday, June 19, 10-12pm, or 1-3pm. Expressions Art Gallery, 227 & Lougheed Hwy, Maple Ridge. Bring your sketchbook and your project and come draw. I will be happy to give you a few pointers as you work on your drawing. $15 Pre-Registration Required. Contact Me.
Heads up, I have only 5 Drop-In Sessions scheduled for September, October and early November. Space is limited. Be the first to sign up.
Special Offer: 3 Horse Cards = 1 Pack = Instant Download for only $12
My 3 Horse Doodle Cards LET'S RIDE, LITTLE ONE AND FREE SPIRIT are 1 Digital Downloads Pack at my Etsy Shop. Yes, you can print and personalize your own cards instantly. Your father and horsey male friends will love them. They are great for any occasion. See the story of their creation 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. Keep up with all the art events by joining my email list (see sidebar on my blog)
Have a great artful day,
Wendy
Wendy
Mar 16, 2017
The Challenge - Simplify Complex Backgrounds: Drawing & Painting Tips
NEW WORKS FROM THE STUDIO OF ART BY WENDY
The Challenge: Simplify the Complex
You hear this all the time when it comes to drawing and painting. What does it mean and how does it work? The big question.
Meet my Log Mates
I was visiting Riefel Bird Sanctuary last fall. It was one of those gorgeously sunny, cool days. Walking the trails was a treat. Birds and ducks were gathered in all the sunny spots, feeding on the bits in the soft mud. Others were basking in the sunlight. It felt so warm it seemed like we were back in summer. This pair was tucked away in their own special pool. I really loved the way the logs enveloped them and the long grasses created their own special safe place. I wanted to capture it in a painting.
There was the challenge. . .
After 5 layers I had enough value changes to give my grasses depth: Nice little dark holes among the branches but still lots of light blades. I then touched up a few areas close to the water's edge and close to my birds to give a sense of tight detail. It was done. I was very excited with the glowing reds and yellows in the grasses and way the grasses became lost in their reflections. It all helped to create this tiny little world, hidden in the bushes. My Log Mates were done.
Oh, what about the wax, you ask?
I placed paper towels over the waxy areas and ironed with a warm iron. It lifts off nicely. A wax resist doesn't give you a crisp, clean line like frisket but maybe that is a good thing. In my case I wanted things soft and muted, after all it is the background.
For more information on painting backgrounds with glazing see Painting those Pesky Backgrounds
See more on the story of Log Mates here.
Do you find complex backgrounds a challenge to simplify? What works for you?
Special Opportunity to get some drawing help:
Come join me at the Expressions Art Gallery, Maple Ridge. There is only room for 3 people at each session so contact me to register.
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. Keep up with all the art events by joining my email list (see sidebar on my blog)
The Challenge: Simplify the Complex
You hear this all the time when it comes to drawing and painting. What does it mean and how does it work? The big question.
Meet my Log Mates
I was visiting Riefel Bird Sanctuary last fall. It was one of those gorgeously sunny, cool days. Walking the trails was a treat. Birds and ducks were gathered in all the sunny spots, feeding on the bits in the soft mud. Others were basking in the sunlight. It felt so warm it seemed like we were back in summer. This pair was tucked away in their own special pool. I really loved the way the logs enveloped them and the long grasses created their own special safe place. I wanted to capture it in a painting.
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| Log Mates - 12 x 16 Watercolour - Available |
Yes. Painting the heron and duck is my forte, even the logs are quite manageable. But the background grasses - the problem. I wanted to do more than just suggest the background. The mesh of grasses really created their wall and I wanted them to be there. The painting percolated for a while till I had a plan.
My Plan . . .
Lay in a wash and then add frisket for grasses. Then add more washes and repeating as I went. Seemed like a good plan so I started.
First wash went well. Dropped in all the colours I planned to use, keep the value light. Let them mix and mingle. Great things happened. Started with the frisket. I knew right away I was in trouble. This was going to be too fiddly and detailed for a background. I needed to work with bigger tools to get my grasses, create some depth and still keep it simple.
I grabbed a wax stick. (Clear wax used for canning) This gave me wide strokes to simulate the grasses. It was easy to simulate the gentle lines of movement. The wax resist meant I could get broad strokes but still lay loose washes over the whole area. This would keep me from fiddling and getting the background too detailed. I was away. Glazed with my colour again. Added more wax grasses. Glazed again. Waxed some more.
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| Details of Log Mates - Bottom left corner shows the first wash. Top area is after 2 more glazing layers. |
Oh, what about the wax, you ask?
I placed paper towels over the waxy areas and ironed with a warm iron. It lifts off nicely. A wax resist doesn't give you a crisp, clean line like frisket but maybe that is a good thing. In my case I wanted things soft and muted, after all it is the background.
For more information on painting backgrounds with glazing see Painting those Pesky Backgrounds
See more on the story of Log Mates here.
Do you find complex backgrounds a challenge to simplify? What works for you?
Special Opportunity to get some drawing help:
Come join me at the Expressions Art Gallery, Maple Ridge. There is only room for 3 people at each session so contact me to register.
Drop-In and Draw with Wendy Mould,
AFCA:
Tues, Mar 28, April 1 Tues, April 4, 10-12pm & 1-3pm.
Expressions Art Gallery, 227 &
Lougheed Hwy, Maple Ridge.
Bring your
sketchbook and your project and come draw.
I will be happy to give you a few pointers as you work on your
drawing. $15 Pre-Registration Required. Contact Wendy
Etsy Shop now Open: WendyMouldsArt Come on In!!
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. Keep up with all the art events by joining my email list (see sidebar on my blog)
Have a great artful day,
Wendy
Wendy
Mar 2, 2017
How to Lift your Watercolours - Painting & Drawing Tips
NEW WORKS FROM THE STUDIO OF ART BY WENDY
I know the purpose of painting is to put paint down. Get the wash going, mingle the colours and let the magic happen. Ahhh. . . Life is Good. Don't you just love those moments?
Funny though, that is not the whole story.
My work is about wildlife. So there is lots of loose mixes of colour at first setting the scene but tight detail as I zoom in on my subject. And you know, I need that detail. My chance to draw. I can't let the watercolours have all the fun.
The Power of the Life is one of the tools I depend on. My painting, Log Mates, is of a Great Blue Heron standing on a log, with a Mallard Duck at his feet. They are basking in the warm winter sun in a quiet slough . I want him to have fluffy, soft feathers where he has curled his wing up near his head. To do that I have used a series of glazes and lifts.
In that chest area, below his head I laid a light wash of colour. When it was dry I used my scrubber brush (see more on my brush here) to gently lift off colour for 'white' feathers mingled in the mass of feathers. When the lift areas were dry I then refined the feather shapes with a few more light washes.
This gave my feathers:
- hard and soft edges
- many different colours/values for my white feathers
- gave me a 'white' feather tone that was read as whites but darker than my pure white areas.
How does this 'lift' work?
Sessions focus on very specific Marketing Skills:
- My Presentation: Creating a Strong Online Profile
- Using the News media as a Promotional Tool
- Grant Writing
- Navigating the Publishing World
- Business Plan Development.
Great opportunity to learn some new skills. $25 Register by March 8, $40 after that. Call 604-594-2700 to Register.
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. Keep up with all the art events by joining my email list (see sidebar on my blog)
I know the purpose of painting is to put paint down. Get the wash going, mingle the colours and let the magic happen. Ahhh. . . Life is Good. Don't you just love those moments?
Funny though, that is not the whole story.
My work is about wildlife. So there is lots of loose mixes of colour at first setting the scene but tight detail as I zoom in on my subject. And you know, I need that detail. My chance to draw. I can't let the watercolours have all the fun.
 |
| Using my scrubbing brush I gently work the paint to lift off feather shapes |
 |
| After the lift area dries I go in with several layers of glazes and refine the shape of my 'feathers'. This creates several layers of colour/values. |
 |
| My heron is now ready for me to finish the work on the background to really make him pop. (Note I did a bit of lifting to reshape the top of his head as well.) |
- hard and soft edges
- many different colours/values for my white feathers
- gave me a 'white' feather tone that was read as whites but darker than my pure white areas.
How does this 'lift' work?
First of all: it's the paint. Watercolour paints can be staining colours and non-staining colours. A staining colour like Prussian Blue or Hooker Green settles quickly into the top layers of your paper and will not lift easily when dry. Non-staining colours like Permanent Rose or Aureolin Yellow tend to settle more on the surface of the paper and will lift easily when dry.
Secondly: its the paper. Some paper will break down when you scrub it with a wet brush while other paper works well. See my last post "The Secrets of Watercolour Paper". When I was first learning how to paint, I did not know about the secrets of the paper. I couldn't understand how the instructors on the tutorials were doing what they were doing. With the right paper and the right paint you can scrub that paper almost back to white. You are never getting white again.
Third: it is the scrubber. You. If you are removing paint to develop texture you are relaxed and working carefully. If you are removing paint to correct a mistake you can be frustrated, impatient and pressured. Relax. Wet your scrubbing brush, not dripping but wet. Gently work the area watching to see if the paint is mixing with your wet brush, blot with paper towel. (kleenex may leave lint) Review your progress. If there was little change, repeat. You may have been a little timid. If you got a lot off. Let things dry, and examine the area. Remember, watercolour is darker when wet. Repeat as needed.
Using the "Lift" can be a valuable tool in your kit: Lifting off the ripples in the water, softening an harsh edge or creating a mixture of textures. It is more than just a remedy for fixing a mistake.
Do you use 'a Lift' in your working process? What is your favourite lifter?
Etsy Shop now Open: WendyMouldsArt Come on In!!
Special Note to Artists:
The Work of Art Conference Saturday, March 11, 9-4pm - 6 Sessions + Lunch, Arts Council of Surrey, Newton Cultural Center, Surrey, BC.
- My Presentation: Creating a Strong Online Profile
- Using the News media as a Promotional Tool
- Grant Writing
- Navigating the Publishing World
- Business Plan Development.
Great opportunity to learn some new skills. $25 Register by March 8, $40 after that. Call 604-594-2700 to Register.
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. Keep up with all the art events by joining my email list (see sidebar on my blog)
Have a great artful day,
Wendy
Wendy
Feb 23, 2017
The Secrets of Watercolour Paper - Painting & Drawing Tips
NEW WORKS FROM THE STUDIO OF ART BY WENDY - Etsy Shop Now Open
Buried deep in your studio are Secrets. Waiting, yes waiting for you to find. They are little treasures that once found, will change your work forever. Their simplicity, Their magic, can turn the simplest art piece into something special.
My last post on painting backgrounds (see here) was all about lifting and glazing with watercolours. Lifting off a bit of colour can soften a spot, lighten a colour or just clean up an edge. Glazing is almost like magic changing a colour, to something no tube of paint can produce.
My little picture "A Peaceful Moment" grew out of my practice wash from the last post. That flower looked so lonely I felt it needed a butterfly. And the background wash worked out so well I decided to finish it.
That's when I realized my mistake.
I had not talked about the paper when I talked about the lifting and glazing. All Watercolour paper is not the same. Each type has its own strengths and weaknesses. Lifting and glazing is not for every type of watercolour.
The Secret to Success is about the paper.
My practice piece was done on a Student Grade 140lb hot press paper. Nice smooth surface for drawing with ink, holds the colours well for light glazing and gives intense colours. However, when it came to lifting, I was in trouble. The surface started to breakdown with even the softest touch of my scrubber brush. (see brush here) The Arches 140lb hot press paper, my normal paper, and the one I used for the main piece is stronger and will take that light scrubbing.
Here is the issue:
You want to practice but having the right paper does make the difference. It all depends on what you want to do:
The list goes on but let's start here. Disclaimer: I refer to the Artist Quality brands of paper most readily available here and that I have worked with. There are other good quality brands that may be more readily available in your area. The point is, check your paper, it may not be designed for what you want.
Paint Books, usually have 90-140lb paper in them: paint will lift off nicely, colours will be bright, they like drybrushing, nice surface for mixing ink drawing and watercolour; will buckle with a wet wash, hard to glaze colours as the under-painting will lift off easily.
Illustration Board: rigid, wont buckle, lovely surface for drawing on with ink first, shows the watercolours off well; doesn't take a really wet wash, likes dry brushing rather than glazing, not easy to lift off colour
Paint Blocks, Arches 140lb paper: strong paper for lifting, mixed media, wet washes. The block hold your paper flat so if it does buckle with the wet wash it will dry flat afterwards; hard to work on more than one picture at a time, surface is a little rough for detail ink drawing
Arches 140lb (300 gsm) Paper:
Cold Press: strong paper, takes a good wash, lifts and glazes, takes mixed media, easy to blend edges; rough surface for detailed drawing in ink, larger pieces will buckle if too wet,
Hot Press: great for drawing on with ink, brighter colours than Cold Press, good for layering colour with a dry brush; grabs the paint so not good for really wet washes, lift carefully as a more delicate surface than the Cold Press, hard to blend edges
Saunders 200lb Paper: excellent paper to work with, holds the water well for washes, stays wet longer for adding those soft details to the washes, doesn't buckle with ta wet wash; a slightly cheaper alternative to the 300lb paper, can be hard to find as many places only carry the 300lb paper.
Arches 300lb (638 gsm) Paper: the top of the line, does everything you want: lifting, glazing, wet washes, mixed media, wont buckle; very expensive for practicing, a little rough for detailed ink work,
Each type of Watercolour Paper holds its own bag of tricks. They are secrets waiting for you to discover. If you treasure them and use them wisely, your work will flourish. Ignore them to your own peril.
What is your favourite paper? What are its secrets that make it work for you?
Yes, I will get back to that more detailed background I promised but before that, we need to talk paint and Lifting and Glazing, Yes more secrets there. See you next week.
Etsy Shop now Open: WendyMouldsArt Come on In!!
All day Marketing Workshop - Let's Get Your Art Out There - March 5, 10-3pm. This is an opportunity to work with a small group focusing on ways that work for you, to market your art. Whether you are looking at full time or part Art Sales, there are effective, proven strategies that will get your work out the door. $70 Limited to 8 per session. Art by Wendy Studio/Gallery, N. Surrey, BC. REGISTER NOW with Wendy. Out of Towners & Skytrainers give me a call and we can set something up.
The Work of Art Conference Saturday, March 11, 9-4pm - 6 Sessions + Lunch, Arts Council of Surrey, Newton Cultural Center, Surrey, BC. Sessions focus on very specific Marketing Skills. My Presentation: Creating a Strong Online Profile, other sessions: Using the News media as a Promotional Tool, Grant Writing, Navigating the Publishing World, Business Plan Development. Great opportunity to learn some new skills. $25 Register by March 3, $40 after that. Call 604-594-2700 to Register.
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. Keep up with all the art events by joining my email list (see sidebar on my blog)
Buried deep in your studio are Secrets. Waiting, yes waiting for you to find. They are little treasures that once found, will change your work forever. Their simplicity, Their magic, can turn the simplest art piece into something special.
My last post on painting backgrounds (see here) was all about lifting and glazing with watercolours. Lifting off a bit of colour can soften a spot, lighten a colour or just clean up an edge. Glazing is almost like magic changing a colour, to something no tube of paint can produce.
 |
| A PEACEFUL MOMENT - 3 x 4 Ink & Watercolour |
My little picture "A Peaceful Moment" grew out of my practice wash from the last post. That flower looked so lonely I felt it needed a butterfly. And the background wash worked out so well I decided to finish it.
That's when I realized my mistake.
I had not talked about the paper when I talked about the lifting and glazing. All Watercolour paper is not the same. Each type has its own strengths and weaknesses. Lifting and glazing is not for every type of watercolour.
The Secret to Success is about the paper.
My practice piece was done on a Student Grade 140lb hot press paper. Nice smooth surface for drawing with ink, holds the colours well for light glazing and gives intense colours. However, when it came to lifting, I was in trouble. The surface started to breakdown with even the softest touch of my scrubber brush. (see brush here) The Arches 140lb hot press paper, my normal paper, and the one I used for the main piece is stronger and will take that light scrubbing.
Here is the issue:
You want to practice but having the right paper does make the difference. It all depends on what you want to do:
- wet washes that mix and move on the paper
- lifting and correcting
- glazing over your colours
- dry brushing
- mixing ink drawing or other mixed media
- working large
- working small
The list goes on but let's start here. Disclaimer: I refer to the Artist Quality brands of paper most readily available here and that I have worked with. There are other good quality brands that may be more readily available in your area. The point is, check your paper, it may not be designed for what you want.
 |
| Types of Paper: (Lto R) Paint Book, Illustration Board, Paint Block, more Paint Books, Behind: Sheets of Arches 140 lb & 300 lb paper. |
Paint Books, usually have 90-140lb paper in them: paint will lift off nicely, colours will be bright, they like drybrushing, nice surface for mixing ink drawing and watercolour; will buckle with a wet wash, hard to glaze colours as the under-painting will lift off easily.
Illustration Board: rigid, wont buckle, lovely surface for drawing on with ink first, shows the watercolours off well; doesn't take a really wet wash, likes dry brushing rather than glazing, not easy to lift off colour
Paint Blocks, Arches 140lb paper: strong paper for lifting, mixed media, wet washes. The block hold your paper flat so if it does buckle with the wet wash it will dry flat afterwards; hard to work on more than one picture at a time, surface is a little rough for detail ink drawing
Arches 140lb (300 gsm) Paper:
Cold Press: strong paper, takes a good wash, lifts and glazes, takes mixed media, easy to blend edges; rough surface for detailed drawing in ink, larger pieces will buckle if too wet,
Hot Press: great for drawing on with ink, brighter colours than Cold Press, good for layering colour with a dry brush; grabs the paint so not good for really wet washes, lift carefully as a more delicate surface than the Cold Press, hard to blend edges
Saunders 200lb Paper: excellent paper to work with, holds the water well for washes, stays wet longer for adding those soft details to the washes, doesn't buckle with ta wet wash; a slightly cheaper alternative to the 300lb paper, can be hard to find as many places only carry the 300lb paper.
Arches 300lb (638 gsm) Paper: the top of the line, does everything you want: lifting, glazing, wet washes, mixed media, wont buckle; very expensive for practicing, a little rough for detailed ink work,
Each type of Watercolour Paper holds its own bag of tricks. They are secrets waiting for you to discover. If you treasure them and use them wisely, your work will flourish. Ignore them to your own peril.
What is your favourite paper? What are its secrets that make it work for you?
Yes, I will get back to that more detailed background I promised but before that, we need to talk paint and Lifting and Glazing, Yes more secrets there. See you next week.
Etsy Shop now Open: WendyMouldsArt Come on In!!
Special Note to Artists:
February is Marketing Month for Artists, time to really work on your Business Plan. Join me for a full day of getting ready to make 2017 your Best Sales Year ever.
The Work of Art Conference Saturday, March 11, 9-4pm - 6 Sessions + Lunch, Arts Council of Surrey, Newton Cultural Center, Surrey, BC. Sessions focus on very specific Marketing Skills. My Presentation: Creating a Strong Online Profile, other sessions: Using the News media as a Promotional Tool, Grant Writing, Navigating the Publishing World, Business Plan Development. Great opportunity to learn some new skills. $25 Register by March 3, $40 after that. Call 604-594-2700 to Register.
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. Keep up with all the art events by joining my email list (see sidebar on my blog)
Have a great artful day,
Wendy
Wendy
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