I’m back! I apologize for my slow blogging but I have been plagued with computer woes. Lots to report. I am officially signed up to do the Alvaro Castagnet Workshop at the Greenville Arms, NY in May. One whole week of painting and working with this master. To say I am excited is an understatement. If you are not familiar with his work then a visit to his website is in order. To view Alvaro Castagnet’s workshop click here.

I did purchase a brush for the workshop. And will be purchasing the whole set because I absolutely adore this brush. It is the Rekab Kazan Series 320S Pointed Squirrel Mop. This brush holds a ton of water and pigment and has a razor sharp point for drawing with.





The painting below was done with the brush and just 3 pigments. I used Cobalt Blue, Burnt Sienna and a touch of Viridian added to the trees.

To Purchase Misty Trees
Click Here

I have been restructuring my art business, clarifying my painting goals and organizing my studio.  I will start with the last first. I have de-cluttered my work space and rearranged my studio furniture and the space works much better. I will post photos in my next blog post. I, also, cleaned my palette and got rid of colors that I don’t use anymore. I am notorious for not keeping my palette clean!

I have a Ken Bromley enameled palette.  It is a great box and I love that I can just fold it up and take it with me. I use mostly whole pans and fill the boxes with my tube paints. I primarily use M Grahams with a few Holbein colors.  I find a work with fewer and fewer colors the longer I paint.

Next, clarifying my painting goals. I am so drawn to watercolors so I have decided to put most of my painting time and energy into becoming fluent in this medium. I don’t know where my fascination comes from but I love to work with this medium. I would love to hear why you, dear reader, enjoy this medium. Is it the way it flows and moves around the paper? Is it the way it  you can’t really control it 100%? It certainly can have a mind of it’s own…or is it the way it captures light? I’d love to hear your views!

Til next time!

Deborah

Today I will be reviewing the Cheap Joe's Signature Field Easel. As soon as I saw this easel I knew it was exactly what I was looking for. Those who know me know that I love pochade boxes. I have my little Guerilla Thumbox and my Alla Prima Bitteroot boxes. Both are great for acrylics or oils but were lacking for me for watercolor. It says on the CJ's website that this easel was designed with the watercolorist in mind. This looks very much like the easel that master watercolorist Joseph Zbukvic uses.

I love this easel. It is super easy to set up and take down and it has plenty of workspace in all of the right places. The mast portion has a landscape orientation which I really like. You do need to tape your work to a board or use blocks. It can be set upright and flat as well. The legs are fully adjustable and super easy to fold up. The box also came with a free DVD that has set up instructions and a nice watercolor tutorial on painting trees. This is a great box for other medium as well but it may lack the storage space required for acrylic and oil. It is available in cherry or black and right now it is on sale for only $169. Cheap Joe's also often has great prices on shipping. I only paid $4.95 to have this UPSed to my home. Follow them on Twitter for some good coupon codes and art deals.

I originally bought this as an extra work station for my studio but I will definitely be taking this one outside to do plein air work. Overall- a super box for a super great price! I have a lot of photos below. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions!

Enjoy the day!

Deborah


  

I have been working on my watercolor technique these days and thoroughly enjoying the processl. I did these
two studies last week. The first painting is of a maple tree. I am
really tryng to learn my way aroud trees. Each variety has very
specific details. So it has been quite an education learning about
which way the branches grow, the colors of the foliage, etc.
The
second panting is of a moody rainy sky. I love doing clouds and
painting these kinds of dark skies. Reminds me of the rainy days in the
Pacific Northwest. Watercolor just seems to be made for these kinds of
scenes. These are both small, about 8 x 10 on Arches Rough Press paper.
I just may list these on Ebay....



Don't forget the that the studio sale is still going on! Mosey on over and have a look see for some great prices on reproductions and even some small original pieces!

Ebay Sale

I have had a few requests from readers to see my plein air set up for watercolors. I only use this set up when I settle in for a few hours of painting or when I am doing a paint out. I much prefer my smaller portable set which is on me most of the time. So  I actually have 2 set ups for wc. A small one in my purse which I will detail in another post and my larger set up for bigger paintings. I use the Alla Prima 10 x 12 Bitterroot Pochade Box for my watercolors. This is a really great box hand made here in the USA by Ben Haggett!



Here is the box ready to go. I have a lightweight, 11 x 16 masonite board, my chair, water and tripod strapped to the pochade with elastic straps and I have added a shoulder strap that I took off an old bag. The whole thing weighs about 8 pounds.



Here a couple of photos of the set up. Ready to paint.

I use an enameled metal box which folds up and fits in the drawer or my new Heritage palette from Cheap Joe’s (which I really like but does not fit in the drawer) for my paints. I fill my own pans with M Grahams and a few Holbein colors. Board fits very nicely into the magnetic clips of pochade. I can also fit blocks of Arches paper in a variety of sizes very nicely. This is one versatile pochade box. I love seeing other set up so post links with what you use!

Yours in art,
Deborah

I painted this little acrylic of a street in Cork, Ireland the other night. This is a real departure frm my usual work of horses and dogs. I really enjoyed painting this. I painted this from a great reference photo that my husband took when he went home. This is acrylic and only measure 5 x 7 and is painted on cradled birch panel so it does not require framing.
Now I am attempting to do the same scene in watercolor. I am doing it quite a bit larger (11 x 14). I will post the WIP (Work In Progress) for this one. I am painting this on Arches 140 lb rough press. The first image is mt palette. I will probably on use 4 or 5 of the colors here.


This second image is of my image of my initial sketch. You get one shot with watercolors so wish me luck! I will post updates as they become available.

I have managed to do two daily paintings.I have had several requests to do retrievers..so here thay are. These are retrievers painted on 5 x 7 hardwood cradled panels that are 3/4 inch deep. I have painted the side, applied 2 coats of satin varnished and wired them for hanging! No need to frame (unless of course you want to). These are headed to the Bakla Java for display but are also available here on my website site for $35 each. Price includes shipping! The swimming lab has sold! Thanks for all of the inquiries!



Click To Purchase

Hitting the studio with gusto! Today's daily painting is a Border Collie. What About Me? is the title of this one. It depicts my most favorite breed of dog. This one really, really wants to come out to play but can't reach the latch! :) This one is a small 5 x7, acrylic on canvas panel. As always can pop into a standard size stock frame. This little gem is super affordable and can be yours for $35 and includes Priority Mail shipping! To purchase What About Me?

I have been laying really low these days so I apologize for my lack of updates. Been feeling icky with this Lyme disease. Here is the much delayed finish to the jumper painting. Titled Flatwork it measures 10 x 8 and is acrylic on canvas board. Check out the previous post for the story behind this piece of art. This one is available for sale. To purchase click the following and you will be directed to my website for a safe and secure transaction. Price is $80 and includes Priority Mail shipping and insurance. To Purchase Flatwork

A reminder for next Saturday evening (May 2). Looking forward to seeing some familiar faces. Here is a great article on the show.  Click on the images for artist info. Maplebrook Art Show

The next couple of weeks will be pretty busy. So today's update will be event related. So mark your calendars! I am really looking forward to participating in these events.

ArtEast and Pawling Library Slide Slam
Friday, April 24, 2009
Pawling Library Annex
Broad Street
Pawling, NY

(845) 855-3444

A Little Space for Artists
in collaboration with ArtEast
featuring
Slide Slam
Spend an entertaining evening viewing the work of artists.

Listen to what inspired each unique style.

A Little space for Artists is a once a month gathering where artists can meet in a supportive and charged atmosphere to share their talents and knowledge of the art world. This forum is open to all working in any medium, from painting and sculpture to illustration, photography, printmaking and more.If you are not an artist but have a love of art and would like to contribute your ideas to the group, you are most welcome and encouraged to join us.

Surviving as an artist is not an easy task, even at the best of times. Our sincerest wish is to see artists (and others)comes together for help and support and an abundance of good will.


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I am delighted to be exhibiting at the Maplebrook Show. I will post updates as they become available.

25th Annual Maplebrook Art Show & Sale
Opening Reception
May 2, 2009 5 pm
“Over Hill and Dale”
Art work will include a section representing the equestrian world, landscapes and other nature based themes and interpretations, especially those of our region and the greater Northeast.

This year’s show will coincide with and celebrate the running of the Kentucky Derby and feature a Derby theme at the opening including favorites such as mint juleps, big hats, and Kentucky celebratory foods, plus a viewing of the 135th annual race at Churchill Downs, “the most exciting two minutes in sports.”