![]() This week I'm proud to announce I have been asked to give another Facebook Live watercolor demonstration sponsored by Dillman's Art Workshop Retreat in Lac du Flambeau, WI. This was photographed in the Great Northwoods, believe it or not, this waterway in northeastern Vilas County is part of the Mississippi headwaters. I call this area home in my heart and you will too during my FREE watercolor demonstration. As you may know, my wife, Marilee, and I suffer from wonder lust and enjoy exploring the great Northwoods while we visit our little cabin in the woods. That's one of the many reasons we love Dillman's. They are nestled on a beautiful, pristine lake framed by majestic pines. Checkout Dillman's Resort and enjoy exploring nature's wonders. Life is good. ![]() DEMO REFERENCE MATERIAL Want to paint-along with me on Wednesday? Well this will give you a head start. It's my reference packet including:
![]() SUPPLIES If you want to learn more about my tried and true watercolor supplies please visit my website. I have articles, videos, and favorite books. We are always adding to the page. So please come back often. CLICK HERE TO MY WEBSITE SUPPLY INFO/LIBRARY Now you are all set. Remember to mark your calendar for August 19, 2020, at 3:00 pm CST. Here's the link to a wonderful afternoon of watercolor painting. Don't forget to like Dillman's Facebook page. WATERCOLOR IMPRESSIONS
OF THE GREAT NORTHWOODS Later on this year I will be giving a 4-FULL day Watercolor Workshop at Dillman's. The dates are Sept 27 (check-in and reception) September 28-October 1. For beginners and intermediates, my unique step-by-step instruction in transparent watercolor, focusing on large patterns of light and dark using scenes from nature, will allow students to watch, go back and recreate what was just painted. Students will learn how to build a painting from start to finish while gaining a deeper understanding of the techniques, properties, and tools of transparent watercolor. I will cover all four seasons to explore color temperature, intensity, and value. Students will complete seven paintings with a critique on the last day. Photo references will be supplied. Students will leave with new confidence, ability, and understanding. Last year I wrote a blog about my amazing Dillman's experience titled The Disneyland For Passionate Fine Artists In The Great Northwoods Of Wisconsin. This is a pretty long post but I walked you through the entire Popovich/Dillman's experience. READ MY BLOG Here's a short video from the workshop and noontime Farewell Reception and Show & Tell party in the lobby – just click on the picture. Take a few moments and check out
Dillman's beautiful resort. Dillman's Art Workshop Retreat which was founded by Sue and Dennis Robertson in 1978. Through the years our retreat has hosted over 12,500 students for art workshops at Dillman's Bay Resort in Wisconsin and various international locations. The 4 and 5 day workshops are offered in lakeside art studios as well as plein air. Students are invited to bring their friends and family along on the trip to enjoy the relaxing resort environment. Local artists are also welcome to attend classes on a day student basis. The average class price is $70 per day. Information about our 2020 schedule of workshops in watercolor, oil, acrylic, pastel, mixed media, collage, pocket sketching, fiber arts and more is online at dillmans.com/2020. Finally, I am asking a favor – would you please like my Facebook page and subscribe to my YouTube channel. In addition, please forward this email with your fellow artists that you think would enjoy my demos.
Thank you, let's get creative and stay healthy.
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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 CLICK THE IMAGE TO VIEW THE JUDGING ON YOUTUBE 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. CLICK THE IMAGE TO VIEW THE CRITIQUE ON YOUTUBE 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 ![]() Checkout Eric Rhoads https://ericrhoads.com Entrepreneur, Writer, Artist, Marketer, Speaker, Renaissance man's interview with Mary Longe, current lead for the Plein Air Painters Chicago. He spent time with her for his Plein Air podcast. Mary Longe shares advice for starting a plein air group. www.outdoorpainter.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! 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.
I was proud to announce I had been asked to give a Facebook Live watercolor demonstration sponsored by Dillman's Art Workshop Retreat in Lac du Flambeau, WI. You can read more about this amazing resort in the Great Northwoods at the bottom of this blog post. The beginning of the Wisconsin River 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 and you will too during my FREE watercolor demonstration. As you may know, my wife, Marilee, and I suffer from wanderlust and enjoy exploring the great Northwoods while we visit our little cabin in the woods. That's one of the many reasons we love Dillman's. They are nestled on a beautiful, 1500 foot lakefront peninsula. The pristine White Sands Lake is framed by majestic pines, soaring eagles and singing loons. Checkout Dillman's Resort and enjoy exploring nature's wonders. Life is good.
If you want to learn more about all my tried and true watercolor supplies please visit Supply List & Library page. I have articles, videos, and favorite books. We are always adding to the page. So please come back often. 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. Studio Painting
You can purchase a Fine Art Giclée Print of the final painting. Giclée Fine Art Print This 5-color studio painting was my inspiration for the Watercolor Demo Sponsored by Dillman's Art Workshop Resort "New Year's Day on the Wisconsin River" Size: 8" x 12", unframed Price: $75.00 If you would like to purchase please please Email me or call 219-616-0338 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. After the Demonstration Once I went back into the studio after the Dillman's Art Workshop Resort Facebook Live broadcast I stepped back and studied my watercolor 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 trees, selectively added accents and punctuation of color to the dark area, and adjusted focal point.
WATERCOLOR IMPRESSIONS
OF THE GREAT NORTHWOOD For beginners and intermediates, my unique step-by-step instruction in transparent watercolor, focusing on large patterns of light and dark using scenes from nature, will allow students to watch, go back and recreate what was just painted. Students will learn how to build a painting from start to finish while gaining a deeper understanding of the techniques, properties, and tools of transparent watercolor. I will cover all four seasons to explore color temperature, intensity, and value. Students will complete seven paintings with a critique on the last day. Photo references will be supplied. Students will leave with new confidence, ability, and understanding.
CRUSH-IT: The Best 3-Full Day Watercolor at the Mainstreet Art Center |
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. |
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
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.
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I had my third Watercolor Escape Saturday last weekend on April 4th. 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:
|

This Facebook Live demo I used the following watercolor paints:
- • Sap green
- • Ultramarine blue
- • Cobalt violet
- • Manganese blue
- • Raw sepia
- • Burnt siena
- 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 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.
This Wisconsin homestead is not far from our log cabin. I took the photo after a long ride in the forest of the Great Northwoods. We were up for the Christmas holiday and rides are part of our holiday traditions. The two weeks we were there we had snow and cloudy days except the day we came home there was sunny sapphire blue skies!
Because it was overcast in the photo I took artistic licence and brightened up the painting a bit. I also played with the composition. Remember you paint the painting – not the photo.
I talked about "sweet color" last Saturday. The diagram below shows four blues I have or currently use. I switched over to manganese blue from cerulean blue several years ago. Manganese and cerulean blue are similar in color but found cerulean was too sweet looking.
During this last broadcast of Watercolor Escape Saturdays I was asked about copyright of these paint-alongs. You have the permission to use and paint these reference materials. But you don't have permission to use 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.

Here's this week's pick, THE LANDSCAPES - ENHANCED EDITION (newly enhanced edition 1st printing 11-2017) by Richard Schmid. I was fortunate to take a one-day workshop from this American treasure. Now his paintings are mostly in oil but he offers so much information and beautiful paintings.
Forward by Historian Richard Ormond - Grandnephew of John Singer Sargent 280 pages and 300 color plates This large-format book of Richard Schmid's sixty-five years as a landscape painter, with over 300 color images, has been color enhanced using the latest state of the art printing technology, and further enriched with over 100 new captions, and over a dozen new original drawings in the margins. This is the visual tale of an artist and his life-long romance with the colors and light of our earth. With delightfully candid narrative and over 300 full-color images, Richard reveals what it is like to go out and capture life as it is happening. The reader will discover how landscape painting is unlike any other form of art, and that artistic skill is only one of the many abilities demanded.
You can find his soft-bound book at Amazon.
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
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
Materials This Facebook Live demo I used the following watercolor paints:
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. |
Highlighted in Video
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.
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

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.

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.
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
Amazon: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
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 breadth 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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