Dale L Popovich IWS watercolors and art teacher blog

Watercolor Escape Saturday #4

4/21/2020

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.

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.

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.

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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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Watercolor Escape Saturday #4

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

DAY 1

DAY 2