Dale L Popovich IWS watercolors and art teacher blog

Watercolor Escape Saturdays #2

4/2/2020

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:

Photo reference
The pencil drawing on watercolor paper
Supplies
Three steps as a paint-along
Additional painting examples

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

Click Here: Photo & Pencil

Materials
This Facebook Live demo I used the following watercolor paints:

Brown Madder
Sap Green
Cobalt Blue
Naples Yellow
Mars Orange Deep
Cadmium Yellow Deep

Watercolor Paper:

300 lb Indigo

To learn more about my brushes and tried and true supplies head over to Supply List & Library page. And here's a link to my personal supply list.

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

Full Supply List Click Here

You Tube Paint-Along Video

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:

cadmium yellow deep
brown madder
ultramarine blue
burnt sienna
cobalt blue
cobalt violet

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.

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CRUSH-IT: The Best 3-Full Day Watercolor Workshop in Lake Zurich, IL

2/27/2020

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UPDATE:
change to May 30, 31 and June 1

Click on the arrow above to view a short video

RESCHEDULED to
May 30, 31 & June 1, 2020
Saturday, Sunday & Monday
9:00 am - 4:00 pm
$400.00

I have had the honor to share my painting knowledge as a watercolor teacher at Mainstreet Art Center going on six years. It's a little over an hour's drive from Highland to Lake Zurich every Wednesday for my morning watercolor class but it is well worth it. If you have never been there for a class, tour or workshop well it is quite inspiring for the students and the facility.

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:

Charcoal Drawing
Oil Painting
Pastels
Watercolor Painting
Portrait Painting
Open Studio
Plus Frames & Supplies

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.

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.

20 E Main Street
Lake Zurich, IL 60047
P (847) 550-0016
W mainstreetartcenter.com
DIRECTIONS

Registration and Class Policies

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1-DAY WINTER WATERCOLOR WORKSHOP AT THE LAKELAND ART LEAGUE

1/8/2019

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I want to thank the Lakeland Art League in Minocqua, WI for the fantastic opportunity this past Wednesday, January 2. This is a large group of passionate artists in the Northwoods of Wisconsin.

The watercolor workshop went very well, and the students were great! I was impressed with the enthusiasm and the final paintings. Oh, and the heartiness of these artists fighting the frigid temps and snow.

This eager group of artists wanted to focus on snow and pines. I demonstrated a snow scene in the morning working through the three phases of a transparent watercolor painting. Working light to dark, background to foreground and warm to cool.

After we broke for lunch, we started the second painting – a paint-along. I feel this is a great way to have the students learn watercolor in small doses. In my experience, the student retains the information they have learned.

We talked colors and which brushes to start with. This is a block-in stage, so a big brush is a key to your success. I painted the first phase, and then the students went back to their easels and recreate the first phase. I always walk around and give personal direction with every student.

I took the students through phase-two which takes twice as long as the first. I walked then through the difference of winter verses a spring or summer. The sky is different, bark on the trees and overall light.

Phase three you really slow down, and now they can go in and use smaller brushes. This is the final stage where you focus on the details. I always feel an accomplishment when I take the tape of the painting. This clean edge gives you a sneak peek of what a mat will look like on your painting

I raffled off my demonstrations at the end of the day. Here are the two winners.

I would like very much to be included in your schedule this spring/summer. Thank you.

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WATERCOLOR BASICS: How to Draw on Watercolor Paper

7/12/2018

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In this YouTube watercolor video demonstration, I am going to share with you how easy it is to draw up your pencil on watercolor paper. I am not a fan of graphite paper because it is messy. Instead, a 2B pencil and a kneaded eraser are all you need.

View My YouTube Watercolor Demo

Here's a link to my full supply list – go to bit.ly/watercolor-supplies

Any questions, leave me a comment. I would be more than happy to talk watercolor and drawing.

While you are here check out my website. You will find:
• My current paintings
• Workshops and demonstrations dates and locations
• My teaching schedule in the Chicagoland area
• Online Gallery
• Online watercolor courses
• Link to my Newsletter
• and more

And, please subscribe to my YouTube channel.

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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 rjkwatercolors@aol.com,
or send a check to:
Robert J. Krajecki
46W420 Main Street Rd
Elburn, Illinois 60119
RobertJKrajecki.com/books.html

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Watercolor Escape Saturdays #2

CRUSH-IT: The Best 3-Full Day Watercolor Workshop in Lake Zurich, IL

UPDATE:
change to May 30, 31 and June 1

1-DAY WINTER WATERCOLOR WORKSHOP AT THE LAKELAND ART LEAGUE

WATERCOLOR BASICS: How to Draw on Watercolor Paper

IN MY STUDIO LIBRARY

Principles and Techniques of Drawing and Painting
Robert J Krajecki IWS