YIPPEE!!! An Artist STAYCATION!! - Painting and Drawing Tips

You got it Girl.  (or Guy)  This is the summer to Stay Home and Enjoy life.  

No late flights.  No lost luggage.  No driving for hours on end on a hot day.  No huge drain on the checkbook.  In fact  . . . .

A STAYCATION means no fuss, no muss, no bother.  Just take a break and enjoy!!

Really, who wouldn't want to spend the day sketching here?!

I have been on a 3 week Artist STAYCATION, hence the no posts but now I am back.  Refreshed, eager, ready to roll.  (Well technically it was only 2 weeks as my daughter, grandson and sister joined us for the first week.  Everyone knows there is no time for an Artist when a 6 year grandson is about.) 

I love capturing little mini-environments - Trees, rocks, moss, by the water's edge.  And of course the mix of colour and ink

So what does an Artist Staycation look like?

The picture is different for each of us. I enjoy getting out and painting.  This doesn't mean I take 'a wack of stuff' and plan a Masterpiece.  I heading out to the park, with my Really Smallmendous Art Kit and sketch. (remember this is about relaxing, enjoying, exercising, painting) 

 Or pack a lunch, hike a trail, stop and sketch, then move on. 

ROCKS ON THE COAST - $130 Matted 8 x 10,  ink & watercolour  

Or walking along the beach, especially at low tide when herons are scouring the shallow waters for fish, oyster catchers are squealing as they scour about the rocks, and mother seals are training their young to swim in the still waters.  

Nice to catch the low tide and a shady spot - cheated a bit here, close enough to camp to bring a chair.  

I like to find a shady spot, sit on a log, watch the activity and draw to my hearts content.  

Alfred found a soft log to sit and paint on (not sure if soft log is an oxymoron??)

Or meet up with a few artists friends, kabitz and paint.  

Wendy and Kathleen on the Rocks - don't forget to cover up when the sun is hot

Or take a group out for an Outdoor Sketching Class.  (I know, this is technically working you are saying but really.  How can sharing something I totally enjoy be considered working?!)  

Outdoor sketching Class at the Park - Lots to draw and paint everywhere. 

Always fun to see what everyone sketched. . .

Outdoor Sketching Class Throw Down -  Love to see what each has created

See what I mean,  Artist Staycations are Awesome. . . .

ROCKS ON THE COAST - $130 Matted 8 x 10,  ink & watercolour  

Make your Artist Staycation a Success: 

1.  Keep your artist supplies to a minimum.  Once you add, snacks and drinks that pack gets heavy.  

2.  Take a towel or tripod stool for a sit-a-pon  

3.  Pack bug spray (unfortunately if you don't have it, you will need it. )

4.  Do a Test Run.  Nothing worst than being high up on a mountain trail and realizing your paint brush is home in your studio. 

5.  Zoom In for a mini-environments or Zoom Out for a big vista but focus on 'what really catches your eye' first.  This is no studio setting, working in stages of front to back.  You might be busy laying in your clouds while the sailboat you wanted to paint is sailing away.  

6.  Enjoy the Moment.  Your using a sketchbook, anything goes.  

Since I paint a lot on the go I am often writing about it.  Here are some posts that others have found helpful in organizing their materials: 

Travel Kit Saves the Day - looks at different types of small travel kits for painting and sketching

What does a Plein Air Trip Look Like - how to plan for a lengthy trip which will involve lots of Plein Air Painting.

What does a Plein Air Trip Really Look Like - how to enjoy outdoor sketching and painting on a trip when you travel companion doesn't paint.  

Outdoor Sketching Classes !! 

Ready to go out and do some sketching?  Have fun painting and sketching while learning new tips and techniques. Capture a moment in time without worrying about the World and the crazy problems of today.  Come Join me for a session or two.  Beginner to Advanced are welcome.

Class Size: max. 3.   Rescheduling for Bad weather.  Covid  Rules and Social Distancing will be followed.  

Sessions 2.5 hours, in local North Surrey Parks, Tuesdays 10-12:30 or Special Times to be set up for groups of 2 or 3.  

Cost: $45  

August Dates: Tuesday August 4. 11, 18, 25:  Time:  10-12:30:pm

Save a Spot Now. Contact Wendy    More information: artbywendy.com 

 Do you have big/small projects on the go?  

Looking for a sounding board, help, suggestions, techniques. You and your Inner Critic looking to expand your discussions.  I am available for Online Coaching/Teaching  (3 sessions 30 minutes each $75). more info here.   

  
Many find this post helpful: Turn your Inner Critic into your BFF

 

Be sure to like and share my posts.  You won't miss a single post if you Follow by Email 

Have a great Artful Day,

Wendy  

Take Your Art Making Outdoors - Painting & Drawing Tips

Do you hike up a trail, pause at the spectacular view, take a photo and walk on? 

Does it feel there is something missing from that moment?  Somehow, you want to feel more, taste more, capture more.  

That's how I feel. . . 

Outdoor Sketching Class - June 27: I love to capture mini environments. A baby Barred Owl watched us as we painted by this little stream.   

I take my photo but it doesn't always give me that sense of fulfillment.  I feel not ready to move on but don't  know what else to do.  

That was before I started Outdoor Sketching.

It was exciting to just stop and spend a bit of time sketching in the Roman Forum. I knew this was my one chance to capture this memory.  

Now, when I wonder about and reach a spot that is special, I sketch it.  Capturing that moment doesn't have to be exotic, like this scene from my trip to Italy.  It can be a moment that is special.  

Rocks on Erickson Beach, Texada Island. - 5 x 7, ink & watercolour. SOLD

I loved this little sketch from Erickson Beach.  I really like the movement of colour in my rocks and the line work echoing and flowing in the sky. 

But not only that. . . .

I remember the other artists that were with me.  It was a beautiful sunny day by water and 5 island artists joined me for a Paint Out.  I loved painting, talking, sharing stories and ideas.  Also, there was a heron that hung out with us for hours and I got some awesome shots of him.  An eagle swooped down on the water to fish, seals were bobbing up and down.  So many memories with that painting.  

Memories aren't made with a quick photo and moving on . . . 

MORNING CALM, Texada Island.  - 4 x 4 - Watercolour - SOLD - The view from our campsite early in the morning before the sun was high and hot. We watched a mother seal teach her baby to swim as they went back and forth across the bay.

Capturing a fragment of the moment brings back so many memories.  Sitting for an hour or two to sketch or paint means you see things you would have missed with just a quick visit.  

But to Capture the Moment you must be ready. . .

When time is of the essences, it helps to be prepared. Many years ago I was canoeing with a group of 12 on a 10 day trip.  I learned early on that if I wanted some time to sketch I had to 'get to it'.  No looking through bags and packs for my paints and brushes. Just grab. Open. And paint.  

Since that trip I have tried several combinations for my travel kit.  Each one a little smaller than the last. I am really not sure there is a perfect kit but the one I have now is 2 years old and seems to be still working.  My post:  My Really Smallmendous Art Kit. will tell you all about it.   I have tried several mediums but have finally settled on ink, graphite and watercolour.  These are all found in my kit.  Have a look.  It may help you in putting yours together.  

Since I paint a lot on the go I am often writing about it.  Here are some other posts that others have found helpful in organizing their materials: 

Travel Kit Saves the Day - looks at different types of small travel kits for painting and sketching

What does a Plein Air Trip Look Like - how to plan for a lengthy trip which will involve lots of Plein Air Painting.

What does a Plein Air Trip Really Look Like - how to enjoy outdoor sketching and painting on a trip when you travel companion doesn't paint.  

Good luck with your Outdoor Sketching this summer.  You are welcome to join me for a few outings.  I will be taking small classes out each Tuesday, starting July 28, 2020.

 Do you have big/small projects on the go?  

Looking for a sounding board, help, suggestions, techniques. You and your Inner Critic looking to expand your discussions.  I am available for Online Coaching/Teaching  (3 sessions 30 minutes each $75). more info here.   

  
Many find this post helpful: Turn your Inner Critic into your BFF

If you are looking for Live Outdoor Sketching Classes they are now underway.  See info below.  Contact me to set something up. 

Outdoor Sketching Classes !! 

Ready to go out and do some sketching?  Have fun painting and sketching while learning new tips and techniques. Capture a moment in time without worrying about the World and the crazy problems of today.  Come Join me for a session or two.  

Class Size: 3  Rescheduling for Bad weather.  Covid  Rules and Social Distancing will be followed.  

Sessions 2.5 hours, in local North Surrey Parks, Tuesdays 10-12:30 or Saturdays 10-12:30.  

Cost: $45  

July Dates: Tuesday, July 28, 10-12:30pm

August Dates: Tuesday August 4. 11, 18, 25: 10-12:30:pm

Save a Spot Now. Contact Wendy    More information: artbywendy.com 

 

Be sure to like and share my posts.  You won't miss a single post if you Follow by Email 

Have a great Artful Day,

Wendy  

What?!! Paint it Again?! Painting and Drawing Tips

Yes, Paint that Picture Again!!
Hey, I get it. You painted the picture, you expressed your idea and now you're ready to move on.


Amphitrite Point Lighthouse, Uclulet, West Coast BC - Plein Air Painting

I don't mean do this every time.  But once and awhile just try the picture again.  Use a different pallet, try a different layout, change it up.  This isn't meant to be a laborious task but more a learning experience.  An opportunity to try something different and see how your original idea might look if expressed in a different way.  Or revisit and old idea/subject and try it again.  (Read more of the story of painting this original Plein Air painting here)

VanGogh painted over 30 self-portraits between the years of 1886 - 1889.  He couldn't afford models and felt portraits would be a could source of income so he used himself to practice.  It is interesting to see what he did: different poses, different expressions, different pallets, different styles even different props.  You can certainly see growth and changes in his work and understand how his style developed.  Read more about his self-portraits here. 

I am not suggesting you paint a picture 30 different times but maybe try it 3 or 4 times.  I teach drawing and painting skills in private lessons.  In the session we do side by side drawing.  We each have a sketchbook and we each draw the same thing.  I find this way I can discuss the steps in the drawing with my student as we progress.  Whenever there is a problem/question we stop and discuss it and look at ways to solve it. 

Sketch #1 of my Lighthouse Practice - The rocks were painted first and set my pallet.  I really enjoyed how the colours worked out in my rocks.   

There are several pictures that I use for reference over and over again as they offer special opportunities to focus on specific skills.  As a result I often end up painting and drawing the same picture several times.  

I can understand why VanGogh painted himself, over and over again.   

Some of my thoughts on my repeated  Lighthouse Paintings: 

1.  Each time I painted the lighthouse I noticed more things in the setting.  For example the different bushes under the tree.  At first I simplified them so much they weren't there.  Later I realized there were several different types.  It is surprising how you can study a place, paint it and yet never notice little things.  The pattern of the colours in the bushes,  different types of plants, the relationship between shapes, little things.  

2.  Change the lighting.  In Lighthouse Sketch #1, I accidentally added too much pink when painting the rocks.  The sketchbook paper did not allow for me to change things so I decided to go with it. It meant I had to include that colour in other areas.  All of a sudden I had a rosy sunset kind of picture.  It really intrigue me how that was created.  I know that I can take that idea into new work.

Sketch #2 of my Repeated Lighthouse Practice - Red as a dominate colour is not something I usually do.  However, I did like the way it worked into my rocks.  

3.  Changing the palette caused big changes in the picture.  In my original Plein Air painting the colours are cold.  There were really no warm tones and that might have been that it was an overcast day.  In my Lighthouse Sketch #2, I repeated the red from the lighthouse in my rocks. To me the rocks hold way more interest than my first one with just the blues and purples.  Maybe because I don't often use a lot of red.  I quite liked the results. 

4.  Try different layout/compositions.  This I found very interesting.  Each layout told a different story.  I found the landscape picture (Sketch #1) very pretty and interesting but the portrait pictures seemed more dynamic with their strong lines.  

Try a few small painting/drawings/sketches of one of your latest paintings.  See if there are new things your subject wants to tell you.  

Note to my Regular Readers:  

I know you are probably wondering how my Ring-necked Pheasants are coming along from my last post.  (Read here)  With all the Halloween Fun they are moving slowly. They're not done yet but I will certainly have something for you next post.  

Also

Inktober Tangles 2019 is over.  (Read more Here. ) I am not quite finished my 31 Tangles, I am on #27.  That has turned out to be an adventure of its own so I will report back to you on that as well next post.  

Looking to move your Drawing Skills to the Next Level?

Join me in November and December to Make Christmas Cards using Doodles and Candles.  See info below ↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓

Contact Me to Register ↓↓↓↓

Get Ready for Christmas!! with a Fun Way to Improve your Drawing Skills

This year's theme is Candles, Holly and Poinsettias - Samples of things you can do with them

Christmas Card Classes 

Saturday, Nov 16, 10-12pm. Art by Wendy's Studio, North Surrey

Wednesday, Dec 4, 1-3pm. Gardenworks at Mandeville, South Burnaby

Treat your Friends to a Special Christmas Greeting

All supplies Incld $40      Contact Wendy

OR

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. 

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

Are your Landscapes too GREEN? Painting & Drawing Tips

I live in a GREEN, GREEN world, here on the West Coast. 

When you are outdoors painting did you notice how GREEN it was out there?  The trees. The shrubs. The moss.  Everything is GREEN. 

BIRCH TREES BY THE STREAM - sketchbook page

I am not complaining. I like GREEN.  Here on the west coast there is lots of GREEN.  We have a temporal climate,  mild winters and mild summers.  I love it.  (I am a 25 C  person, any hotter is too hot for me) All this means we have lots of rain and very rich, lush GREENS that are often here year round.  

But all GREEN landscapes are boring to paint. . .  They need COLOUR. 

As many of my readers know, I did a lot of outdoor sketching and painting this summer.  When I encountered my lush GREEN landscapes I did the usual.  Blue greens, yellow greens, light greens, dark greens.  But I realized this was not enough. There was no colour. No drama. I decided this summer I was going to do something about it. I devised a challenge for myself.

My Summer Challenge: infuse colour into my green landscapes that was believable and interesting.  With colours that reflected me.

Birch Tree with a little stream - Lots of GREEN

Did you see this scene this summer? 

Pretty little spot in the park.  Birch Trees (my favourite with their white bark) they even have a few sun and shadow spots on them.  A little stream with interesting rocks in and around it.  Ferns and shrubs giving an interesting frame for the trees and stream.  Trees and foliage in the distance.  Pretty, meditative spot.  But so much GREEN.  

How I Infused my GREENS with Colour:

1.  I looked for other colours, no matter how small to include: dead leaves had rust, tans, browns. 

 2.  I pushed into new colours: red (Quinacridone Red) - hidden in the darks of the foilage; and pure blues (Ultramarine and Phalo Blue) -  Patches in the water, the background and darks on the birches.  

3.  I used a deep purple as my darkest dark.  This meant my transition colours were pinks and mauve from the same family.  (I mixed my purple with Ultramarine and Permanent Rose.  This meant I could make a variation of my purple learning to blue, mauve or pink)

Sound logical, right. . . .

Really #1 feels easy to do and a logical extension to what you see.  But #2 and #3, they really require you to step out of your box.  Red.  There is no Red in my reference picture.  But actually it looks kind of nice and adds a sparkle to the picture.  The purples and pinks.  More Sparkle.  I really enjoy looking at this little picture.  

A few Secrets from my Colour infusion . . .

a. This was not my first picture.  I started off slowly.  Added red.  Robert Genn said to add a bit of red to jazz things up. So I started dropping in red.  Reluctantly.  Quietly. Then got louder.  I liked it. 

b.  One drop of a new colour draws too much attention.  Put it in 3 different places, it blends in. Can be all the same tone or variations.  It seems to settle in. 

c.  I got braver.  I started playing with the purples.  Started adding them. Tried different values.  Tried different hues. Moved to a bit of pink. Some mauve.  

d.  I got even braver.  I added more and more colour.  This little picture brought it all together for me.  It sparkles.  It speaks to me.  

e.  Ok.  I know you might feel it does not look EXACTLY like the spot I was painting at.  But it reflects more than that.  It reflects how I felt about that spot in the kind of colour (language) that is unique to me.  When you chose your colours for your painting whether it is a green, blue, red or yellow, your chose is based on your preference.

Try a little colour in your life.  Don't let those GREENS run the whole show.  

Other posts on colour mixing:

Fighting that Horrifying Crazy Battle of Colour Mixing
Have some fun with Colour Mixing Theory
Is that Really the Right Blue?


Looking to move your Drawing Skills to the Next Level?

Contact Me to Register ↓↓↓↓

Upcoming Drawing Classes: 

Sunday, September 22 & 29, Beecher Place, Crescent Beach, S Surrey. 1-3pm. $40 ea.
Part 1: Get that Line Drawing Right - Sept 22 Full
Part 2: Values, Light & Shadows - Sept 29   Full
Beginners to Advanced Welcome.  Come to one or both.      

Drop-In and Draw
Wednesday, September 25, 1-3pm 2 Spots Left   or   Monday, September 30, 1-3 pm 2 Spots Left 
Beecher Place, Cres. Beach $20.  Get tips on old projects or new. 

Contact Wendy to Register and for more information.  

OR Book a 3 Pack of Private Lessons with Me - 3 Lessons 2.5 hr each $225
Based on your Schedule at my Studio, N. Surrey. 

September 19-30 I will be at Beecher Place with Art Theo featuring Art by myself, Doris Biddle and Donna Schipfel.  During our stay we will be offering classes and showing/selling our work. I have Drawing Classes on the Sundays (Sept 22 & 29)  and a Drop-In Session (Sept 30)  for those that want to practice more from the classes or would like help in their own projects or starting new ones.

Doris will be offering a 2 Day class working with Acrylics $80 and a Ceramic Painting class $45.  Donna will be offering 2 classes on Watercolour on Rice paper $40 ea.

FYI

I am scheduled for a Demo at Opus this fall: 

 Drawing: Values, Light & Shadows - Saturday, Oct 19, 11-12:30 or 2-3:30 Free 

Contact Langley Opus to Register  604.533.0601

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

Plein Air Painting or Chasing Pigs & Goats - Painting and Drawing Tips

Do you view Plein Air Painting as a Static Activity?  You come, you set up, you stand, you paint, you’re done.  Other than moving your painting arm, you are basically motionless. 

JUDGE, THE KING OF THE CASTLE - all the goats had a turn standing on the cart.  

In many ways, that is probably true. 

Of course that doesn’t take into account, your brain.  It is moving a mile a minute.  And don’t forget that you are stepping back, looking, evaluating and then moving in for the ‘stroke’.  So yes there is movement. 

However, Plein Air Painting with Pigs and Goats is definitely not STATIC.  . .

Painting the Flowers was a very Popular Theme for many of the artists

Last weekend was the Plein Air Festival at Kilby Historical site.  It is a great 3 day event.  Okay, as one of the organizers I am a little prejudice.  But really, 3 days to paint on a Historical site, for $20 with great prizes for everyone.  Who wont have a good time? 

Others were in the orchard, with the veggie garden and scarecrow to catch your eye

This is my 5th year helping out.  Each year I challenge myself to step outside of my box a bit. (see last year's Pen & Ink Portraits) This year it was to draw animals from life.  As a wildlife artist I draw lots of birds and animals in great detail but always from photos.  This year was going to be different.  No photos, just the real thing. 

THE 3 LITTLE PIGS - Chasing pigs around the pen to draw them was not such a popular place

Do you realize Pigs and Goats are on the move.  All the time. . . 

Drawing them is a bit like a bunch of 2 minute poses in Life Drawing.  Actually some were maybe 1 minute.  It was a challenge.  My goat, Judge was first.  That little picture took me 4 hours!!  ‘The 3 Little Pigs’ went much smoother.  And I felt I got more interesting poses for my animals.

Things I learned while chasing Pigs and Goats:

1.     You need to watch the animals for a bit to see what kind of poses they make and what poses you want to include in your picture.  When I was drawing Judge I was so busy getting his body shape, I really didn’t pick a very interesting head position.  I wished later I had his head turned a bit. 

Of Course there is a show to display all the hard work

2.    You need to quickly layout where they will be your picture plane.  I used a rough circle the size I thought the animals should be.  For my pigs, I made each circle a different size, to put them in a different plane.  I also needed them to be facing different ways. 

3.    You really do need to chase pigs and goats if you want to draw them.  They don’t stay still.  While sleeping yes, but not such an interesting pose.  As they move, watch for a duplication of the pose you want. You wont get the whole body duplicated but you can see how: the legs work; the shoulder connects to the back; the different way the ears bend. . . .   Basically draw the pigs in pieces. 

4.    You should be ready to work on the setting/background when things are quiet.  In my case the pigs went into their house.  My goat trotted off to the other end of the field.  So I worked on the trees, the ground, fence posts. Other stuff. I had the advantage of knowing soon people would come along with food for the animals and they would be back.  I know, this wont work in the wild but hey, maybe with lots of practice I will be faster and able to do detailed 2 minute poses of a heron or deer.

Pigs, goats, flowers, old buildings all found their way into the paintings

5.    You need to be patient.  Waiting and watching.  Pretty soon they will turn, sit, stand. And you will be ready to gather more information for your drawing.

 

6.    You need to celebrate your work.  I know my goat and pigs aren’t perfect, but hey.  I am pleased.  They look like pigs and goats.  My pigs have a sense of movement.  They have interesting poses.  I am ready to try again. 

 Have you tried drawing animals from life?  Any thoughts on what helps you?

The Festival wasn’t all chasing pigs.  . .

Max and I got out for several paddles. Weather was up and down but still great sights.  Saw an bald eagle catch a fish and carry it off.  

It was meeting new people.  Catching up with old friends.  Sharing stories.  Lots of laughs.  Seeing how others took up their own challenges and come up with some neat ideas.  And of course the best part was celebrating at the end.  There was so many different, awesome, interesting pictures capturing the Kilby grounds.  The Festival has a Grand Prize which is juried, A People Choice Award and then lots of door prizes for all the contestants.  Any age can enter and any age did.  Even the weather cooperated, well for the most part anyway.  

Helen, Joanne and myself were the jurors, loved this winning painting by Stephenie Egg

Special thanks to Kilby and their Staff for hosting such a fun event.  And special thanks to singers Lawrence Congie and Bruce Coughean who sang for us Saturday and Sunday afternoon. Awesome sounds guys.  And of course a special thanks to all the sponsors for adding to the event. 

FYI - Plein Air Festival at Kilby next year - August 21-23, 2020

 Put it in your Calendar and join us for a fun time.  Come for 1 day or all the days.  Book a campsite with Kilby and stay the whole time.  That's what I do.  

 Looking to move your Drawing Skills to the Next Level?

Contact Me to Register ↓↓↓↓

Upcoming Drawing Classes: 

Sunday, September 22 & 29, Beecher Place, Crescent Beach, S Surrey. 1-3pm. $40 ea. 
Part 1: Get that Line Drawing Right - Sept 22
Part 2: Values, Light & Shadows - Sept 29
Beginners to Advanced Welcome.  Come to one or both.      

Drop-In and Draw
Monday, September 30, 1-4pm Beecher Place, Cres. Beach $20.  Get tips on old projects or new. 

Contact Wendy to Register and for more information.  

OR Book a 3 Pack of Private Lessons with Me - 3 Lessons 2.5 hr each $225 
Based on your Schedule at my Studio, N. Surrey. 

September 19-30 I will be at Beecher Place with Art Theo featuring Art by myself, Doris Biddle and Donna Schipfel.  During our stay we will be offering classes and showing/selling our work. I have Drawing Classes on the Sundays (Sept 22 & 29)  and a Drop-In Session (Sept 30)  for those that want to practice more from the classes or would like help in their own projects or starting new ones. 

Doris will be offering a 2 Day class working with Acrylics $80 and a Ceramic Painting class $45.  Donna will be offering 2 classes on Watercolour on Rice paper $40 ea.

FYI

I am scheduled for a Demo at Opus this fall: 

 Drawing: Values, Light & Shadows - Saturday, Oct 19, 11-12:30 or 2-3:30 Free 

Contact Langley Opus to Register  604.533.0601

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

Painting & Drawing on the BEACH - Painting and Drawing Tips

THE STRUGGLE IS REAL!!!

The weather was awesome as I headed out each day to paint on the beach.  Sky - fabulous blue with puffs of white clouds, giving everything that ‘feel good’ feeling.  Sun - shining bright, warm but not not smoking hot.  Tide Out - leaving lots of interesting rocks, shells  and treasures in its place.  Wildlife - seagulls, oyster catchers, heron, crow and even an bald eagle joining me.  

DEER ON THE BEACH - Matted 11 x 14, watercolour & Ink. $225 

So what’s the problem?

Grey . . . .    Washed out Grey.

I love to paint and draw in the forest but there is always a problem - Green.  Here on the beach, the problem is GRAY. 

Grey logs

EVERYTHING IS BLEACHED GREY!

See what I mean - GREY

Those wonderful knurly logs glistening in the sun.  The rocks peaking out of the water as the tide slowly moves out.  The old piles still standing in the water, from days gone by.  And of course, don’t forget the sand.  Grey, Grey Grey.  Not even a dark or light grey, a washed out grey.  Bleached by that very sun that is making it such a wonderful day. 

The Struggle is Real. . .

Working on the Beach

You know what it is like. You have been there too, I’m sure. 

This summer I decided to face the challenge head on. 

SEAGULL: CATCHING SOME SUN - Matted 11 x 14, watercolour & Ink $225 

Seagull: Catching some Sun was my first challenge.  I laid out my logs in ink first.  That felt extremely good.  I decided I wanted a seagull on the log and drew that in.  

Layout for Seagull: Catching some Sun - Logs are ready for my seagull

I painted the log with the seagull. 

Ooooh, so easy.  It was backlit and fairly new so it had colour.  But the other logs were all in the sun and all grey. 

Things I noted:

1.     They had different values.  Subtle but different

2.    The angle of light that hit them caused slight differences in colours

3.    I felt the pull of warm and cold colours- I know they were all in the sun, but I did feel it.

The backlit log is ready now it is time to paint the 'grey' logs

4.    I began to look for things that would give reflected light/colour.  The ‘easy log’ I decided would give a warm glow to the log below.  With the grasses there, there had to be some greens in the logs as well.  Blues from the sky and yellow/oranges from the log. 

5.    Once I started, I realized a hard, cold black would not work for all my darks.  Purples and mauves seemed to work much better. 

Suddenly I had lots of things to put in my logs.  I kept the colours thin and muted, but still very much there.  Wet into wet, thin glazes over top, and even a bit of dry brushing in the end.  The process wasn’t quick.  I kept checking that I had the right warm/cold feel to the colour.  I blotted lots to remove something I didn’t like.  I studied the logs some more.  I waited for paint to dry.  

"Hey, time for a walk"

Suddenly Max nudged me.  Time to go, we had sat there long enough.  He was right. 

Leave it.

Study it.

Come back tomorrow. 

Things will be different. 

ROCKS ON ERICKSON'S BEACH - Matted 8 x 10, watercolour& Ink $130

Do you fight with greyness of the world when you paint?  What moves you forward?  

I felt I had made a real breakthrough into the world of grey this summer.  

Special Note:

Want info on my pallet?  I used my little travel kit for all the paintings More info on it HERE.  

Are your sketchbooks calling you?  Looking for more practice.

If you live in the Fraser Valley, think about joining me this summer for a Morning of Outdoor Sketching.  An easy way to immerse yourself into sketching with ink and watercolour.  See the info below ↓  ↓  ↓  ↓

OR Book a 3 Pack of Private Lessons with Me.

Join me for a morning of  Outdoor Sketching: 

Small group Outdoor Sketching Classes on Tuesday morning, July 30, August 6, 13, and 20.

The classes will be small, max  5.  We will meet at 10-12:30 in a few of the local parks in North Surrey.  ie. Bear Creek Park, Tynehead Park.  The cost is: $45 tx incld. per session  Book all 4 sessions for $150. Bring your own supplies
Contact Me to register.   and for more information. 

My Etsy Store is always OPEN: Etsy - WendyMouldsArt

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

FYI
Plein Air Event at Kilby Historical Site - August 16 -18, 2019

215 Kilby Rd, Harrison Mills, BC – approx. 1.5 hr drive from Vancouver
(or stay our there. I like to camp at Kilby Campsite but there are lots of  places to stay close by.  Makes for a great little adventure.)

 On Friday, Saturday and Sunday morning, painters will be capturing  breathtaking historic vistas, 1920s farm equipment, historic buildings, lush gardens & orchards, delightful farm animals and surrounding mountains.  Not hard to find something to catch your eye.

This is a fun, outdoor adventure for everyone.  Sunday afternoon, brings live entertainment and awards ceremony.  There is a competitive and non-competitive part to the event, so great prizes for everyone.  Cost $15 Registration: events@kilby.ca  more info: kilby.ca

I have been part of this event since it started 5 years ago and I never get tired of wondering the grounds and finding little vignettes to paint.  I know you will enjoy yourself.

If you decide not to join us to paint, come out and see the fun.  On Friday and Saturday,  Artists are set up all over the grounds working away or come see the 'Showing and Sale' on Sunday.

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Have a great Artful Day,

Wendy