Dale L Popovich IWS watercolors and art teacher blog

LESSONS FROM THE STUDIO: Exparimenting with salt water

6/24/2018

We all know what salt sprinkled on semi-wet watercolor paint does create an interesting texture to your painting. Each crystal of salt drives away the pigment to make a lighter area beneath it.

I was wondering what would happen if I added salt to the water in my spray bottle. So I tried experimenting with proportions of salt and water. In my latest test, I am sharing with you today, I used coarse kosher salt with the proportions below. Note: I was afraid iodized salt may hurt the final painting later in the future.

POPOVICH'S FORMULA
I mixed up a quarter cup of kosher salt to 16 ounces of water in a spray bottle and left it overnight. Shake it several times to help dissolve the salt. Made sure the salt has dissolved before using. Also, mark the spray bottle SALT and with your formula proportions.

THE TEST
I did three tests with this:

In the first example, I sprayed on the solution when the paint was wet.
The second example I sprayed on the solution again when I was semi-dry.
And the last example I sprayed on the solution when it was almost dry.

I found that the semi-dry example works best. It created a very subtle effect compared to sprinkling salt directly onto the semi-wet pigment. When I sprayed it on the very wet pigment, it did not give me the desired effect. And the third one when the paint was almost dry it did not give me the desired effect I was looking for. So the second example, semi-wet I felt was best.

Note: In all three examples are used burnt sienna and ultramarine blue different combinations. In watercolor, I’ve stated many times to my students, timing in watercolor is everything. Waiting for the right moment. This is one of the aspects of watercolor there cannot be taught only anticipated through experience. So when I did the experiment, I was really watching how much moisture was on paper before I applied the salt.

IN CONCLUTION

My suggestion is to experiment with different combinations:
Types of salt: i.e., Himalaya salt, pickling salt...
The ratio of salt to water
The different wetness of the pigments on the paper
Keep a notebook on your experiments
Mark the spray bottle SALT and formula proportions

I would like to see your test results. Please share on my Facebook page. Don't forget type of salt, proportions, clearly label each photo and if you did something different than my tests let me know.

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IN MY STUDIO LIBRARY

6/23/2018

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Principles and Techniques of Drawing and Painting
Robert J Krajecki IWS

My friend and partner, Bob Krajecki at the Palette & Chisel has published his third book "Principles and Techniques of Drawing and Painting." This book includes all of what Robert feels is important for every artist. A lifetime of painting, study, observation, and conversations with many professional artists has made this book a reality. It is condensed into his "42 Rules", explained and illustrated with over 200 diagrams, drawings, and paintings. I highly recommend this book if you are a beginner or even you have been painting for a while.

Hard Bound
978-0-9997238-4-5
$40.00+$3.00 shipping

Soft Cover
978-0-9997238-5-2
$35.00+$3.00 shipping

You can pay with PayPal to [email protected],
or send a check to:
Robert J. Krajecki
46W420 Main Street Rd
Elburn, Illinois 60119
RobertJKrajecki.com/books.html

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INTO THE WOODS: UNDERSTANDING THE ELEMENTS OF NATURE – TWO-DAY WORKSHOP IN DOOR COUNTY

6/18/2018

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I want to thank the Peninsula School of Art for the fantastic opportunity this earlier this month. The 2-day workshop went very well, and the students were great! Those of you that have never been to the school I want to let you know first hand the facility was beautiful and accommodating in every way to make the experience work for the teacher and student.

Considering how many miles I have clocked in traveling to Wisconsin this was the first time I experienced the quaint charm of Door County. Picturesque scenes were suitable for a postcard or better yet an afternoon of plein air painting.

In this hands-on workshop, my students gained a foundation and more in-depth understanding of the elements and techniques of transparent watercolor. They discover the unique properties of the medium, as well as how to control and use them to their advantage concerning landscape painting.

During the two-days, they learned how to use their materials effectively, interpret of color, create a working composition, and build a successful painting from start to finish through demonstrations and guided exercises. I supplied photo references for various types of landscapes.

I encourage my students to take photos and videos – as much as they want. The combination of taking notes, pictures, hands-on painting and the final critique produces a good learning experience that the student retains.

DAY 1

A simple landscape was demonstrated with a farmhouse and outbuildings. This introduced the student to necessary procedures of the ”block-in..” Also, I had a brief talk about simple perspective. This painting took about one hour.

Paper:

Indigo

Colors:

Sap green
Burnt sienna
Raw sienna
Cobalt blue

The second demo of the morning was a snow scene (farm scene in the woods). I discussed the painting of white subject matter and how the temperature is perceived.
Paper:
Hot press Arches
Colors:

Sap green
Burnt sienna
Raw sienna
Cobalt blue

Finally, the paint-along with the students was a forest scene with a small creek and reflections. Big sweeping movement of color was demoed, paying attention to large shapes, not objects.

Paper:

Cold press Arches

Colors:

Sap green
Burnt sienna
Raw sienna
Ultramarine blue
Yellow medium

DAY 2

Water was the theme! Still water, moving water and water in a snow scene. Elements from day one we're employed.

This first demonstration I wanted to show how you can take 3-colors from a primary group: a red, a yellow, and a blue and give the impression of full color. I also wanted to demo how simply water can be executed by paying attention to the patterns of value. 45 minutes
Paper:

Hot press Arches

Colors:

Burnt sienna
Raw sienna
Ultramarine blue

The second demo was how to simply paint falling water with your brush. This demo took 45 minutes.

Paper:

Indigo

Colors:

Raw sienna
Sap green
Ultramarine blue

Above is the photo I supplied the class. It's the beginning of the Wisconsin River in Land 'O Lakes. You may recognize this image because I have painted it before but I have interpreted in different ways through color, lighting, temperature, and focal point.

At the end of day two, a casual critique took place. I talked with them about what they did wrong and how to improve or correct it. Also wanted to let them know what they did right and encourage them and build on their successes.

I'm sorry we didn't have an extra day or two to continue – I felt like I was just getting to know you. What a talented group of artists.

Class was a lot of fun. I plan to rework the “paint-along” pictures done in class.
– Judi P

Thank you! I will try to practice what you showed us. I wish we had had more time too. I had a wonderful time in class. You had many life lessons along with watercolor techniques. Thank you. I look forward to staying in touch.
– Andrea N. B.

"I just wanted to say again how much I enjoyed your watercolor workshop this weekend in Fish Creek, WI. I learned a lot and appreciated your personable and easy-going style. I also was impressed with the way your critiqued our work, constructive and encouraging. It really helped me to think of ways I can improve my landscape painting."
– Dee M.

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INDIANA HERITAGE ARTS 40TH ANNUAL EXHIBITION & SALE

6/10/2018

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June 9-June 30, 2018
Brown County Art Gallery • Nashville, Indiana

AN ANNUAL JURIED FINE ART EXHIBITION AND SALE OF
TRADITIONAL AND REPRESENTATIONAL INDIANA ART
As always I an honored and humbled to be included in a show of such amazing talent. Also I want to thank Jan Mills for purchasing “Walking with the Light.” Giclée prints are available. Please visit my online store for more information. At the River’s Bend is still available for purchase. Contact the Brown County Art Gallery for more information.

This years guest judge was Stapleton Kearns. Stapleton
Stapleton Kearns (American, b. 1952) studied in the atelier of R. H. Ives Gammell (American 1893–1981). Gammell was a student of major American impressionist William Paxton, and Ives passed on his art training to nearly 40 students over a period of almost 50 years. Kearns was a beneficiary of Gammell’s private instruction conducted at the historic Fenway studios in Boston, Massachusetts. In 1983 Kearns moved to Rockport, Massachusetts, and had the opportunity to know and learn from the older generation of artists who had made that area famous as an art colony. Kearns was elected president of the Rockport Art Association and held that position for five years.

For nearly ten years Kearns has lived in New Hampshire, and, writes a blog about painting that receives thousands of visitors each month. He also teaches workshops across the country.

To hear a great interview by Leslie Saeta and Margret Sheldon with this amazing artist, go to the podcast, Artists Helping Artists
CLICK HERE.

In the late 1970s, a group of local artists organized Indiana Heritage Arts to support the current members of the Brown County art community. The principal activity of this non-profit group was an annual, juried art competition to take place each June.

Today, IHA makes its home at the historic Brown County Art Gallery in Nashville. What started as a local competition has grown statewide, open to any artist with ties to Indiana. The annual June exhibition and sale is one of the largest art competitions in the midwest, handing out as much as $80,000 in prize money and purchase awards to the winners.

IHA continues to honor the legacy of the early artists by supporting today’s Hoosier Masters. IHA leases a room in the Brown County Art Gallery to provide year round exhibition space to prize-winning artists, where they can offer paintings for sale. IHA sponsors artist workshops by bringing in the country’s top instructors, providing workshop space and administrative services. IHA also supports an annual student art competition held at the Gallery by providing prize money to the area's top art teachers.

IHA has a statewide membership of artists and patrons and depends on generous donors including corporate sponsors, local merchants, along with loyal collectors, to continue the mission of supporting Indiana’s top artists.
Indiana Heritage Arts.com

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LESSONS FROM THE STUDIO: Exparimenting with salt water

IN MY STUDIO LIBRARY

Principles and Techniques of Drawing and Painting
Robert J Krajecki IWS

INTO THE WOODS: UNDERSTANDING THE ELEMENTS OF NATURE – TWO-DAY WORKSHOP IN DOOR COUNTY

DAY 1

DAY 2

INDIANA HERITAGE ARTS 40TH ANNUAL EXHIBITION & SALE