​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:

• The paint colors and other supplies
• A black & white value photo
• Techniques
• What you will walk away with 

At the beginning of this Zoom demonstration, I will show you some basic color charts creating greens from yellows and blues and then explaining how to grey these colors..

​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. ​

KICK-OFF
My most recent 2-full day workshop was in beautiful southern Indiana – Brown County Art Gallery, Nashville, IN. Abstract Paintings of Nature in Watercolor was finally a go – because of COVID19, this workshop had been rescheduled! But things started to come back to some form of normal and Jeanne Bennett, Gallery Manager, and I were bound and determined to have it happen. Last years' workshop was so enjoyable I wanted to build on it.
As you can figure all of my events had been canceled earlier this year​. 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.  
​
WELCOME TO THE "LITTLE SMOKY MOUNTAINS"
Brown County, IN is a mecca for artists. Known as the Little Smoky Mountains Indiana's beautiful artistic hill country, The drive into Nashville never ceases to amaze me. According to WGN 9 TV in Chicago, Brown County has more artists per capita than anywhere else in the Midwest. Once you visit this area its easy to understand why artists are drawn to its beauty. The rolling hills, lush forests, and winding roads along with picturesque cottages make for a perfect canvas. ​

HISTORIC BROWN COUNTY ART GALLERY 
Here's a little history about the historic Brown County Art Gallery. The gallery has a rich background. The gallery was established in 1926 by the early members of an important regional art colony who began exploring rural southern Indiana in the 1890s. These early artists had been trained in the best art schools of Europe and America and were attracted to the rolling hills of Brown County because it offered both dramatic landscapes and interesting people to serve as subjects for their work.​

,BRUSHES
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. 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. I got a three brush set last year made by MEEDEN, Cat's Tongue Shape Paint Brushes-3 Piece Set for Watercolors  At that time when I purchased them they said they were made with sable. Later in the year they said they were made of squirrel. Today it reads horse but at this time like so many other things made in China they are out of stock. I haven't tested the horse hair brush to see how they load and flow onto the paper. if you want to try these reasonable priced brush set CLICK HERE. Remember they are currently out of stock.

MY TEACHING STYLE
I have a selection of my own personal photos that I gather for a specific workshop. I handout 4"x6" prints of the subject matter to the students. I  normally select the reference material because I want to teach specific techniques plus my workshops consist of paint-alongs.

I like instructing as a paint-along because it gives the student bitesize amounts of information. Then they go back and recreate my techniques.

Depending on the complexity of the reference there could be 3-7 steps in my paint-along. Here's my methodology:

• In some cases I start with the pencil sketch
• STEP #1: The Watercolor Block-In
• STEP # 2: Establishing Secondary Masses
• STEP # 3: Final Details
• STEP # 4: Step Back, Take a Look and Yes, You can Make Minor Corrections

I also encourage my students to take notes, photos, and videos if they wish. I share so much information that it's hard to retain it all. I also encourage them to recreate the watercolor painting at home and send it to me for a critique.  

,​​MASKS ON, SOCIALLY DISTANCED IN PLACE, SLEEVES PUSHED UP TO WORK, LEARN, AND HAVE FUN! 
​
DAY 1: MORNING: I started demonstrating right away working from my iPad.
I begin with a limited pencil drawing on the paper. With this 6-color, full palette snow scene I talked about temperature value, color, and intensities of their paintings. 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. ​

I gave them an oversight on atmospheric perspective so they could create a good depth of field. We finish this painting in three steps as a paint-along. Through my years as a professional teaching of watercolor painter, I have found this technique works well with the student. They go through the process which helps the student retain what was created.

DAY 2: MORNING: The morning painting was of a cabin tucked into the woods. This painting was a limited palette of 5-colors – remember 6-colors is a full palette. In this demonstration I wanted to share my techniques regarding how to keep your edges as soft as you can while painting a highly textured background. This allowed the cabin to emerge from the wooded background. 

DAY 2: AFTERNOON: The afternoon I demoed a 5-color limited palette painting was a freeform swamp scene. In this exercise I wanted the students to painting without a drawing.

I started with my usual block in method by painting from background to foreground and large areas to small. I washed in the cool gray down colors in the background working forward two more intense and darker color.

Painting the large shapes and values. to form the finished picture adjustment of the values and shapes. Working smaller values with details. When everything was in place and the painting was dry I began placing the masses of trees. To finish up I added details to the trees and a few accents of color.

One of my students suggested a unicorn in this "Lord of the Rings" looking painting. As you can see the unicorn slipped away before I could add him. ;))

IN CONCLUTION
During these two days of instruction, I shared my knowledge with my students on a multitude of things including composition, focal points and how to keep the eye moving.

We covered fall, winter, spring and summer scenes and how to handle the temperature changes through the seasons. This gave the watercolor paintings a more pleasant, authentic look.  All the demonstrations were done with limited pencil work and the majority of drawing was formed with the brush.

​People ask me why I like smaller classes and workshops. Well, having a small class or what I like to call mentoring workshops gives me an opportunity to focus on each individual student. Working with the student for one, two or four days allows me to gather the exact insight on each student's individual needs in a concentrated manner. I enjoy teaching to truly see, overcome fears and find joy in painting. We all had a good time learned a lot and experimented a lot.

WORKSHOP ALBUM 

Feels so good to have a busy day like last Wednesday, July 29, 2020.
Started off by teaching my weekly watercolor studio class at MainStreet Art Center in Lake Zurich. It's a drive from Highland, IN but this passionate group of artists is worth the trip. This energy starts from the top and that's because of the care and passion Frankie Johnson, Owner, and Master Artist shares with her students and faculty. She inspires and has the ability to unlocking talents from folks who come to the center.

I've taught watercolor at Mainstreet for six years and just finished a 3-full day workshop earlier this month. www.dalepopovich.com/best-3-full-day-watercolor-workshop

​In my class, you will learn to implement key concepts and watercolor painting techniques that will allow you to have a deeper understanding of the medium, with a focus on the top principles of creating a solid painting.

As you understand these elements through painting pictures you will have better control of the medium and gain a deeper understanding of the creative process of transparent watercolor painting. I have to let you know my studio watercolor class has a waiting list so call Cathy and she will help you out. www.mainstreetartcenter.com

From there I went to Elmhurst Art Museum to judge the Elmhurst Artists' Guild 2020 Member’s Show. The EAG is a charitable and not-for-profit offering up shows and exhibitions, workshops, lectures, classes, and other similar activities. The purpose of this organization is to encourage, promote, advance, and assist art education and instruction, and the advancement and development of the arts.
​
EAG has its own gallery at the Elmhurst Art Museum. If you have a chance to stop by and check out the show or if you have any concerns regarding COVID-19 you can view the entries and video of the winners on their website. The show runs through Friday, September 4, 2020. www.elmhurstartistsguild.org

While in Elmhurst I stopped off at a friend and his wife's to say hi keeping social distance top of mind. Spent a few hours enjoying the afternoon chatting about art, family, and everything in between in their beautiful garden under the shade of a stately maple tree.
​
Got home for a little dinner and prepared for a two-hour Zoom meeting with the Plein Air Painters of Chicago. Met Virginia Ferrante, moderator of the Zoom event and PAPC member. I was invited to critique 30 pieces and let me tell you the time flew by reviewing amazing talent in this group.

The PAPC is affiliated with the Palette & Chisel Academy of Fine Arts in Chicago where I teach Watercolor and The Fundamentals of Drawing and Painting. The PAPC offers paint-outs April thru October. This prolific group schedules three Saturday paint-outs, one Sunday morning paint-out, and one Friday night paint-out.

Paint-outs feature cityscapes, nature in the parks, the Lakefront and Riverwalk. At least one paint-out per month includes a demo and members-only critique with an experienced instructor/guest artist. I was asked to be their July guest artist.

PLEASE NOTE: Between the current increase in cases of Covid-19 and the difficulty in physical distancing, the PAPC Steering Team determined to cancel future paint-outs until they can see a two-week decline in cases. They will assess the situation again, August 2, 2020. www.papchicago.com

Please join Dale for his One-Man Show at
McCord Gallery & Cultural Center in Palos Park, IL

August 3 - September 4
Pre-Reception: August 7, 4 pm CST, broadcast on
Facebook Live 
Reception: August 7, 6 pm CST 

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! 

​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. ​

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. ​

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. ​

The Location
Headwaters of the Wisconsin River – Adventure starts at the top of a mighty river

East of Land O’ Lakes you’ll find a place where you can paddle through time. Lac Vieux Desert is the headwaters of the mighty Wisconsin River. For centuries, this is a place where great paddling adventures began. The name was given by French fur trappers who translated the name from the Ojibwe language, “Lake of the Old Clearing” or “Old Garden.” Paddling journeys still start at the headwaters. Lac Vieux Desert is one of the largest lakes in the area, at 4,260 acres. It’s so large it spills across the border, into the state of Michigan. The lake feeds the 430-mile Wisconsin River, which is the state’s largest river and a major tributary of the Mississippi River...

The Color Studies
In this video I shared color studies I created in the past. I looked at composition, value patterns, and color combinations. Remember I always say don't copy the photo, paint the painting. Finally, I shared the final studio painting that I painted. All of the studies were necessary for a successful final watercolor. Remember do your homework and this will help you succeed.

1. 3-color study
2. 3-color study with opaque white gouache
3. 5-color study: I wanted to open up the background so there wasn't a wall of trees
4. 6-color or full-color studio painting. I wanted to master a close value foggy painting.​

​The Demo
In this demonstration, I wanted to show you how to work beyond your photo reference and be left with the essentials of the photo – making the painting your own. Adding more interest than what's found in the photo through color, mass, and subject matter taking a little artistic licence. 

My main goal of this painting was not only to handle dark masses but to give them interest and weight. This would lead your eye through and around the painting. I also wanted to show you how to create interest with a primary green palette and subject matter. 

Hello everyone–
Frankie Johnson, owner of Mainstreet Art Center and I had a productive talk yesterday. As you will read the email she sent (below) to her students she has taken great measures to keep her students and faculty safe and healthy.

The workshop group is small so we can spread out but also this is a unique opportunity to have me for three days as a mentor.

Frankie is accepting several more students if you are interested. Yes, there are a few more easals available. If you have questions or concerns please give Frankie a call 847-550-0016.

​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 fifth Watercolor Escape Saturday on April 18th.  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
THIS WEEKEND'S WATERCOLOR ESCAPE SATURDAY
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: 

• The photo reference
•  Pencil drawing on watercolor paper 
• Watercolor paints used
• My book recommendation
• 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.​

Click on the button below and it will take you to my Watercolor Escape Saturdays page where you will find April 18th reference and all of my past demos, videos and blog posts.

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

Supplies
​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 supply list. ​

The Painting
In this demonstration, I wanted to show you how to work beyond your photo reference and be left with the essentials of the photo – making the painting your own. Adding more interest than what's found in the photo through color, mass, and subject matter taking a little artistic licence. 

My main goal of this painting was not only to handle dark masses but to give them interest and weight. This would lead your eye through and around the painting. I also wanted to show you how to create interest with a primary green palette and subject matter. 

Once I got back into the studio after the Facebook Live broadcast I stepped back and studied my painting. I do this quite often laying fresh eyes on the piece. I added some key values and colors to push the viewer's eye around the painting. Also added important detail into the house, selectively added accents and punctuation of color to the dark area of the structure, and adjusted some of the foliage above the TC Steele's home.

The Location
TC Steele State Historic Site
4220 T C Steele Rd,
Nashville,
​Brown County,
IN 47448. MAP
https://tcsteele.org

I enjoy touring TC Steele's house in Brown County, Indiana. Back in 2017, the Indiana State Museum and Historical Sites invited me to give a demonstration of one of his trees he would paint en plein air.  From there I co-judged the Great Outdoor Art Contest.

Take a few minutes and explore TC Steele's website. Make it a point to visit his Art Page. CLICK HERE

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.

​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 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

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.