Competition: Mixed Media Challenge - Painting and Drawing Tips

OMG!!      What have I done??!!

It seemed like a good idea, enter a Mixed Media Paint Off - 12 artists, a box of supplies, 7 days!! 

But what do I know about gold foil, tissue, collaging. . . .  

Day 1: Picking up my Competition Package

Pretty exciting eh?  Especially when things are sooooo quiet at home right now.  The Paint Off began with all artists picking up 'their box' of supplies and a 16 x 20 canvas.  The job, use as much of the different mixed media materials in the box as possible to create a 'master piece' on the canvas in 7 days.  I could hardly wait to see 'what was in my box'. 

It was a bit like Christmas, opening the box and pulling out all the neat little containers of paints & mixes.  

Opening the Treasure Box . . . .

Ok, it really isn't a Treasure Box, but it seems like it.  All these new supplies for me to try out. 

 

One 16 x 20 Canvas

6 different Acrylic Soft Body Paints

Nepheline fine Gel

An Adhesive

Brushes

Metal foils, gold & silver

cheese cloth

rubber mat

Assorted colours of tissue paper and a few textured pieces

a box of watercolours

paint tray

An Opus apron  (yes, Opus Art Supplies was one of the sponsors)

WE were encouraged to use as many different things as possible, even the wrapping and the box itself were fair game.  

Next step - hit the Internet!!

I have never used metal foils, tissue paper or other things for collaging. I felt I needed a little encouragement.  After a few tutorials I felt much better and decided it was time to crack open the paints.  

Day 2: Taking paints for a test run and doing some collaging on the canvas

Day 2 - Test the materials

I read labels, opened containers and fiddled around.  I decided the best thing to do was pick up a brush and go for it.  I ripped up the textured paper and glued it to different places on the canvas.  Then I picked a few watercolours and let them flow.  It is amazing how much better you feel when that stark, white canvas is no longer staring at you.  Doesn't look like much to you but I was feeling very pleased with my start.  

Day 3 Already - Once my little squirrel made his appearance I knew I had a plan

Day 3 - Here Goes

After turning my canvas around and around I decided on this portrait face.  My next job was to see if I could get a little squirrel to perch in the corner and catch your eye. It was very reluctant to come out but after quite a bit of fiddling he made his appearance.  I was elated.  I knew what I wanted to paint and I was ready to roll.  

Day 4 - I am feeling flushed with success.  Things are really starting to work out.  Anxious to get back at it.  

Day 4 - Things are rolling along

Yes, I have reached that point of the painting where I think things are starting to hum.  I hated to stop.  'Just a minute', I kept saying whenever I was called.  But finally I had to wash up and get on with life.  I can hardly wait to get back at it.  

Sad news for you, my readers. 
I publish my blog on Thursdays each week.  My picture must be done by Saturday and I can not publish it before then.  I will have to leave you in suspense until next week post as to my finished picture.  Wish me luck.  See you next week.  

Outdoor Sketching Classes Starting Soon!! 

Yes, I will take 2 in a class for Outdoor Sketching starting as soon as the weather is more stable.  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.  $45  Get on the Wait List Now. Contact Wendy 

WENDY MOULD IS ONLINE:  

I 'm Now offering Private Mentoring/Coaching ONLINE

Want to make pictures that sing?  Move your Art Career forward?  Get a handle on your art business?

Let's Talk

Imagine, your own personal coach, in discussion with YOUR images:  Discussing your goals; Ways to move your artwork forward.   Sessions: 30 minutes each

Package: 3 session: $75 + tx       Flexible Booking Schedule

Contact Wendy to book your session - Send me your pictures and let's Get to Work!

Get a Taste for Online Learning with my Blog & Video Combos: 

1.  Have you tried Monotypes?   - Blog post with video link on how to do Monotypes and ways to incorporate it into your art. 

2.  One Awesomemazonly Sketchbook Activity - Blog post with video link on a great Sketchbook Activity to inspire and challenge you.  

 (Be sure to like and comment while your are there. 🤗)

Great Opportunities for Fraser Valley Artists: 

Arts Council of Surrey 
 Artist Calls: 

Info@artscouncilofsurrey.ca for Entry Forms

1. Together  . . . apART - Juried Art Show hosted on Arts Council of Surrey Website. Digital Entry. Deadline May 15.  People's Choice Award.  Free to enter. See website info for information on Show  Theme

2. Arts 2020: Juried Show with Cash Prizes for 5 Different Categories.  Hosted by Arts Council of Surrey and Surrey Art Center.  Digital Entry.  Deadline: June 5.  Free to  Enter.  No Theme. 

When Life settles down: 

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 

Have a great Artful Day,

Wendy

Painting with Dirty Water - Painting and Drawing Tips

OMG!  It was my turn to putt.  

Fast greens, sloping to the left, 10 ft to the hole.  Not easy.  

 There was no way I could use a full swing.  Not even a half swing.  Or a quarter swing.  We're talking only a nudge.  Then wait and hope. . .   

Isn't that just like painting with dirty water?. . . .

PICK OF THE HERD - Watercolour. Matted to 16 x 20, $500

When painting with watercolour there are all kinds of way to describe the mix of pigment to water. A really thick mix, so dry it barely moves. A rich creamy mix like thick cream. (The full swing)  A slightly thinner mix like milk. (The half swing)  Then there is the thinner mix like weak tea - the quarter swing.  But dirty water, that is a very thin mix of pigment to water - THE NUDGE.  

Looking at my horses in 'The Pick of the Herd" you might think I definitely didn't need dirty water to paint them.  But actually you might be surprised.  There were times when I was glazing, when I did want to nudge the colour a bit and soften the edges.  Take a look at the background.  That was definitely a case of Dirty Water.  Dirty water has many uses in the painting world.  (See last post 'Secrets they never told you about glazing with watercolour'.

Notice the test area for my Dirty Water in the background between the horses legs.  

How do you make Dirty Water?

Seems easy enough. Mix a bit of pigment with lots of water and away you go.  I find that having the right mixing space really makes a big difference.  Mixing colours in my palette is fine when I want darks but the subtle light shades can become tinted so easy: bits of pigment in the crevices of the palette; drops of pigment as I move across the palette; colours running from other areas. Not what I want.

Dishes are great to mix colours - note how you can have 2 colours and blend them in various strengths. 

My favourite mixing trays are . . . .

From the Dollar Store.  They have nice little white porcelain plates 3.5 x 3.5 inches square, that are great.  My paints don't bead up, they mix or separate as they want, I can may big puddles or small, and have two colours mixed several different strengths on one little plate.  They are easy to clean when I want  free clean spot to mix on.  They come in different shapes as a lot of them are little sushi dishes. They are awesome for mixing dirty water in large or small quantities.

My dirty water puddle.  Remember watercolour dries lighter and will also be diluted more when used wet into wet. 

Painting my Background with Dirty Water . . .

In my picture 'The Pick of the Herd', I wanted the silver grays of  the Thompson Plateau area in early spring.  The horses are out on the range which is warm and arid in summer but after the snow it is silvery grays as the ground wakes up for spring.  I wanted to tell that story.

Putting water down first I painted my subtle light grays over the area.  While things were still wet I added slightly darker colours to suggest shrubs and bushes. Painting wet into wet meant I would have soft edges and using Dirty Water, kept all the colours muted.  I used the same colours as I used on my horses and fences. After everything was dry, I used some dry brushing to put some foliage around the horses. 

Further Reading:
Get Those Values Working for You - looks at how values can bring your work depth and mass
6 Stories Your Edges Tell - Looks at the story your hard and soft edges tell in a painting

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  2 Spots Left

Cost $90 + Tx       Pre-Registration Required, contact Wendy      Gift Certificates Available

Save the Date . . . . .

March 6-8, 2020 - The West Fine Arts Show.  Peter Ewart Middle School, 7755 202A St, Langley BC.  Yes, I have teamed up with this great show event: 20 Professional Artists, Awesome Art, a show you shouldn't miss.  

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

Secrets they never told you about Glazing with Watercolour - Painting & Drawing Tips

How did you learn to paint?

Few classes. Few books. Some YouTube. Lots of Practice.

That's how I learned too!

PICK OF THE HERD - Work in Progress #3 - Watercolour 12 x 16. 

Really its a never ending journey, there is always more things to do and try.  I must admit glazing wasn't really something I spent a lot of time with. The book said put down yellow, glaze with blue and you got a green.  So what? Now I know, different.

They didn't tell me the Secrets . . .

There is way more to glazing then getting a different shade of green.  

When I create my birds and animals I like them to be similar to my drawings.  Very lifelike. Feathers and fur soft to touch.  With a deep sense of realism.  In order to do that in graphite, I need to work in layers.  When I moved to watercolour I realized I needed to do the same thing.  Layers.  Lots of layers. 

Suddenly, I was in the World of Glazing and didn't even realize it.  As I was blending my edges, fighting to get the right colour, I accidentally glazed.  Ooooh!  You are probably thinking.  Maybe I do that too. 

What is glazing?
Glazing is putting a light layer of wash over another colour that is dry.  The result is a colour change to the initial colour.  Usually this is done with transparent colours.  The result is a very transparent look.  (ie.  the light goes through the pigment to the paper and there is a shine to the area.) 

But there is more to glazing than the transparent look . . . 

WIP #1: Under-painting for the body - Wet onto dry.  (not sure why I did the head first, I just did. A funny place to try out my colours but  . . )

Check out the under-painting for 'The Pick of the Herd'.  Notice the 3 different areas of his body.  I put down only a base colour that I wanted to shine through. 

Did you know purple glazed over orange equals brown?

And really interesting browns too.  A red purple gives a much different look than a blue purple. (Of course you have to use a mixed purple rather than one straight out of the tube.)

Once I had my base down, I glazed over the areas with different colours.  At first I glazed with my warm yellow orange, to darken the colour. Then I started to lay out the markings with darker colours.  Then more glazing. 

Why all this glazing?

1.  Transparency: I wanted my horse to have a transparent look.  It seems to give my animals a great sense of mass.  I also really like that look.  To me his heightens the realistic look I am seeking.

WIP # 2 - Building up the layers on the neck and mid section of the horse.  Not the strong red glazed on to the front leg and the lower stomach.  

2.  Blending: The colour transitions on an animal have to be smooth and blended.  By putting the markings on early, it allows the many layers on top to smooth those edges.  You can see that the markings on my horse have a smooth transition from dark to light.

3.  Add tints of colour: My horse has a redish tone to his coat and I wanted that in the final results.  So on many of the transition points of light to dark, I glazed with a red. Light glazes of course.  This gave rich redish tones to my golden yellow area.  You can see this in the 2nd WIP picture of my horse. 

4. Darkening Colour: Of course you can also just keep glazing with the same colours.  This will make your colour darker but also gives it a rich tone.  The transparency quality gives it depth, giving the horse's hide a softness that makes you want to touch it. 

As you work with glazing you will probably think of other ways you use it.  It can be in big areas or small.  For me though,  these are the big 4 ways I use it. 

Side Notes:
- It takes many layers to build up your colour. 
- Because you are working wet onto dry, you must wait until the layers below are dry.  Patients is needed.  I work in other areas of the picture while I wait, work on a drawing or fold the laundry. 
- You can't fiddle.  One or two brush strokes then move on.  If you 'work an area' with too many strokes you will lift the paint underneath.  Remember, you are only putting on a light layer of pigment so let things dry and try again. 
- My Palette for the main horse:  Ultramarine Blue, Permanent Rose (for my purple); Quinacridone Gold, Burnt Sienna, Indian Red (a new colour I was trying out)

Try some glazing.  It is really amazing how you can change colours. 

Further reading:

Step-by-Step Glazing with Watercolour - a detailed look at how the layers are added
The Secrets of Watercolour Paper - a look at different types of paper and how they will perform when glazing and other types of painting with watercolour.
Watercolour Over Glazes - John Lovett - interesting different colours to glaze with and other uses for it. 
Transparent and Opaque Watercolour - DeviantArt - a good discussion on the what and how they can be used.

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  3 Spots Left

Cost $90 + Tx       Pre-Registration Required, contact Wendy      Gift Certificates Available

Save the Date . . . . .

March 6-8, 2020 - The West Fine Arts Show.  Peter Ewart Middle School, 7755 202A St, Langley BC.  Yes, I have teamed up with this great show event: 20 Professional Artists, Awesome Art, a show you shouldn't miss.  

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

Build a Background, from Abstract to Realism: Painting & Drawing Tips

Have you every built a large puzzle? 

On a dark and cold winter day, doing a large 1000 piece or 2500 piece puzzle is loads of fun.  Well, for many it is.  Sorry if it is not your 'thing'. It can even become quite addicting!!

Northern Pintail on the Wetlands - 16 x 20 matted $550

Building a large puzzle demands lots of organizational skills ie. separating the pieces into useful piles.  Each piece by itself really looks like nothing.  Just a blob of colour.  Sometimes several colours.  But really just a blob, by itself it tells the eye very little about the puzzle.

But the tiny blob begins to grow . . .
As you work on the puzzle you find other little pieces that fit to your first piece.  With each piece comes more information for the eye/brain to interpret. Your work with your painting is the same, especially with the background.

Start with abstraction . . .
When I start a painting, I often start with the background and work forward.  With my painting of the Northern Pintail Duck, this was certainly the case.  Using my colour scheme with a wet wash, I suggested wetlands melting into the sky.  If you cover the duck's head and just focus on the background it really just looks like masses of colours.  There is really nothing for the eye to 'understand' and bring meaning to.

Abstraction starts in the background but tighter and tighter detail tell the story. 

A few Sharp Edges begins the story . . .

Notice what happens as you move down the painting (this really is moving from the back of the background to the front of the background) there are suggested shapes. By themselves nothing.  But the dark green edge suggests a waterline, the dark clumps suggest tall grasses at the water's edge. Suddenly your eye says, "hey, those are billowing clumps of grasses and there is even a bit of water in there."  Your eye sees meaning.

Tighter and tighter detail tells the story to the eye  . . .
As your eye moves into the Mid-ground there are more abstract shapes but also sharper edges.  The green and gold washes become reflections of the wetland grasses and the blue becomes water.  The background recedes and becomes flatter. The tight detail of the duck crossing over the background and mid-ground offers more reassurance to the eye.  "Yes, this is a duck, those most be grasses, water, reflections"; everything makes sense.

Sharp and Crisp ends the story  . . .
The sharp, crisp grasses poking out of the water in the foreground, confirm the tale.  The eye completely understands what is happening and how to interpret the shapes and colours.  It is happy.  And of course, so am I.  Using these tools, I used the power of suggestion to give an interesting and realistic background for my picture.  This is also the kind of background that delights the eye as so much is left for it to interpret. Every eye loves that challenge.

Block out the duck with your finger as you look at the isolated background 

To really get a feel for how the bits of detail work at each level, isolate each section with your fingers and see how abstract they really are.  Then slowly move your fingers to allow a little of the suggested details show.  Notice how your eye immediately gets to work and 'makes sense' of things.  (Actually, I guess it really is your brain doing all the work, your eye just feeds in the information. )

Painting Backgrounds is a subject that has interested me alot.  I have talked about it many times.  Here are a few posts on the subject, if you put 'painting backgrounds' into my search box on my blog you will get more to see.
Backgrounds that Paint Themselves 
What's Going on Back There
Painting Those Pesky Backgrounds

Next week, another look at Backgrounds to Foregrounds - the Planes in the Picture.

My Etsy Store is always OPEN: Etsy - WendyMouldsArt

Originals, prints and Instant Printable Cards for all Seasons available.

 Special Note:  Instant Digital Valentine Cards are now Ready - Print, Fold and Give.  They are great for Pet Lovers, featuring Cats and Dogs - of course Max was my inspiration for the dog drawing!

Special Opportunity Coming Up:

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 Tx Incl  

Working with Wildlife Artist Wendy Mould, AFCA bridges the gap between the Entrepreneur and the Artist in the Marketing World.  Contact Wendy to Register. 

Artists reading this post also find the following valuable:

Matching Colours to Values here
Playing with a Very Limited Watercolour Palette here
3 Ways to Turn Drawing Despair into Action here

How to Find your Starting Point here

 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

10th Anniversary - Top 10 Posts - Painting and Drawing Tips

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 Daddy's Boots Finished!! - Or My Secret Tool for Children's Faces NEW WORKS FROM THE STUDIO OF ART BY WENDY The little Guy is done!! Daddy's Boots - 16 x 20 Matted - Graphite - $500 There.. 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.  My Week with Robert Bateman - Full Report - Painting & Drawing Tips Master Artist Session at Hollyhocks Retreat with Robert Bateman - That's me, second from the right in the green jacket Why Wildl... 2nd Most Popular Post . . . . On October 13, 2017, I started my week with Robert Bateman on Cortes Island.  This was a definite HIGH in my life.  With a small group of Wildlife artists we studied, discussed, talked and lived the Creative Process.  We were in an ideal setting: on the coast of an island; deer grazing in the forest around; herons and eagles soaring over the ocean waters in front of us.  Even now sometimes it seems like it was a dream. How to Find Your Starting Point in a Drawing - Painting & Drawing Tips NEW WORKS FROM THE STUDIO OF ART BY WENDY THE FIRE DANCE - Ink & Watercolour - Purchase Info Your Ready to DRAW. . . But HOW DO... 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 Ma... HELP!! I am Flat, I've lost my Shape - Painting and Drawing Tips NEW WORKS FROM THE STUDIO OF ART BY WENDY You work your heart out, painting a lovely picture.  You step back and look.  Everything is fla...  Posts Recognizing my role as a teacher . . . This may seem a strange comment to make.  But I am a self-taught artist.  Yes, I worked as a teacher in my other life but not as an art teacher.  Most of my learning came from books,workshops, practice and more practice.  It feels like a real accomplishment to feel I am now on the other side of the fence, and able to give help and support to new emerging artists.   Turn your sketchbook into Your Own Personal Treasure - Painting and Drawing Tips NEW WORKS FROM THE STUDIO OF ART BY WENDY  Make that Sketchbook YOURS! To really keep that sketchbook habit growing you need to really... Where are the Mid-Tones? Painting & Drawing Tips Sunrise on Mermaid Cove, Summer 2017 Early in the morning, as the sun breaks over the mountains, the shoreline comes alive. Steve and  I ... 6 Stories your EDGES Tell! - Painting & Drawing Tips NEW WORKS FROM THE STUDIO OF ART BY WENDY PERCHED BUT READY - $225 Matted to 11 x14 Whether you paint or Draw you worry about your E... Get those Values Working for You -Painting & Drawing Tips Have you ever finished a painting and felt it just looked flat? There is no life to it.  Yet, you planned, worked hard and tried everyth... How to find the Right Sketckbook Friend? Painting & Drawing Tips NEW WORKS FROM THE STUDIO OF ART BY WENDY A Friend:  : a person who you like and enjoy being with. (Merriam-Webster) In your daily li..  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  b.  Building on the Sketchbook Habit: This is a multi-facet topic for me as it seems to encompass painting and drawing practice, travel journals, using different mediums, building your own treasures, and more.   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.) Put your Blog into a Book Are you looking back to 2018 or looking forward to 2019?  What are your Artful Plans?  I look forward to hearing your thoughts. 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

The Salmon are Here!! - Painting and Drawing Tips

Salmon Here?? - Painting and Drawing Tips??
What on earth is she talking about?

No, I haven't lost it but . . .

Even though you want to paint, even though it is raining out, you can't spend all your time in the STUDIO.  There is nothing like getting OUT THERE and really experiencing what you paint. 

This is what it is all about - a spawning coho

For me, it is the Salmon. . .
We have had an exceptionally dry summer and fall. Well, actually days and days of fabulously warm, sunny crisp days.  It has been awesome.  But not for everyone.  Well, not for the salmon and probably not for a lot of other things in Nature.   No rain has meant no water in the smaller rivers feeding into the Fraser Delta. This means fish are pooling at the mouth of these areas waiting to come up and spawn.

Higher water, means fish coming up the river - my best shot so far of a jumping salmon

Finally the rains have started . . .
The fish are moving.  It is so amazing to see these big fish come up the river.  Here at Tynehead Park we are fortunate in 2 ways.  We have a  Chinook, Coho and Chum salmon coming up our local river.  And we are fortunate to have a strong group of volunteers that support the Fish Hatchery based there.

Fish caught in the trip - some will be kept for eggs and the rest counted and put back into the river to spawn

The work begins . . .
It is not as easy as it sounds.  The rain comes and then it is a waiting game for the salmon to decide to move up river.  The rain stops, water levels drop, they move down again.  This has been happening for the last week.  I was lucky to arrive just when a small group wondered up.

Fish are netted from the trap 

After they netted and identified this Chinook, I was able to get a feel. 

It was really exciting to hold this big fish

Don't get me wrong.  I have been fishing many times and netted a nice salmon.  But this was different.  I needed to hold on and Not let her get hurt. 

Oooops! Harder than you think to hold a powerful, wiggling fish

This female Chinook was headed for the holding pens.  Her eggs aren't ready yet, probably 2-3 more weeks they tell me.

Putting her into the holding area until she can be placed with others in the holding tanks

Working at the Hatchery isn't all sunny days. . . 

I have been down there checking nearly every day this past week.  Seems like the biggest groups of fish come when it is very early in the morning and pouring rain.  The hatchery needs to get a certain number of male and female Chinook, Coho and Chum. As I said, things are late this year and suddenly fish are coming fast and furious.  

Counting and Sorting Fish - they have all the Coho now so this one goes back into the river.

With all my trips to the hatcery this week I have truly appreciated the amazing volunteers that are working there.  They are there early in the morning, (frankly, 5:30 am is not morning to me) and all through the day.  They answer all my questions, that I know they have been hearing from others all day, with a cheerful smile. And talk about what is still to come.  More rain til next week and they still have Chum Salmon to see to.  A BIG THANK YOU  to all the guys and girls that volunteer to keep the salmon coming back to our rivers. 

I will be back as well. . 

I am still chasing my elusive picture of a salmon jumping right out of the water.  I saw many yesterday but no matter how fast I click, I seem to miss it.  Hopefully I can catch some Chum jumping on the weekend.  Regardless, I do have a few great shots of salmon that I will work with this winter.

Special Note: 

With the salmon also comes the Bald Eagles.  The Harrison Mills area with the Chehalis Flats is a huge collection area for the Eagles and the dying salmon.The Eagle Festival is happening there, Nov 17 & 18 with tours, boat rides, and lots of information.

EAGLE: SOFT LANDING - 7 X 5 - Ink & Watercolour - $130 on Etsy soon every rock and tree at the mouth of the Harrison River will be a sentry point for the Bald Eagles.  

   If you can't make the Festival, the eagles will be there in high concentration for at least 3-4 weeks. So be sure and check it out.  While your in the neighbourhood, stop by Kilby for souvenirs (Art by Wendy ones, of course) and snacks.  They will be open the Nov 17/18 weekend and Dec 8/9.  

EAGLE COMING DOWN - 4 x 3 - Ink & Watercolour - $105 Contact Wendy Seeing all the eagles in the trees lining the Nicomen Slough, Harrison Mills is an amazing sight.  

In the meantime, I will get back to my Studio this week.  Several things on the go: Finish my painting of a Whisky Jack and of course complete my promised post on Creating Texture in Graphite - See you next week.

Opportunities Coming Up: 

1. Heart to Home Art  Show & Sale, Saturday & Sunday, Nov 17 & 18,

Surrey Art Center, Bear Creek Park, 13750 88 Ave, Surrey
Looking Forward to seeing you there. Guaranteed to find that perfect One-of-a-Kind Gift - Handmade Arts and Crafts from 30+ local Artists. Free Admission, 

2.  Paints'n Bloom Workshops & Art Show & Sale in Support of the Alzheimer's Society of BC

Gardenworks at Mandeville Gardens, 4746 Marine Dr, Burnaby

Show Days: Thursday, Nov 22-Saturday, Nov 24Workshop Day: Tuesday,  Nov 20

10-12pm - Beginner Watercolour Class

1-3pm Christmas Card Making Class

$40 ea. All supplies incl. Beginner to Advanced Welcome

Registration Happening Now Contact Wendy 

Artists reading this post also find the following valuable:

3 Ways to Turn Drawing Despair into Action here

Drawing a Seagull Part 1 and Part 2 Starting here
Using Edges to Make Soft and Fluffy Birds & Animals Part 1 and Part 2 Starting here 

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Have a great Artful Day,

Wendy