Dale L Popovich IWS watercolors and art teacher blog

Dillman's FREE Facebook Live Watercolor Demonstration

5/14/2020

I was proud to announce I had been asked to give a Facebook Live watercolor demonstration sponsored by Dillman's Art Workshop Retreat in Lac du Flambeau, WI. You can read more about this amazing resort in the Great Northwoods at the bottom of this blog post.

The beginning of the Wisconsin River has been one of my favorite sites to paint, whether it's spring, summer, fall, or winter. The levels of water change as does the foliage, colors, textures, and the influence of light. I call this river home and you will too during my FREE watercolor demonstration.

As you may know, my wife, Marilee, and I suffer from wanderlust and enjoy exploring the great Northwoods while we visit our little cabin in the woods. That's one of the many reasons we love Dillman's. They are nestled on a beautiful, 1500 foot lakefront peninsula. The pristine White Sands Lake is framed by majestic pines, soaring eagles and singing loons. Checkout Dillman's Resort and enjoy exploring nature's wonders. Life is good.

DEMO REFERENCE MATERIAL
Want to paint-along with me? Here's my reference packet including:

Photo from my personal library
Pencil sketch on watercolor paper
The paints and paper I will be using and I have linked them so you can easily go shopping

Download Reference Material PDF

Supplies
This Facebook Live demo I used the following mostly Qor watercolor paints:

If you want to learn more about all my tried and true watercolor supplies please visit Supply List & Library page. I have articles, videos, and favorite books. We are always adding to the page. So please come back often.

CLICK HERE VISIT MY SUPPLY INFO/LIBRARY

The Location
Headwaters of the Wisconsin River – Adventure starts at the top of a mighty river

East of Land O’ Lakes you’ll find a place where you can paddle through time. Lac Vieux Desert is the headwaters of the mighty Wisconsin River. For centuries, this is a place where great paddling adventures began. The name was given by French fur trappers who translated the name from the Ojibwe language, “Lake of the Old Clearing” or “Old Garden.” Paddling journeys still start at the headwaters. Lac Vieux Desert is one of the largest lakes in the area, at 4,260 acres. It’s so large it spills across the border, into the state of Michigan. The lake feeds the 430-mile Wisconsin River, which is the state’s largest river and a major tributary of the Mississippi River...

The Beginning of the Wisconsin River
Hours: Open all year-round
Land O' Lakes,
Vilas County, WI

MAP

The Video
We have edited and added more information to the Facebook Live video. Click on the button and head over to my YouTube channel. Don't forget to subscribe to my page. and leave a comment.

YouTube Video Paint-Along

The Color Studies
In this video I shared color studies I created in the past. I looked at composition, value patterns, and color combinations. Remember I always say don't copy the photo, paint the painting. Finally, I shared the final studio painting that I painted. All of the studies were necessary for a successful final watercolor. Remember do your homework and this will help you succeed.

1. 3-color study
2. 3-color study with opaque white gouache
3. 5-color study: I wanted to open up the background so there wasn't a wall of trees
4. 6-color or full-color studio painting. I wanted to master a close value foggy painting.

Studio Painting
You can purchase a Fine Art Giclée Print of the final painting.

Giclée Fine Art Print
This 5-color studio painting was my inspiration for the
Watercolor Demo Sponsored by Dillman's Art Workshop Resort

"New Year's Day on the Wisconsin River"
Size: 8" x 12", unframed
Price: $75.00
If you would like to purchase please
please Email me or call 219-616-0338

The Demo
In this demonstration, I wanted to show you how to work beyond your photo reference and be left with the essentials of the photo – making the painting your own. Adding more interest than what's found in the photo through color, mass, and subject matter taking a little artistic licence.

My main goal of this painting was not only to handle dark masses but to give them interest and weight. This would lead your eye through and around the painting. I also wanted to show you how to create interest with a primary green palette and subject matter.

After the Demonstration
Once I went back into the studio after the Dillman's Art Workshop Resort Facebook Live broadcast I stepped back and studied my watercolor painting. I do this quite often laying fresh eyes on the piece. I added some key values and colors to push the viewer's eye around the painting. Also added important detail into the trees, selectively added accents and punctuation of color to the dark area, and adjusted focal point.

Over my painting journey, I’ve attended several workshops.  Dale Popovich is an award - winning artist, who creates unforgettably beautiful watercolor paintings.  Many of my workshop instructors have also been excellent at their craft.  But none compare with this instructor’s generosity, individual help, caring, and overall teaching ability.

Dale provided frequent but short demonstrations, supplemented with explanation as he painted. Immediately following each demo, students painted that portion of the scene while it was fresh in their mind.  As students painted, he constantly circulated, offering help whenever needed.

Dale Popovich created a positive class atmosphere in which students were free to ask questions (some with light-hearted bantering while they learned}.  Each student came away with demonstrable accomplishments and, most important, a feeling of inspiration."

– Marion Wiley
2019 Watercolor Workshop at Dillman’s Bay Resort

WATERCOLOR IMPRESSIONS
OF THE GREAT NORTHWOOD

Later on this year I will be giving a 4-FULL day Watercolor Workshop at Dillman's. The dates are Sept 27 (check-in and reception) September 28-October 1.

For beginners and intermediates, my unique step-by-step instruction in transparent watercolor, focusing on large patterns of light and dark using scenes from nature, will allow students to watch, go back and recreate what was just painted. Students will learn how to build a painting from start to finish while gaining a deeper understanding of the techniques, properties, and tools of transparent watercolor. I will cover all four seasons to explore color temperature, intensity, and value. Students will complete seven paintings with a critique on the last day. Photo references will be supplied. Students will leave with new confidence, ability, and understanding.

Last year I wrote a blog about my amazing Dillman's experience titled
The Disneyland For Passionate Fine Artists In The Great Northwoods Of Wisconsin. This is a pretty long post but I walked you through the entire Popovich/Dillman's experience.
READ MY BLOG

Here's a short video from the workshop and noontime Farewell Reception and Show & Tell party in the lobby. There is never a dull time at Dillman's – just click on the picture.

Ownere, Sue and Dennis Robertson

Take a few moments and
check out
Dillman's beautiful resort
Dillman's Art Workshop Retreat which was founded by Sue and Dennis Robertson in 1978. Fourty-three years ago Dennis', also a talented watercolorist had a vision to bringing workshops to the Great Northwoods.

Through the years their retreat, Dillman's Bay Resort has hosted over 12,500 art students and instructors for workshops at the resort and various international locations. The 4 and 5 day workshops are offered in lakeside art studios as well as plein air. Students are invited to bring their friends and family along on the trip to enjoy the relaxing resort environment. Local artists are also welcome to attend classes on a day student basis. The average class price is $70 per day. Information about our 2020 schedule of workshops in watercolor, oil, acrylic, pastel, mixed media, collage, pocket sketching, fiber arts and more is online at dillmans.com/2020.

Please call them in Lac du Flambeau or send an email for more information on packages and family reunions, at 715-588-3143.

GETTING TO DILLMAN'S
IS EASY...

Google Map Directions

Read our written directions or
for GPS devices use this address:
3305 Sand Lake Lodge Lane
Lac du Flambeau
Wisconsin, 54538

GPS coordinates:
45° 0' 14.738" N; 89° 50' 37.109" W
Call, 715-588-3143 for assistance.
Local Airport Information

We do offer an airport shuttle service.

Click on the map for directions

Finally, I am asking a favor – would you please like my Facebook page and subscribe to my YouTube channel. In addition, please sign up for my email and share with your fellow artists that you think would enjoy my demos.

Thank you, let's get creative and stay healthy.

Creatively,
Dale

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COVID-19 Mainstreet Update

5/6/2020

0 Comments

CRUSH-IT: The Best 3-Full Day Watercolor at the Mainstreet Art Center
It's a GO!

July 10, 11 and 12th

Hello everyone–
Frankie Johnson, owner of Mainstreet Art Center and I had a productive talk yesterday. As you will read the email she sent (below) to her students she has taken great measures to keep her students and faculty safe and healthy.

The workshop group is small so we can spread out but also this is a unique opportunity to have me for three days as a mentor.

Frankie is accepting several more students if you are interested. Yes, there are a few more easals available. If you have questions or concerns please give Frankie a call 847-550-0016.

If you would like to learn more about my teaching style please visit my YouTube channel and watch one of my Watercolor Escape Saturdays videos. CLICK HERE.

Abstract Patterns of Nature in Watercolor
Friday, Saturday & Sunday
May 29, 30 & 31, 2020
9:00 am - 4:00 pm
$400.00

MAP

Watercolor Escape Saturdays #5

5/1/2020

1 Comment

See how to work beyond your photo reference with my free watercolor demo

NOTE: THIS VIDEO WAS FIRST BROADCASTED ON MY FACEBOOK PAGE. BECAUSE OF THE INTERNET AND BAND USAGE THE IMAGE GETS BLURRY. SORRY.

I had my fifth Watercolor Escape Saturday on April 18th. If you are new to this my wife, Marilee and I are committed to broadcasting a Facebook Live every Saturday at noon CST till our lives kinda get back to some type of normal. We want to offer an escape even for an hour or two.

Reference
THIS WEEKEND'S WATERCOLOR ESCAPE SATURDAY
In this week's blog post I have included the video now on YouTube (edited as a paint-along) and my demo notes. Here's what you will find:

The photo reference
Pencil drawing on watercolor paper
Watercolor paints used
My book recommendation
Three steps as a paint-along
I added a bonus to the YouTube video – I took a little less than an hour and added more details to create a studio finished painting.

Click on the button below and it will take you to my Watercolor Escape Saturdays page where you will find April 18th reference and all of my past demos, videos and blog posts.

I am asking a favor would you please like my Facebook page and subscribe to my YouTube channel. Thank you.

Down Load Reference Material PDF

Click on the image of my supply list above for a printable supply list

Supplies
This Facebook Live demo I used the following mostly Qor watercolor paints:

Sap green
Ultramarine blue
Cobalt violet
Manganese blue
Raw sepia
Burnt sienna

Watercolor Paper: 300 lb Indigo

To learn more about my brushes and tried and true supplies head over to my Supply List & Library page. Click on the Supply List above for my personal printable supply list.

The Video
We have edited and added more information to the Facebook Live video. Click on the button and head over to my YouTube channel. Don't forget to subscribe to my page. and leave a comment.

YouTube Paint-Along Video

The Painting
In this demonstration, I wanted to show you how to work beyond your photo reference and be left with the essentials of the photo – making the painting your own. Adding more interest than what's found in the photo through color, mass, and subject matter taking a little artistic licence.

My main goal of this painting was not only to handle dark masses but to give them interest and weight. This would lead your eye through and around the painting. I also wanted to show you how to create interest with a primary green palette and subject matter.

Once I got back into the studio after the Facebook Live broadcast I stepped back and studied my painting. I do this quite often laying fresh eyes on the piece. I added some key values and colors to push the viewer's eye around the painting. Also added important detail into the house, selectively added accents and punctuation of color to the dark area of the structure, and adjusted some of the foliage above the TC Steele's home.

Creek in Winter Theodore Clement Steele American 1847–1926 1899 Oil on canvas

The Location
TC Steele State Historic Site
4220 T C Steele Rd,
Nashville,
Brown County,
IN 47448. MAP
https://tcsteele.org

I enjoy touring TC Steele's house in Brown County, Indiana. Back in 2017, the Indiana State Museum and Historical Sites invited me to give a demonstration of one of his trees he would paint en plein air. From there I co-judged the Great Outdoor Art Contest.

Take a few minutes and explore TC Steele's website. Make it a point to visit his Art Page. CLICK HERE

Smithsonian: TC Steele Historical Site
More photos CLICK HERE

The Little Smoky Mountains
Indiana’s Beautiful, Artistic Hill Country
TC Steele's State Historic Site is nestled in beautiful Brown County, IN

If you have never been to this picturesque area take a few minutes to review this short news article produced by WGNtv. CLICK HERE TO VIEW VIDEO

Brown County Fact
There are more artists per capita than anywhere else in the Midwest. WGNtv did a beautiful news story about Brown County titled 'The Little Smoky Mountains: Indiana's beautiful, artistic hill country.' If you have never been to Brown County, IN take a few minutes to review this enchanting place.

Midwest Living Magazine
Brown County, Indiana: There is something for everyone. Hiking, biking or lazy car rides the Midwest magazine gives you suggestions for your next trip to southern Indiana. A Colorful One hour from downtown Indianapolis, Brown County’s fall show continues to captivate visitors more than a century after artists first fell under its spell.
READ MORE

Photo courtesy Midwest Living magazine - Click on the photo to read the article

In My Library
Here's another must have book in your studio. I refer to this book for creative inspiration when painting landscapes. I personally know Lyn Letsinger-Miller and she is a multi-talented woman who's vast knowledge and love of the Brown County art movement shines through.

From the early 1900s through the 1940s, the scenic hill country of Brown County, Indiana, was home to a flourishing colony of artists who migrated there from urban areas of the Midwest. Now back in print, The Artists of Brown County, first published in 1994, is the classic book on the history of this remarkable art colony.

Following an introduction to "Peaceful Valley," as the area was affectionately called, chapters are devoted to 16 of the artists, including three couples: T. C. Steele, Will Vawter, Gustave Baumann, Dale Bessire, the photographer Frank M. Hohenberger, Adolph Shulz and Ada Walter Shulz, L. O. Griffith, V. J. Cariani and Marie Goth, Carl C. Graf and Genevieve Goth Graf, Edward K. Williams, Georges LaChance, C. Curry Bohm, and Glen Cooper Henshaw. Lavish color reproductions of the artists' work accompany the biographical sketches. Rachel Berenson Perry's introduction places the Brown County art colony within the broader context of American regional art.

Buy Hard Cover Here

Buy Paperback Here

In Conclusion
That's it for now. I hope we will see you next Saturday at noon CST on my Facebook page for another Watercolor Escape Saturdays.

Remember to leave a comment below, tell me what you think and what you would like to see in the future.

Wash your hands and clean your brushes,
Dale

1 Comment

Dillman's FREE Facebook Live Watercolor Demonstration

COVID-19 Mainstreet Update

CRUSH-IT: The Best 3-Full Day Watercolor at the Mainstreet Art Center
It's a GO!

Watercolor Escape Saturdays #5