What a way to stay warm – Watch my FREE Watercolor Demo sponsored by Lakeland Art League.

2/6/2021

I have been giving workshops for the Lakeland Art League located in Minocqua, WI for several years. This ambitious, fun-loving group of nearly 100 members shares their passion with the community including shows, charity events, and a weekly open studio. Since the COVID their organization like so many others has come to halt.

Lakeland's leadership reached out to me and asked if I would do a Facebook Live Demonstration for their group. They wanted their art community to feel connected and creative, so virtual was the way to go. Some of you may remember last year I gave 12 weeks of Watercolor Escape Saturdays on Facebook Live Demos. Many of Lakeland's members joined in and loved it.

Now here's the special treat – I told you that they are incredibly giving. They want you to join in and share their passion for art on their nickel.

Here's the link you will need to watch at Monday, February 8th, 2021
10:00 am cst-- Lakeland's Facebook page. CLICK HERE

Below you will see the reference packet. This includes:

Photo references from my personal library
The pencil sketch on watercolor paper I want you to copy
Paints I will be using
A list of information you will walk away with

Some people follow along or watch the replay on Facebook Live and recreate my painting. It's up to you.

WATCH HERE ON FEB 8 AT 10:00AM CST

CLICK HERE FOR REFERENCE PACKET

This Week's Demonstration
I am going to focus on water, moving water. Do not let this scare you – it is not as hard as you think, and I will share my splashy secrets.

There are a tremendous amount of streams and rivers in Michigan to explore. The beauty of simple pleasures with their rugged trails, nothing makes us feel more alive. The wandering gypsies in us enjoy hiking these areas during all four seasons and all-weather types. Marilee and I will crack open our favorite waterfall books over breakfast and escaping for a day of touring and taking in their majesty.

During this time we settled on Kakabika Falls on US-2 in between the small towns of Watersmeet and Marenisco in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. You will find it off of County Road 527 on the Cisco Branch of Octonagon River. There is a small parking lot and from there follow the trail, and you’ll see multiple different drops. MORE INFORMATION.

Every year Kakabika Falls is quite different because of the snowfall and rain. In October 2012 it was apparent to us the drought up north for the past 7 or 8 years has taken a toll on the falls. In years past you would only see a few of the very large boulders and massive amounts of water flowing through this area. But now all of the secrets of the river were exposed in a prehistoric beauty. Here is a YouTube link to our October 2012 trek. YouTube Link Click Here So let's dive in.

Demo techniques:
• How to paint abstract.
• Patterns in nature.
• How to paint abstract m patterns in nature.
• Not over-mixing colors.
• Applying color with the toothbrush.
• How to paint soft edges.
• How to use dry brush strokes to paint trees.
• How to transition colors in a wash.

Please note the pencil sketch was on indigo handmade watercolor paper but you can also use Arches #300 paper. The drawing is simple–minimal lines.

After this demo I want you to walk away with:
1. Understand the timing in applying the watercolor.
2. How to handle a dark, subject matter and still making it colorful.
3. Learn the dynamic color range you can achieve with a
five-color palette.
4. Don’t over mix—instead, let the paints blend on the paper and work their magic. This teaches you patience.
5. Making a light value subject work using subtle value changes.

Please note the painting will be on Kilimanjaro Natural White Cold-Press 300 lb but Arches would be just fine too. The drawing is simple–minimal lines.

My Tried and True Complete Supply List
If you want to learn more about my tried and true watercolor supplies please visit HERE. I have articles, videos, and favorite books. We are always adding to the page. So please come back often.

SUPPLY LIST