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.

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.

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

From there Marilee said let's go sightseeing. We headed over to Strack & VanTil, a large local grocer in Northwest Indiana to see if they were wiped out too. The parking lot was full more than any Thanksgiving I can remember, the cart corrals were empty, all the registers were open and the lines extended to the back of the store! The managers looked as surprised as us. They worked swiftly and with a pleasant smile. Produce was well stocked, along with most everything else. The shoppers' carts were heaped full of paper products, pizzas, and white bread. The Hispanic food aisle was empty but the baby diapers were hardly touched. It took both of us two hours to process what we experienced. 

​The next day we rehashed how the world was changing because of the virus and what could we do locked-up in our house​. My wife, Marilee calls this the newest episode of The Twilight Zone. I know these are challenging times but we are creative folk who often are self-distancing ourselves in our studios anyway. Frankly, we can handle this better than most.

We talked about going to the Northwoods but sadly we got a notice for snowbirds and second homeowners to stay away from Vilas County. 

Well, I figured I am in my studio trying some new reference materials and color palettes with this new free time. We then thought with the beauty of social media we could help folks by sharing my watercolor wisdom. I opened my studio door this past Saturday, March 21, 2020, at high noon est time on my Facebook live business page - Observer Artist Watercolorist Dale L Popovich IWS. I will do this till we are over this crisis. 

​THREE WATERCOLOR COLOR STUDIES
I highly recommend doing color studies of your painting. As I explained in the demo experiment with color combinations, value patterns, and composition. Each of these took 15-20 minutes. Be loose and free– no details.

​-300 lb Indigo paper
- Watercolor Paints: 3-color limited palette, see each sketch for colors.

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.

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.

I hope you got inspired last Saturday at the Palette & Chisel Academy of Fine Arts Demo Days. As you can see there is a huge amount of talent at the P&C waiting to share their skills and mentor students like you.

I truly enjoy sharing my 40+ years of drawing and painting experiences with my students. I am so passionate about watercolor and I enjoy sharing my knowledge and love of the medium. I hope you saw that on Saturday.

Here's the final demonstration. This took a little over an hour. I encourage the viewers to ask questions throughout the process. And I have no problem with people taking photos and videos.

I used QoR Watercolors and 300 lb. indigo watercolor paper. Remember I had mentioned a blog post from last year where I reviewed QoR paints. READ MY POST AND VIEW VIDEO HERE
​
There was around 45 minutes left. I was asked for a second demo and I was more than happy to share more. Sorry, we didn't capture a photo of the snow scene I did but here's a work in progress.

THE WORKSHOP
I was invited back to the Lakeland Art League for a Full-Day Workshop on October 3rd, 2019. I want to thank all for attending in Minocqua, Wisconsin. I am always impressed with this group of artists. All of you did a great job and should be proud of your accomplishments.

It was requested for this workshop I do a demonstration to a finished painting using the entire day. Since we were in the middle of colorama in the Great Northwoods it seemed appropriate we do an autumn painting. I choose a fall scene from my personal collection of photographs. It was of a country road that wandered through the golden woods and downhill a sleepy dirt road. ​

The only thing that the students were allowed to draw was the road in perspective. From that point, I began painting large mass areas of value and color. ​

SUPPLIES
Colors
The colors used for this autumnal painting were: 

• Cadmium yellow medium
• Sap green
• Burnt sienna
• Ultramarine blue
• Cobalt blue
• Alizarin crimson 

Paper
The paper I was working with was a 300-pound Indigo paper which can only be ordered from DickBlick.com. This is a wonderfully textured paper and also flexible for painting different subjects. Remember one must be careful with this paper – it's a softer paper and cannot take the scrubbing that Arches 300-pound can handle. But it has a beautiful handmade feel and look.

If you want to see my complete supply list go to my Supply List & Library Page on this website. I try to update often with new materials and my thoughts about products out there.

HERE'S SOME LINKS
Here are the links to supplies and books I talked about during our time together. I have linked the products so it will be easy to find.

• MEEDEN Cat's Tongue Brush Set 
• Indigo Artpapers Handmade Watercolor Paper (you can only find it online at Blicks)
• QoR Watercolor Paints (Here a link to my supply list page with my recommendations. You will find a direct link to Qor Paints.)

BOOKS I RECOMMEND FOR YOUR LIBRARY

• John Carlson's Guide of Landscape Painting. Amazon offers this book for the Kindle, hardbound, softbound, and spiral bound. Once in a while, I can find the book in a used book store or antique shop. Here's an hour-long blogpost from Artists Helping Artists produced by Leslie Saeta titled Why Every Artist Needs to Read Carlson's Guide to Landscape Painting.

 

• Put Your Paintings in Perspective. Robert J Krajecki is a friend and co-teacher at the Palette & Chisel in Chicago. As I mentioned in my class this is an easy to understand book on perspective. Bob offers a vast understanding of 1, 2, and 3 point perspective.

SUPPLIES

• MEEDEN Cat's Tongue Brush Set
• Indigo Artpapers Handmade Watercolor Paper (you can only find it online at Blicks)
• QoR Watercolor Paints (Here a link to my supply list page with my recommendations. You will find a direct link to QoR Paints.)

BOOKS I RECOMMEND FOR YOUR LIBRARY

• John Carlson's Guide of Landscape Painting. Amazon offers this book for the Kindle, hardbound (expensive!), softbound, and spiral bound. Once in a while, I can find the book in a used book store or antique shop. Here's an hour-long blogpost from Artists Helping Artists produced by Leslie Saeta titled Why Every Artist Needs to Read Carlson's Guide to Landscape Painting.
• Put Your Paintings in Perspective. Robert J Krajecki is a friend and co-teacher at the Palette & Chisel in Chicago. As I mentioned in my class this is an easy to understand book on perspective. Bob offers a vast understanding of 1, 2, and 3 point perspective.

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

FINAL NOTE
I have taught over 2300 students in my 41+ years. My teaching style is clear and simple. The student will experience a unique step-by-step instruction in transparent watercolor. Teaching as a paint-along allows the student to watch, go back and recreate what was just painted. My experience with this technique of sharing information allows the artist to retain more instruction. I also stress to my students to ask as many questions as they wish while I'm is painting. There is no such thing as a stupid question. I also encourage the student not to only take notes but to snap pictures with their cameras. I feel sharing my knowledge in all ways is the key to excellent learning. ​

IN CONCLUSION
I want to thank Lisa and Deb for organizing this workshop for the Lakeland Art League. It’s always a pleasure to work with this fine group of passionate artists. As always I had a really great time.

©Dale L Popovich all rights reserve

​I recently had a four-day watercolor workshop at Dillman’s Bay Resort on White Sands Lake in Lac Du Flambeau, WI dillmans.com. The Great Northwoods and Dillman’s is a wonderful place to cultivate your artistic talents. I was honored to be invited to their creative community. This year there were 44 nationally know professional art teachers sharing their vast talents and knowledge. 

Each teacher came-up and introduce themselves talked about themselves and gave a general synopsis of their class and the procedure of how the workshop was gonna be conducted.

​We finished the evening with a great catered dinner of salmon, roasted chicken, wild rice, roasted Brussel sprouts, and Caesar salad. This was followed by freshly brewed coffee and a selection of amazing desserts. Sue and Denny and their family Stephanie and Todd sure know how to through a party and make everyone feel right at home!

DAY ONE ​
​MORNING SESSION: NO PENCIL DRAWING EXERCISE

​Colors:
Sap Green
Ultramarine Blue
Cobalt Blue
Burnt Sienna
Raw Sienna

We pushed up our sleeves started working on a watercolor painting of a woodland scene that had strong light and dark patterns. It was a photo with pines and a slight haze in the background. I selected this exercise because nature is very forgiving. First, I told the group that we would just start painting. Yes, this exercise was free form—no drawing. We block in to begin the process of building a painting. While we painted the painting I had the student pay close attention to the light and dark masses. These set the foundation for building the secondary masses to apply the detail.

I wanted my students to paint the very first impression of the light and dark patterns of this photo. In the three-step process, I show the students a very simple process on how to build a painting. Once all the large and secondary masses were complete the detail applied. 

MEEDEN GIFT: I enjoy sharing new finds with the students. I talked about a set of brushes I received from my wife for my birthday this year. They are made by MEEDEN, Squirrel Hair Cat's Tongue Shape Paint Brushes-3-piece set. This real hair brushes offer a versatile thick to thin stroke and hold a tremendous amount of water and pigment. Here’s a link to my 2019 Popovich's Field Journal blog review about the brushes: If you are interested here’s a link. I gave away a set of these brushes to one of my lucky students, Debra A.!

 QoR Colors:
Cadmium Yellow
Ultramarine Blue
Cobalt Blue
Alizarin Crimson
Burnt Sienna
​
Next, I demonstrated with a new paint I was introduced to earlier this year at the Watercolor Society of Indiana. They had a guest speaker, Valerie Allen  from Golden Colors talking about their products. It takes a lot to impress me – I’ve been painting for 43 years and I thought I had seen it all. I stand corrected! I have fallen in love with QOR Watercolors.

I did a short talk about QoR brand followed by a demonstration using these quality watercolor paints. To learn more about QoR read my blog post and watch my video review. Here’s a link to my supply list and my go-to QoR paints.

This photo was taken last fall in  Marenisco on old rt. 2 along the Presque Isle River, Michigan. QoR’s watercolors intensity was perfect for this particular subject. I painted full force, no graying of color as you can see this was a very intense fall scene and very fitting to show off the quality of QoR watercolor paints.

​The second phase I slowly grayed down the shadow areas and added more color to the light areas to pump the intensity.

​Final, I put in the extreme darks in the river. Adding intense colors in the water and finally took the position of the trees to support the composition of the foliage. ​

DAY TWO
MORNING SESSION: SNOWY WISCONSIN RIVER
Colors:
Sap Green
Ultramarine Blue
Cobalt Blue
Cerulean Blue
Raw Sienna
Burnt Sienna

The first painting of the second day was a winter photo of the headwaters of the Wisconsin River. This was taken on New Year's Day a few years back. Marilee and I make it a point to visit this area every year on .the first of January.

During this exercise my students did a very basic line drawing using no more than five lines. Before painting, I explained in the winter white snow or objects appear cooler in temperature near you and gets warmer as it recedes away.
I also explained the temperature differences between ultramarine blue, cobalt blue, and cerulean blue. 

I started by blocking in the background with a combination of ultramarine and cobalt blues with a touch of sap green. Then came forward using cobalt and cerulean through the river and bits of the foreground.

The second wash I begin building the tree masses allowing the first wash to show through to help create distance. Then brought those colors down into the river which would reflect all the colors up above in the background.

For the final wash, I approach the painting by going back to the background, adjusted for darker values, putting in details on the bank of the river and worked into the river. I again used combinations of all colors not covering all previous washes allowing them to show through to add depth, texture, and interest.

AFTERNOON SESSION:
SWAMP

Colors:
Sap Green
Ultramarine Blue
Burnt Sienna
​Raw Sienna


This particular exercise was also painted freeform meaning no drawing just painting the large light and dark patterns. I started with my usual block in method by painting from background to foreground and large areas to small areas. I washed in the cool gray down colors in the background working forward two more intense and darker color.

When everything was in place and the block in was dry I began placing the masses of trees, forming the shorelines and giving movement to the water. I finished up by placing larger trees in the foreground.

To finish up I added details to the trees, more emphasis on the shoreline and a few accents of color.

DAY THREE         
MORNING SESSION: FARMSTEAD IN THE WOODS
Colors:
Sap Green
Ultramarine Blue
Cobalt Blue
Burnt Sienna
​Raw Sienna

I’m quite familiar with this is a subject as it is a couple miles through the woods from our cabin. I often wonder the history of the land, the hardworking people that owned it and who works the land today. 

I begin this painting by washing in the sky in the background. Then coming through the trees while the sky was still wet and into the foreground grasses. Finishing up with a light tint on each building. 

My plan of action for the second phase of the painting was to place a stronger emphasis on the bows of the pines coming down to the buildings separating light from shadow. Continuing on to the foreground I had it textures and defined the road leading to the garage. While the foreground was still wet I speckled it with my toothbrush using all colors on my pallet to help unify the painting. 

I finished up the painting by adding the trunks of the trees, accents of color around it on the focal point and shadows across the roofs of the buildings.

AFTERNOON SESSION:  OAK TREE
Colors:
Sap Green
Ultramarine Blue
Alizarin Crimson
Burnt Sienna
​Raw Sienna

I have to apologize I didn’t take any photos of this painting stages, a grand old oak. I got so wrapped-up in demoing and instructing that I just plain forgot. I once again used Indigo paper. In fact, Denny stopped in with our afternoon snacks. He is also an accomplished watercolorist and was quite interested in this handmade paper. I gave Denny a sample for him to experiment with. If you want to take Indigo paper for a test drive you can only find it online at Dick Blick’s. 

I began by blocking in all the foliage of the tree and underneath, the background and then the foreground. I went back into the foliage modeling the dark areas forming some of the leaf patterns and cooling things down in the shadows.

The second phase of this painting was to form the trunk and branches weaving in and out of the mass foliage. Picking and choosing where branches go is according to the pattern in which was created. The tree trunk was moved slightly to the left, smaller branches were added, and I use my toothbrush for a spattering of lighter value color and accents to the darker areas.

The third phase of this painting was to initiate detail in the trunk, darken some of the branches and finally, working on the foreground adding textures of the grasses and ferns. 

DAY FOUR
​MORNING  SESSION: SNOWY ROAD
QoR Colors:
Sap Green
Ultramarine Blue
Manganese Blue
Alizarin Crimson
Burnt Sienna
​Raw Sienna
​
I instructed the students to take great care in drawing the road to get the perspective correct. A small building was added at the end of the road and I also added a figure walking up the road. As you will notice both additions were not in the photo but I told my students before you start you must determine not only what story you want to tell, but how, why and with what visual qualities.

I began by washing in the sky gray is blue in the background quickly adding the treetops of the pines coming down to the foliage which has a slight crimson color. Then down to the foreground adding in the warmth of the grasses paying very close attention to the delineation of the road.

Going back to the pines in the background taken care of forming the tops of the pines for better identification washing down into the pines where they overlap taking a little bit less care on the actual form but paying attention to the masses. Then came down to the area below it painting in a gray down crimson color adding blues and yellows towards the bottom. From there I began forming the grasses in the lower right-hand corner allowing the white of the paper to create the snow. Working across to the road again paying attention to the perspective of the road. I added a wash of raw and burnt siennas warming the road as it came closer. 

Finally adding details of small trees, smoke from the cabin and a figure walking down the road. I decided to add a wash of shadow across the foreground to indicate the coolness of the scene.

NOONTIME
After lunch, Dillman’s had a Farewell Reception and Show & Tell in the lobby. The faculty introduced each of their students and the students shared one piece of work from the workshop. They also received an Artistic License which was a nice token of their this lovely memory. Did I mention we toasted each other with champagne and tasty desserts?

LAST EVENING
​From there we went to the pizza party in the lodge celebrating a wonderful time with all the students and teachers. This workshop was an incredible experience which I hope you can experience someday.  ​

IN CONCLUSION
I had six wonderful students from limited ability to advanced ability. My focus in this workshop was painted large areas of darks and lights, learning how to build the painting from the background to the foreground. Details or put in at the very end of the demonstration. Each demonstration I did for about 10 to 15 minutes and would stop allowing the students to simulate I was just demonstrated. This procedure demonstrating is what one would call a paint-along or a step-by-step instruction. We did many types of scenes from autumn, winter, spring, and summer with water, snow, and foliage – all the splendor of the Great Northwoods.

Everybody had a wonderful time during the four days and the class did a total of seven paintings. 

Dillman’s is an experience by itself, they made you feel like family. Denny and Sue introduced all the instructors to the students of all classes so you could become familiar with other teachers. You could have dinner with Denny, the teachers, and students every night if wish go. There was an amazing turnout of 25 folks each night.  One day at lunch Captain Denny took a group on a noon boat ride on a pontoon. The care that Denny and Sue take with the faculty and the students that attend the workshops was above and beyond any other workshop that I’ve given. They are unrivaled by any workshop I have seen attended or heard about. At the end of the four-days, they had a show & tell for the students and faculty each student received an artistic license which is a nice token of their this lovely memory.

I suggested some of my favorite supplies and books at the workshop. I like let my students experience new and different materials -- they are so expensive and I feel it's my responsibility as an art teacher to share. I let my students take the cat's tongue brushes for a test-drive, try the Indigo paper, and QoR paints. Here are my go-to materials and books:
SUPPLIES

• MEEDEN Cat's Tongue Brush Set
• Indigo Artpapers Handmade Watercolor Paper (you can only find it online at Blick's)
• QoR Watercolor Paints (Here a link to my supply list page with my recommendations. You will find a direct link to QoR Paints.)

BOOKS

• John Carlson's Guide of Landscape Painting. Amazon offers this book for the Kindle, hardbound (expensive!), softbound, and spiral bound.  Once in a while I can find the book in a used book store or antique shop. Here's an hour long blogpost from Artists Helping Artists produced by Leslie Saeta titled Why Every Artist Needs to Read Carlson's Guide to Landscape Painting
• Put Your Paintings in Perspective. Robert J Krajecki is a friend and co-teacher at the Palette & Chisel in Chicago. As I mentioned in my class this is an easy to understand book on perspective. Bob offers a vast understanding of 1, 2, and 3 point perspective.

It wasn't all work. On the third day Karen, who lives in Fish Creek invited the group for some wine, snacks and local artisan cheeses. Karen and her husband Joe have a beautiful, inviting home. They have a lovely piece of property and Karen has quite a green thumb! It was great getting to know everyone, their friends and husbands. 

​While I was working my wonderful wife, Marilee traveled from one small town to another stopping in at antique shops, art galleries and looking for the perfect cup of Door County coffee which are abundant throughout the peninsula. One of my students, Karen gave Marilee a list of places to visit and where to find the perfect cherry pie. Below is some of her iPhone photo album of her travels.  Click on the image and view each business web site.

​Marilee went on a hiking trip at The Clearing, Jens Jensen’s Sanctuary. The Clearing is located at the far northern point of Door County and is a folk school which means there are no grades just the pleasure of learning. Needless to say, she had a great time! 

​This man's resume is quite impressive:
• Chicago Parks including superintendent of the 200 acre Humboldt Park in 1895. His design work for the city can be seen at Lincoln Park, Douglas Park, and Columbus Park.
• Jensen played a role in building support for the preservation of part of the Indiana Dunes sand dune ecosystem.
• His designs have a deep connection to the Midwestern landscape. To read more about this amazing man Click Here.

THE CLEARINGS MISSION STATEMENT
The Mission of The Clearing is to provide diverse educational experiences in the folk school tradition, in a setting of quiet forests, meadows and water. The Clearing is a place where adults who share an interest in nature, arts or humanities can learn, reflect and wonder.

This is in keeping with the goals of Jens Jensen, founder of The Clearing, who loved it as a special place where one could feel kinship with the earth and reassess one’s life.

I also want to mention the staff at the Peninsula School of Art was very accommodating and wonderfully kind people. Thank you again, Elysia Michaelsen, Director of Education and Tori Daubner, Registrar.

*AFFILIATE DISCLOSURES
​Amazon: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Updated July 1, 2019
That's right when you sign-up for my mentoring workshop you can continue your watercolor studies in the comfort of your own studio. You will receive a code the first day of class to log in to Towering Winds Academy of Fine Art online school. This way you can continue your learning with me. This course is yours FREE as long as the school is around. And if you have questions or want to share your work with me I'm always there for you.​ 

Concept
The Northwoods of Wisconsin is a painter’s paradise. Explore the beauty of nature as you conquer the medium of transparent watercolor and gain a deeper understanding of its unique properties, techniques, and tools.
Experience
Step-by-step instruction will lead you through the creation of a series of paintings. How to block in a painting, interpret color, value, and temperatures, use different watercolor-specific processes, and create sound compositions will be emphasized. Dale will provide individualized feedback throughout each exercise and painting. Photo references of various types of landscapes will be supplied by the instructor.
​
Please ask the PSA for the workshop supply list. Landscape photo references will be supplied by the instructor.