Sant'Angelo In Vado Watercolor Workshop

Join this summer for an unforgettable #watercolor #workshop in Italy.
Details here:
https://italianatours.com/zan-barrage-tour-painting-2019/

One Fine Day - Watercolor Time Laps Demo

Last Run! A full 1hr video watercolor lesson

Last Run! Coming soon to my Patreon Channel

Full 1 hr video Watercolor demo lesson

PDF file with detailed learning and instructions

Why not join us now?

http://patreon.com/watercolorworkshop

Cuba winter escape workshop deadline

Heads up! 
I was just informed that the low pricing that we negotiated for the Cuba winter escape workshop are running out at the end of the month. That means that we have to secure 12 participants before then or drop the trip this year. The trip is slated for January 19-26, but these bookings are set only for a limited time and we are running out of that. Pricing is $1,970 Double occupancy. This includes EVERYTHING. Plane travel, resorts, meals, drinks, workshop and 2 day trips to Havana. The base cost jumps $400 after October 1st.



It would be a shame to miss this wonderful opportunity to spend time painting on the beach and in the old city of Havana. Especially with the forecast in Canada calling for a colder than usual winter. Our resort is one of the best and with the two day trips to Havana to discoverer the city and paint on location is an absolute must. 

So if you have been thinking about this trip or on the fence thinking "I have time to think about this" here is a note to let you know we need your answer this month, this week is even better!

All the details on the trip are here. Call Tanja today (Tel (416) 640.0433 ext 23 or 866.468.4741)  if you are interested or if you have any questions, but please do not delay any longer.

School is back, Join us on Patreon September 1

September is the perfect time to work on your #watercolor skills. Join us with our weekly online video watercolor classes. No matter if you are a beginner or an advanced artist, there is something for you in the weekly video classes. Join us September 1. https://www.patreon.com/posts/introduction-and-15979885 https://www.https://www.patreon.com/posts/introduction-and-15979885

Simpleinkandwash1

Take5HardSoftEdges

I am going to start adding 5 minute lessons focusing on watercolor, drawing and painting principles. These will be targeted to our members who are starting out, but will also be helpful and refreshers and reminders to everyone.



Here is the first one. Hard and Soft edges.



Lines that delineate edges can either be soft or hard edges. Soft edges allow for the object or mass to loosely merge with the other mass next to it while a hard line or edge clearly shows a separation of objects or masses.

Da Vinci Sun Kisses Trio

Riviere du loup in Watercolors

Riviere du loup in Watercolors

DIY Watercolor French Easel

Change a french easel to a watercolor easel similar to Joseph Zbukvic's field easel. This is a very easy DIY you can do it with minimal tools and mostly the hardware that comes with the french easel.

Let me know what you think.

Change your French Easel to a perfect Watercolor Easel DIY

I have always eyed Jospeh Zbukvic's easel with envy. I love how it opens up and allows him to use the drawer as a shelf to place his brushes and palette on it. 

I have this old french easel which I don't like because it places the open drawer between me and the painting. For me to get close to the paper, I have to strain my back and lean over the drawer. Whether I sit or stand, that posture is hard on my back and does not allow me the freedom of motion or to be expressive with my brush strokes. Not a good idea. 

The same is true for pochade boxes. The box opens with the paper far away from me and the tray right in the middle of things. Again not a good design for watercolors. Having the palette sit between me and the paper, and having the paper sit just about an inch from the colours just does not work for watercolors. Our brushes are short and we do like to touch the paper. Our paints get wet, and in close proximity to the paper accidents are bound to happen.

Pochade and French easels where designed for oil painters. When I paint in oil, I open my pochade at 160 degrees so that the paints are sitting on almost the same slant as my board or canvas. That allows me a closer approach to the painting surface, but with watercolours, I need to have my paints on a level. 

So after studying Joseph's easel for a while, I finally figured out a way to fix my French easel. I removed the top completely leaving behind the legs, base and drawers. I then made a new top that opened sideways and allowed the drawer to be pulled to my right (I am right handed but you can switch that if you are left handed). I made the top flat with a thin shelf to hold my block, or board with taped paper and even built a hook for a water can and a place for my umbrella to sit in. I took it out for a test run last week and it works like a charm.
Here is my fix for the French Easel. I hope you enjoy it!

Pathway in watercolors