  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.  I sent them a reference packet in addvance so if the members could paint along with me. This includes:
 I’m delighted to announce that I have been invited back to host an engaging two-day Zoom workshop for their members this coming January 2025. This will be my second time working with this incredible group, and I couldn’t be more excited about the opportunity to reconnect and collaborate on something extraordinary.
I’m also pleased to share that this workshop will be open to my wonderful patrons, making it an excellent chance for all of us to come together. I’m busy fine-tuning all the details to ensure an enriching experience for everyone involved. Be sure to check back in a few weeks for updates, as I’ll share more information soon. I can hardly wait to gather again, this time from the cozy comfort of our individual spaces, as we immerse ourselves in the beauty of art and cultivate a strong sense of community.
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 How to Get Confidence Mixing Greens for Landscape FEBRUARY 13 AND 27, 2021  THIS IS A PAID EVENT: The Watercolor Society of Indiana asked me to conduct a virtual workshop for their organization. Due to COVID, this organization has turned its focus on meeting with its members on Zoom. The next adventure will be offering workshops. I’m honored to have been asked to kick this off for them. Here’s a link to the paid event. Need more info read below. Private message me with questions. Hope to see you there.   THE DEMO - DAY 1, Feb 13 THE REFERENCE PACKET You will receive a reference packet for our Zoom workshop. This packet includes one of my photos from my personal collection. In addition, I will supply you a pencil sketch on watercolor paper you will recreate on your own paper. Finally, page 3 includes:
 I will talk about how to build a painting. The main emphasis will be on gaining confidence and demystify mixing and using greens. Secondly, is the process. I will explain the block in the method of painting. Working from large to small areas, painting from background to foreground, developing your values from light to dark, and finally working your colors more intensely at the beginning to grind down to a slow process as you work through the painting.  ©Dale L Popovich IWS, Ballet of Smoke There are several things that I will continue to remind you during the demonstration. A few of these are keeping your edges as soft as you can for as long as you can. Understanding various uses of the brush including applications of the toothbrush in applying and removing color.
The Photo Marilee, my wife, and I suffer from wanderlust! With empty memory cards, a thermos of steaming hot coffee, and a full tank of gas we headed out to discover new sceneries. In northern Wisconsin during the spring, there are numerous intense colors of green in the forest – yellow-greens to blue-greens where the sparkling sun meets the fog rises from the early morning forest floor. This special swampy area opened into a meadow in the distance. It was a bit mystical to me. There was an ancient fire road directly across the way that led to hiking trails curving through the marshland. As we explored we passed small stagnant ponds and disfigured trees that almost seemed to wave at us as we passed by. This was a perfect spot calling to be painted.  THE VIDEO This demonstration will be recorded so you can recreate what I painted. You will receive an email approximately three to four days after the demo with a video link. This video is yours along as YouTube is around. In addition, you will receive a Start-to-Finish packet that includes photos of each step along the painting process. If you have any questions before the critique please send me an email and I will answer them.  THE CRITIQUE – DAY 2-Feb 27 Once you have completed your painting email it to me by Noon Friday, February 26, 2021. Here's What to Expect:
 My 3-full day workshop at MainStreet Art Center, Lake Zurich, IL, Abstract Paintings of Nature in Watercolor was finally a go! I had a wonderful time getting back in the teaching "saddle". Because of COVID19, this workshop had been rescheduled several times. But Frankie Johnson, owner of MainStreet and I were bound and determined to have it happen. As you can figure all of my events had been canceled. Marilee and I were incredibly organized this year with scheduling teaching, workshops, shows, and demos This was the weirdest thing to see it vaporize before our very eyes. Besides demonstrating the beauty of watercolor I shared my thoughts about materials and the importance of buying the best products you can afford. One of my students was using a mix of Winsor and Newton Cotman and Grumbacher watercolor paints. Needless to say, she was struggling so I let her try my QoR watercolors and she said "WOW! What a huge difference." I can't stress enough the importance of using professional-grade watercolors. In addition, the same goes for watercolor paper. Only buy 100% cotton. You are asking for trouble if you buy a cheaper grade that contains wood fibers. The paper will pill when you scrub it. My third must-have is real hair brushes If you can afford them. Otherwise a blend of synthetic/real hair. If you take care of them you will keep them for a long time. My series The real hair loads a lot of paint and doesn't wear out like synthetic. My 1" 202 Morrilla is over 40 years old. Unfortunately, it's not made anymore but you may find a used one on eBay. If you would like to see my supply recommendations and list CLICK HERE. Masks on, socially distanced in place, sleeves pushed up to work, learn, and have fun! DAY 1: The morning painting was a snow scene of the beginning of the Wisconsin River (Land O' Lakes, WI) which 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. In this exercise, I wanted to teach how to handle snow and paint anything white. evaluate temperature and not copy the photo.
My afternoon demo was a fall scene full of autumnal colors where my students learned the spontaneity of no drawing and following the light and dark patterns. Two paintings completed and so proud of everyone’s first day of work.  DAY TWO: The learning and fun continue! Two more were paintings completed. The morning demo was T.C .Steele's house in southern Indiana. During this demo, I wanted to share the ease of drawing a structure and how to incorporate it into a landscape in a simple way. I also shared how to make a very dark subject interesting. The afternoon demo was another scene from the Great Northwoods of Wisconsin. The tranquil water scene was a perfect example to show how to achieve an atmospheric perspective. Pushing the background back and look believable. I also get quite a few requests for the secrets of painting water. I shared my approach to water with just a few brushstrokes. So proud of everyone’s second day of work.  DAY THREE: the last day of my 3-full day watercolor workshop. In the morning study, I wanted everyone to learn how to work with high-contrast and minimal drawing. I also wanted to share my techniques of dry-brushing in watercolor. The afternoon was the student's choice. I shared two different subjects and the vivid green forest won. Once again this demo was without a pencil sketch on their watercolor paper, freehanding light and dark patterns. Working with a close color palette of greens and blue-greens and how to use one complementary color to gray down your shadows. And finally, be fearless about pushing the darks especially at the beginning.  I want to thank everyone for signing up and attending including the owner, Frankie Johnson, and Kathy Clouse who is MainStreet's Girl Friday and more. The three days went by too fast. I was so impressed with everyone and I’ll let you in on a little secret — half the students never painted in watercolor before which made it that much more thrilling for me because my goal is to help people truly see. Also thank you Frankie and Jay for your hospitality.   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 fourth Watercolor Escape Saturday last weekend on April 11th. 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 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:
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 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 page. Don't forget to subscribe to my page. and leave a comment. The Painting A few weeks back one of my online watchers asked if I would do some rocks. So I thought I would paint rocks with a waterfall showing them how to recompose a photo and leave out the unimportant and how one could be left with the essentials of the photo. My main goal of this painting was not only the rocks but how to handle the water flowing over and around them. How layering the watercolor and the colors themselves could be applied to have the illusion of the water flowing over the rocks and moving down the falls. In finishing the waterfalls I used a razor blade to create the spatter of water and get a better feeling for the overall movement of the water. I spent a little bit more time back in the studio after the Facebook Live broadcast. I added some key values and colors to push the water out towards the viewer. I also took the liberty of adding gouache with color added to give a little bit more volume and dimension.   The Location Yondota Falls in the UP of Michigan. MAP. The falls are located deep in the forest of Marenisco Township, MI, and are part of the Presque Isle River. Yondota Falls is a short walk from Copps Mine Road at the bridge over the Presque Isle River. The dynamics of the water flowing are ever-changing almost like a fine bottle of wine from year to year. No two years are alike. We have been hiking there for nearly 13 years during all four seasons. During that time the water is stained with tannic acid from the tamarack trees giving the water a weak coffee color. Yandota Falls is a series of falls, so be sure you walk far enough to see them all. The trail is not long but does drop in elevation along the river, so the uphill return hike may make this a moderately difficult trail.
I have supplied additional websites below with more information I depend on and great photos to help you plan your trip look below. https://www.uptravel.com/attractions-2/waterfalls-of-the-u-p/ https://www.fishweb.com/maps/gogebic/waterfalls/yondota/index.html
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 your brushes, Dale  Note About Copyright
During this last broadcast of Watercolor Escape Saturdays, I was asked about copyright of these paint-alongs. You have permission to use and paint these reference materials. But you don't have permission to use it as a teaching tool to instruct others. In addition, your finished painting cannot be used in an art competition or show. This is solely used as a learning tool. AFFILIATE DISCLOSURES Amazon: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Blick Art Supplies: I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases.  Well, I had my second Watercolor Escape Saturday last weekend on March 28th. If you are new to this my wife, Marilee and I are committed to broadcasting a Facebook Live every Saturday at noon EST till our lives kinda get back to some type of normal. We want to offer an escape even for an hour or two. 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:
 Gallery of Work Highlighted in Video Below are several demos I did playing with composition and value studies before the final painting titled Walking in My Father's Footsteps. I also share additional paintings in the video. Click on the painting to see a larger version. Gift Every year I paint a special birthday card for Marilee. I remember once a long time ago we went to the Terra Museum to John Singer Sargent watercolor show. Sargent would paint special gifts for his sister with tender words and well wishes. They were touching and moved both of us. This painting is of one of our favorite walks in spring up not far from our cabin. The silver light and tender greens you only see during this time of year.  Marilee's 2020 birthday card. It's a tradition. This study was painted on handmade paper containing seeds, leaves, and stems. The paper had very little sizing so planning my brushstrokes were essential. Could not rework once the paint was laid down.  Final studio painting I promised myself I would experiment with new color combinations during this down time. Here is an example a new color combination palette. And don't think you can't find painting reference material. This was taken by Marilee while we were driving north through Wisconsin to our cabin. The sun was setting, the sky was on fire and the earth was rich with color. Here's my 6-color full palette:
  The Master I have enjoyed Winslow Homer watercolors long before I ever picked up a paint brush. My father admired his work and would share his paintings with me. He would break composition rules and make them work. I suggested a Homer book that looks like it's out of print but you may find on Ebay. There are other Homer books at Amazon (CLICK HERE) like this one. If you rather go to your library and check-out a book. Also here's a website to view. CLICK HERE.  Poppy Incase you didn't here we got a new puppy this year. Her name is Miss Poppy, a Pembroke Welsh Corgi and she is such a joy. It's a blessing to have her and an additional heartbeat in our house. Well that's it for now. I hope we will see you next Saturday at noon EST on my Facebook page for another Watercolor Escape Saturdays. Remember Leave a comment below, tell me what you think and what you would like to see in the future. Wash your hands and your brushes, Dale  AFFILIATE DISCLOSURES
Amazon: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. UPDATE: |
| First of all, Mainstreet is nestled in the quaint town of Lake Zurich, IL. Frankie Johnson, Owner, and Director has owned Mainstreet for almost 26 years. She is an accomplished master painter with over 40 years of experience in oil painting and pastels. She shares this knowledge with her students and it shows. I am always amazed at the talent that comes out of this art school Checkout Frankie's personal studio site. www.frankiejohnsonartstudio.com |  |
Many of these budding artists are in their third act wanting to explore a desire to paint after they have retired and or the kids are out of the nest. Other artists want to take their skills to the next level. The Mainstreet Art Center offers a wide variety of fine art classes for all ages. Beginners start with drawing in charcoal and then advance to painting in oils, pastels or watercolor. Advanced students are constantly challenged with new techniques and subjects. The craft of painting is taught by demonstration and individual instruction.
| Mainstreet Art Center offers a wonderful selection of classes including:
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Frankie asked me to develop the best 3-Full Day Watercolor Workshop for Mainstreet. This workshop called Abstract Patterns of Nature in Watercolor is a concentrated study in watercolor. I have seen these intensive studies help the student climb to a new level whether you are starting the journey or you have painted for a while.
WORKSHOP DESCRIPTION
Let me show you how to ignite your passion for watercolor. In this 3-day workshop, the student will experience my unique step-by-step instruction in transparent watercolor. Exploring the beauty of nature, and gain a deeper, richer understanding of the techniques, properties, and tools of this unique medium. Students will learn how to block in the painting, interpret color, values and temperatures. Use different processes of watercolor: work wet-into-wet as well as wet-on-to-dry. Understand the importance of a focal point and how to place it. He will also share his secrets to bring your painting to a new level.
Let me show you how to ignite your passion for watercolor. In this 3-day workshop, the student will experience my unique step-by-step instruction in transparent watercolor. Exploring the beauty of nature, and gain a deeper, richer understanding of the techniques, properties, and tools of this unique medium. Students will learn how to block in the painting, interpret color, values and temperatures. Use different processes of watercolor: work wet-into-wet as well as wet-on-to-dry. Understand the importance of a focal point and how to place it. He will also share his secrets to bring your painting to a new level.
My objective for this workshop is to share my 41 years of professional art instruction and for the student to gain confidence in this medium. The student will walk away with a greater, more in-depth understanding of transparent watercolor. The class is designed for beginners and intermediate artists.
Landscape photo references will be supplied by the instructor. Supply list will be handed-out at registration. If you have any questions please email me.
Landscape photo references will be supplied by the instructor. Supply list will be handed-out at registration. If you have any questions please email me.
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Dale L Popovich IWS
Dale is an award-winning watercolorist and teacher passionate about capturing the raw beauty of the American landscape with the fluid stroke of a brush. As you will see, the works selected in his portfolio represent the depth of his holistic approach to painting. You can also learn with this talented and experienced teacher through his workshops, Palette & Chisel, and Popovich Studio classes.
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