Watercolor Escape Saturday #4

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: 

• Photo reference
• The pencil drawing on watercolor paper
• Supplies
• 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.

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

Download Reference Material PDF

Materials
​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 list. ​
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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.

YouTube Paint-Along Video

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.

• Trail Walking Time:  15 min.
• No fee
• No restroom

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

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​In My Library
​Here's this week's pick, Light and Mood in Watercolour by David Curtis. I also own his oil painting book which is full of great information.

​The fluidity and versatility of watercolor makes it uniquely suited to capturing subtle variances of light and color. Internationally renowned watercolor artist David Curtis' comprehensive handbook offers expert guidance on harnessing the power of this medium to produce striking landscapes, portraits, and scenes. Curtis shares his methods for painting on location and in the studio, with sections devoted to selecting materials, developing ideas, choosing subjects and colors, and interpreting light effects. A generous selection of sketches, studies, and finished paintings accompany in-depth instructions for each technique, along with invaluable bits of practical wisdom garnered from years of experience.

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.
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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
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