March Madness
I discovered a wonderful watercolor design by Charles Evans, a British watercolorist. I was convinced it was perfect for Wine & Watercolors when Charles mentions, as he tries to draw a straight horizon line, that he could do better with a bit of red wine! The design seemed simple enough to share with novice watercolorists so I set about preparing the demo painting for our March Wine & Watercolors sessions. Seven attempts later to render the cumulous clouds, I felt defeated. And I must admit, a touch mad. How could something so seemingly simple be so utterly difficult? It was certainly a humbling experience and one that is shared by all artists, novice and experienced, time and again.
(L to R) Joe Waters, Nancy Waters, Lorraine Elmore, Leanna Barclay, Sean Waters, Lynn Pickerel.
After a good night’s rest, I watched my new plein air watercolor video by Andy Evansen, a watercolorist from Minnesota. It’s one of the best watercolor tutorials ever. Andy is a fabulous teacher, providing a step-by-step view into his process from composition to color mixing.
I was inspired to take the Evans design and add an Evansen plein air inspired sky. Voila!
At long last, I had my demo for the March sessions of Wine & Watercolors.
Preparing the March demo painting . . .
The beauty of watercolors is the surprise that comes with wet washes. A watercolor painting may look like a lost cause until the paint dries and the final details are added. Who would believe the above start could possibly result in the following completed painting?
You can create your own version of “Sunset Stroll” by joining Wine & Watercolors in March.
We’ve had a lot of success stories with folks in previous sessions. You’ll learn a lot and have a blast. The thrill is that no two paintings will turn out exactly alike. Heck, I couldn’t duplicate the above painting if my life depended on it.
But you don’t have to take it from me. Marisabel Nicoletti hasn’t missed a month since we started in November when she commented: “I had a wonderful time learning to do watercolor for the first time! . . . I am looking forward to see you in another class soon!”
I’m looking forward to the March sessions, too. I hope you will join us and find out for yourself.
Click here to make a reservation.
(L to R) Meg Bode, Cindy Whitson, Norberto Nicoletti, Marisabel Nicoletti
Marcia thrives on the challenge, camaraderie, encouragement, and support of collectors, spectators, and other plein air artists at regional outdoor festivals and while painting on the streets of urban Kansas City.
I am ready for March class Marcia!! I was not expecting to get to enthusiastic about watercolor but I guess your love of painting and my love to try new hobby’s fired up!
You are a great friend and teacher !!