Direction as a Key to Mood
The structure of a watercolor landscape—its lines, shapes, and movement—guides the viewer’s emotions. When elements such as rivers, trees, and pathways flow from left to right, they naturally echo the way we read and progress through life. Conversely, when they lean right to left, they can introduce a sense of reflection, nostalgia, or even resistance. The act of flipping a photo for watercolor allows the artist to manipulate these emotional undercurrents, determining whether the piece speaks of journeying forward or looking back—an essential tip among watercolor composition tips.

The Psychology of Movement in a Landscape
Western traditions condition us to view left-to-right movement as progress and optimism. Right-to-left movement, by contrast, can introduce a pensive, even wistful quality. Imagine a path winding to the right—its gentle curve invites the viewer to step into the watercolor landscape, to move forward with ease. Now flip it, and the same path becomes a retreat, an inward reflection. This subtle shift carries weight, influencing the emotional impact in painting and how the viewer connects with the scene on a deeper level.

The Role of Light and Shadow
Light, in its grand orchestration, dictates mood as much as composition does. Consider a watercolor landscape where morning light pours in from the left—this suggests the start of something, the crispness of a new day. Flip it, and that same light now signals evening, the close of a chapter, the fading of energy. A painting’s emotion is deeply tied to these subtle shifts in lighting direction. In watercolor, where luminosity is achieved through restraint and transparency, even the faintest adjustment in light alters the atmosphere—a key insight for how to improve watercolor mood.

How Flipping Your Photo for Watercolor Painting
Strengthens Your Composition
For the artist, flipping a photo for watercolor is not merely a new viewpoint—it is an invaluable tool for refining structure. Turning a photo on its head, so to speak, grants you a fresh vantage point on watercolor composition tips. It lays bare the bones of the picture—how shapes are weighted, how lines flow, how colors distribute themselves across the design. What felt settled may suddenly seem off-kilter, and what was uncertain may now feel resolved.

More than that, flipping an image shakes loose our attachment to it. When we stare too long at a piece, we risk growing blind to its shortcomings. The eye grows too accustomed, too forgiving. But reverse it, and it becomes unfamiliar again—anew to scrutiny, open to honest critique. It is in this seeing with fresh eyes that an artist can judge with clarity and correct with confidence. By reversing an image, weaknesses in balance, harmony, or movement become more evident—a technique especially helpful for beginner watercolor techniques. The painter may find that an initially strong composition falters when flipped, revealing areas in need of adjustment. This practice fosters clarity, ensuring the emotional impact in painting is fully realized.

• Adapt Your Approach: If flipping alters the direction of light, adjust values and edges accordingly to maintain coherence.

​

• Paint with Purpose: Let the chosen composition guide your brushwork—soft passages for a reflective mood, bold contrasts for dynamism—key to mastering how to improve watercolor mood.

Waterfalls: as it tumbles in the original photograph, snakes its way from left to right—a restless, silvery thread that whispers of adventure. It pulls the eye along its course, a call to wander, to chase the unknown around the next bend, alive with the rush of discovery. But flip it, and the tale transforms! Now, in your watercolor landscape, it flows right to left, a quiet homeward drift, as if the water itself has wearied of its roaming and seeks the solace of the familiar. The cascade becomes a solitary return, its voice softened, its movement a sigh rather than a shout. In this mirrored dance, the painter’s hand finds truth: one way stirs the soul to venture, the other bids it rest. That’s the power of direction—simple, yet it carves the heart of the picture.

​The Farmhouse: as it stands in the original photograph, reveals a subtle tussle of forces. That cluster of saplings on the right—brash little sentinels—digs in its heels and halts the eye, a stubborn barricade against the natural drift beyond the picture’s edge. It’s a jolt, a stop-sign, and the rhythm stumbles there. But flip the scene, and oh, what a shift! Now those trees, gathered on the left, become gentle ushers, their lines swaying like a quiet breeze, guiding the eye with a tender insistence toward the heart of the matter—the house itself. The farmhouse sits there, steady and unassuming, an anchor that hushes the chatter of the composition. It’s no longer a mere building; it’s the soul of the silence, drawing you in, settling the restless wander of the gaze. That’s the secret, you see—movement must serve stillness, or the picture loses its poetry.

Final Thoughts
​To paint a watercolor landscape is not merely to replicate nature but to interpret it—to distill its essence into a language of form, light, and tone. By flipping a photo for watercolor, the painter does more than rearrange shapes; they control the undercurrents of emotion and movement within their work—a cornerstone of watercolor composition tips. This simple yet profound adjustment, accessible even in beginner watercolor techniques, allows an artist to move beyond imitation and into the realm of expression.

Thus, the next time you prepare to paint, take a moment to reverse your reference. Let the altered perspective guide your choices, and in doing so, strengthen your ability to shape the watercolor landscape’s silent, stirring voice and master how to improve watercolor mood. The scene before you is not just earth, sky, and water—it is a narrative, and you, as the artist, are its teller.

SEPT 29-Oct 4, 2025
(Four Teaching Days)
Returning for the 7th year in 2024 • www.dalepopovich.com
Description

Are you ready to elevate your watercolor skills and capture the true spirit of the Great Northwoods? Join Dale L. Popovich for a transformative 4-day workshop that will deepen your understanding of transparent watercolors. Through a methodical, step-by-step approach, Dale will guide you in recreating the essence of northern Wisconsin’s everchanging landscapes on watercolor paper. Whether you’re painting the vibrant colors of fall
or the quiet stillness of winter, you’ll gain the confidence and technique needed to create stunning works of art. This is your opportunity to push your watercolor skills to new heights and become the artist you’ve always aspired to be. Sign up now and let your creativity flourish!

Furthermore, Dale will demonstrate how to seamlessly integrate pastel or gouache into your watercolors, elevating them to new heights of expression and depth. This approach brings a fresh, compelling voice to your work, adding richness and vitality to every brushstroke.

​Before the workshop, Dale will send you a specially crafted PDF workbook to set you up for success. He recommends printing it out and placing it in a ring binder, with some of his students even using protective sleeves to keep everything in pristine condition. If you prefer digital, you can easily upload it to your tablet for quick access during the workshop.
This workbook includes:
• Reference Photos for each demonstration, giving you a clear visual guide to follow.
​• Pencil Sketches to recreate before the workshop, so you're ready to dive right in.
• Value Photos to help you understand light and dark in your compositions.
• Color Lists for each painting, ensuring you have the right palette at your fingertips.
• Supply List so you’re fully prepared with everything you need.
• Subject Descriptions that break down what you’ll be painting and why it matters.
• Techniques for Each Demo to give you step-by-step guidance.
• What You’ll Walk Away With—a clear understanding of what you’ll achieve by the end
of the workshop.
SEPT 29-Oct 4, 2025 Dillman’s fall 2025 2 of 3
• A Note-Taking Page in each section to capture key ideas and insights.
• Recommended Reading to further your learning.
Additionally, Dale will personally call you before the workshop to address any questions
you may have, ensuring you’re fully prepared and ready to make the most of the experience.

The Workshop
Teaching through a paint-along method allows the student to follow each step as it unfolds, observing the brushwork and techniques in real time. It offers a rare opportunity to pause, reflect, and recreate what has just been demonstrated—a powerful way to internalize the process.

​Dale encourages his students to ask questions freely as he paints, understanding that curiosity is the foundation of growth. He believes that every inquiry, no matter how small, deepens the connection between artist and craft.

And don’t forget to bring your camera. Capturing key moments along the way provides a valuable reference as you build your understanding. For Dale, the act of teaching is as much about sharing his insights as it is about fostering a spirit of exploration. In his view, knowledge shared generously leads to mastery—and that is the essence of excellent
learning.

Dale Will Show You:
• The Symphony of Seasons
Each season has its own voice, expressed through unique colors and temperatures.
- Spring: The tender greens of awakening earth and cool breezes.
- Summer: The heat-soaked vibrancy of midday light and shadow.
- Autumn: The richness of ochres, russets, and fading greens.
- Winter: The cool austerity of snow, softened by diffused light.
Understanding these nuances will guide us in painting the year’s cycle with truth
and feeling.
• The Atmospheric Perspective of Winter: Offers lessons in subtlety.
- Learn how light behaves differently in the cold season.
- Observe the softened edges of snow-laden trees and hills.
- Explore the interplay of warm and cool tones in a muted winter palette.
• Planes and Their Values: Nature reveals itself in planes, and mastery of their values brings depth and realism to your work.
- Sky: The lightest and most luminous of the planes.
- Slanted Planes (Mountains): Transitioning from illuminated to shadowed, they give structure to the landscape.
- Vertical Planes (Trees): Strong and upright, they balance the composition.
SEPT 29-Oct 4, 2025 Dillman’s fall 2025 3 of 3
- Horizontal Planes (Ground): Anchoring the scene with the weight of shadow and light.
​
• Building Depth with Gouache and Pastel: Discover how gouache or pastel, when applied with balance, enriches watercolor.
- Techniques to enhance the interplay of light, texture, and detail will be
demonstrated.
- Samples will reveal how these mediums can integrate seamlessly into your work, creating depth without overpowering the transparency of watercolor.

With an eye on nature’s truths and a brush ready to translate its beauty, let us explore these principles, seeking to refine not just our technique but our understanding of the landscape’s poetry. Please join me this fall at Dillman’s.

Before the Workshop
Before the workshop, Dale will send you a specially crafted PDF workbook to set you up for success. He recommends printing it out and placing it in a ring binder, with some of his students even using protective sleeves to keep everything in pristine condition. If you prefer digital, you can easily upload it to your tablet for quick access during the workshop.

​This workbook includes:

• Reference Photos for each demonstration, giving you a clear visual guide to follow.
• Pencil Sketches to recreate before the workshop, so you're ready to dive right in.
• Value Photos to help you understand light and dark in your compositions.
• Color Lists for each painting, ensuring you have the right palette at your fingertips.
• Supply List so you’re fully prepared with everything you need.
• Subject Descriptions that break down what you’ll be painting and why it matters.
• Techniques for Each Demo to give you step-by-step guidance.
• What You’ll Walk Away With—a clear understanding of what you’ll achieve by the end of the workshop.
• A Note-Taking Page in each section to capture key ideas and insights.
• Recommended Reading to further your learning.

And, as a special touch, Dale will personally call you before the workshop to answer any questions and make sure you're all set to get the most out of your experience.

The Workshop
​Teaching through a paint-along method allows the student to follow each step as it unfolds, observing the brushwork and techniques in real time. It offers a rare opportunity to pause, reflect, and recreate what has just been demonstrated—a powerful way to internalize the process.
Dale encourages his students to ask questions freely as he paints, understanding that curiosity is the foundation of growth. He believes that every inquiry, no matter how small, deepens the connection between artist and craft.

And don’t forget to bring your camera. Capturing key moments along the way provides a valuable reference as you build your understanding. For Dale, the act of teaching is as much about sharing his insights as it is about fostering a spirit of exploration. In his view, knowledge shared generously leads to mastery—and that is the essence of excellent learning.

Dale Will Show You: 
Dale will guide you in mastering the natural rhythms and movements of water, teaching you to approach it with a relaxed yet deliberate hand. You’ll learn:

• The Art of Moving Water: How to capture the fluid grace of waterfalls and rapids, letting your brush flow as naturally as the current.
• Placing Rocks with Purpose: Discover how to integrate rocks naturally along the edges, creating balance and harmony in your composition.
• Turbulence in the Flow: Learn to weave rocks seamlessly into the water, crafting believable areas of turbulence and depth in the river’s motion.
• Anchoring the Scene: Dale will reveal his techniques for connecting trees, foliage, and sky with the water, creating a unified and convincing landscape.
• The Colors of Water: Water isn’t simply blue—it’s a symphony of hues. Together, you’ll explore the temperatures of blue and its interplay with other colors, uncovering the subtle shifts that bring life and realism to your painting.
• How to Confidently Mix Greens: Bringing together the land and water in perfect harmony. With his guidance, you’ll learn the secrets to creating vibrant, natural greens that flow seamlessly into the surrounding landscape, enhancing both water and earth.
• Demystify Aerial Perspective: He will teach you how to create the illusion of distance and depth in your paintings, making every scene feel expansive and real. From capturing the mist rising off a waterfall to the subtle shifts in color as water flows over rocks, you’ll gain the skills to bring your landscapes to life.

​So, get ready for a hands-on, immersive experience. You’ll dive right in, painting the rapids, rivers, and waterfalls of northern Wisconsin and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. It’s time to embrace the wild beauty of nature—and translate it onto your canvas with confidence.

 This past Wednesday, November 13th, I had the joy of leading a Fall demo for the Annapolis Watercolor Club, and let me tell you, it was such a meaningful experience. They’re celebrating their Golden Anniversary this coming year, and their request for a painting filled with autumn golds couldn’t have been more fitting. There’s something so inspiring about blending the season’s richness with the significance of their milestone.

My wife turned me onto a great podcast called Artist Helping Artist. The host, Leslie Saeta, and her co-host Margaret Sheldon discuss a specific topic that addresses how to sell more art online, along with guest artists, gallerists, and others sharing their knowledge of the business side of art. Even though these two artists have not published a podcast in several years, these two ladies are on trend with social media and marketing. I enjoyed their talks with famous artists like Doug Diehl and Stapleton Kearns. In fact, Stapleton Kearns judged the Indiana Heritage Art Show in Nashville, IN, several years ago. One warning once you start listening, you won't be able to stop!​

As I was going through the massive collections of Artist Helping Artists podcasts – nearly 10 years, Leslie and Margaret shared their feelings about John F Carlson's book Carlson's Guide to Landscape Painting. As you all know, this is my favorite art book of all time. Even though I am a watercolorist and Carlson worked in oils, it has valuable information about drawing, painting, perspective, atmosphere, and so much more. On their show, they mention some of the key ideas from the book... they hope that this will cause their audience (and mine) to reread it or purchase it for your art book collection. It's fantastic that a book nearly 100 years old still holds up. The podcast is about an hour, so listen to it while driving or taking a little time. CLICK HERE TO LISTEN.​

September 27-30, 2021
​FOUR-DAY WATERCOLOR WORKSHOP
​
Watercolor Impressions of
the Great Northwoods 

I want to tell you it was an honor to teach these four full days at  Dillman's. I hope MY students had as much fun as I did. Like I said it was a pleasant learning experience for me to see the various interpretations of my demos. I am always thrilled to help you, the artist truly see.

Dillman's Art Retreat
2021 Workshop Scrapbook

This year's Dillman's watercolor workshop started off with above normal temperatures, blazing autumn colors, and a packed studio. Artist started showing up early Sunday afternoon setting up their equipment for a four full day workshop. I was so pleased to see old friends and new artists. Two ladies stopped me in the parking lot to let me know they enjoy watching my Watercolor Escape Saturdays, YouTube videos and Dillman's Facebook live events. 

Sunday
Dillman's always offers a lovely early evening reception which included Denny Robertson, owner welcoming the instructors and students. From there we enjoyed a buffet dinner of salmon or chicken kiev, wild rice, fresh green beans and a display of tiny desserts. Oh, the owner, Denny kept the wine flowing.

The Workshop
As you may know, I share my personal library of photos I have taken over the years. This workshop was no different. I was so excited about introducing my passion for watercolor impressions of the Great Northwoods to my students.

Take a look at my scrapbook below and see all the fun we had. Everyone painted two paintings a day. I pushed them to get loose and free – I have to say everyone was surprised at
how much they produced.

Dillman's is a great host planning every waking moment of our day. Lunchtime boat rides, box lunches, group dinners in town, gallery walks, snacks in the morning and afternoons, campfires and s'mores, and the most beautiful compound you ever would want to stay at in Wisconsin. 

At the end of the workshop, I gave away all of my demos to eight lucky students. To finish off the last day Dillman's had champagne, cupcakes, and handed out certificates of completion.
Well done everyone.

I will be back next year, Sept 25-30, 2022 - four teaching days, and will cover the same subject, Watercolor Impressions
of the Great Northwoods. 

My wife Marilee will also be giving an art marketing workshop, Claim Your Online Presence as a Professional Artist on May 17-22, 2022 –  four teaching days. I hope you will be able to make it to next year's workshop in God's country.

Finished my first week of a new Palette & Chisel Zoom watercolor studio class. This summer session runs for 4-weeks and you will complete four paintings. My instruction is done as a paint-along. Why? I feel my students retain what they learn better in small bite-size portions.

The photo reference was from my personal library. This was early fall in northern Indiana on the Tippecanoe River. The attention was on the shoreline of the river paying close attention to the reflections in the water.