Video is here! GLOWING WATERCOLORS

It's Finally Here!

.......VIDEO RELEASE!!!!!

Negative painting is the technique explored and demonstrated. It's just like being in one of my workshops...without traveling! 

Here’s some of what you’ll discover: 

• Developing your composition with layers of color 

• Unravel the mystery of paint

• Painting around a subject to find definition

• Apply transparent glazes to create shapes and depth of color

• Develop your skills when painting wet into wet, under-paintings, and wet passages

• Experience Brenda creating paintings that glow — now you’ll know how, too!

• Demystify negative painting (and paint with more confidence!)

• NEVER struggle with color again … you’ll know just what to do!

• Proper design for this type of painting

• Capture light like never before (yes, with watercolor!)

• Create depth and interest (Brenda shows you how!)

• Positively accentuate the negative (negative space that is!)

• Uncover the characteristics of paint (you’ll be surprised at what you DON’T know!)

• Ooops … oh well, find the humor in it and move on…

See a short video, in-depth video description, purchase options: Glowing Watercolors: Available in DVD or Download

On the same day as the full release, January 23rd. I have a Facebook Live event hosted by Streamline. You'll see a segment of the video and I'll be answering your questions in the comment section.  

Event Details:Brenda Swenson "Glowing Watercolors" on Saturday, Jan 23rd at 3pm ET (that's noon for my West Coast friends). 

I'm often asked to teach online, zoom or other platforms. For personal reasons it's not for me. What I can offer is this video. I am really proud of it and the instructional information I'm able to offer. The video is 3 hours long but consists of two full days of filming, countless weeks of preparation and years of teaching. It's the best learning experience I can offer.

Hope you enjoy!

Brenda

Pull the Plug or Continue

These are dark and troubling times for the human heart…we are a hurting nation and world. 

Before the horrid events of Wednesday I was formulating what was going to be my last blog post. Why? With the creation of Zoom, Facebook Live and other platforms people now have other ways to learn and be inspired. I wasn’t sure if you needed what I was sharing anymore and thought my blog had run its course. Since most people receive my posts via email I’m not getting the same kind of feedback on my blog in comments section. When an anonymous person (troll) wrote a personal attack in the comments. I thought, that's enough. 

Wednesday morning I was painting on location when the alert came over my phone… attack on the Capitol. I absolutely lost it. I started crying and I couldn’t stop. After an hour I still couldn’t regain my composure. I couldn’t paint so I packed up and went home. Everything built up inside came flowing out in tears that wouldn’t stop. After a day I ended up posting something on Facebook in an attempt to find hope. I said, “Hope deferred makes a heart sick…I don't have any answers I just know 2020 was a disaster and 2021 is off to a lousy start. Looking for hope in a sick world and society”.  I’m not alone in how I feel nor am I comfortable showing my vulnerable side to the world (trolls attack the weak underbelly). The pandemic has amplified the feeling of being alone. I struggled to reach out to say I hurt and need help to see a brighter day will come. More than ever we need each other. On that dark day Facebook became my lifeline with words of comfort, encouragement and a pep talk. We each have a gift. Some are: comforters, cheerleaders, listeners, prayer partner, a bakers, a writers…? We can’t be all things to all people but we can be something. 

So many people came through for me on that day and I’m extremely grateful. I’d like to highlight one comment in particular (though all touched my heart). 

Here’s what he wrote: 

“Never, ever let this happen. To allow the acts of some to influence your ability to want to make art. Art is the beauty of the world and it (the beauty) still exists. You suck it up cupcake and get back to work and post more. I did both yesterday and today. There are people out here in this electronic land that we are conversing on right now that depend on you and I to help them deal with stupidity. You have been given a gift by the good Lord. Use it for what it was intended. I love ya buddy. Go to work, now”. ~Tom 

I took Tom’s advice and got back to work. I finished the painting began that dreadful Wednesday morning…

I’ve also come to the understanding that my lessons (art and life lessons) on my blog does matter. I can’t be all things to all people but I can do this. 

Be well and creative, 

Brenda

Happy and Healthy Holidays to You

Dear Friends,

Christmas Eve is here... It's hard to believe.  We never got to properly celebrate all the other holidays with friends, family and loved ones. 

“If you want to make God laugh, tell Him your plans”. ~ Woody Allen.

Time has a way of marching on whether we like it or not. Once I realized holding tight to my hopes and dreams was a waste of energy I let go. I was happier. I hope you have found some comfort in a new routine and joys. 

With each passing day I still hang on to HOPE. I hope and pray 2021 will bring a better day when we can safely be together, again. Prayers for continued health and that the vaccine will provide the results needed (nationwide and abroad). A safer world for us all. We have a ways to go! Please remain vigilant in protecting yourself and others.

Hugs,

Brenda

Don't worry...battery candle

What Does Watercolor Give Me?

The best description of watercolor is, it’s alive. It’s a dance between you, paint and the surface moisture on the paper… stepping into or pulling back. Watercolor requires you stay awake and respond to what’s happening on the surface. Never turn your back while the paper is wet…stay awake! I once heard someone say, ”Oil is like a dog, it wants to obey. Watercolor is like a cat, it does as it pleases”. I couldn’t agree more!

How important is it to understand materials in watercolor? Why?

Let’s start with paper. Understanding the materials can save a lot of frustration, wasted time and money. Watercolor paper isn’t something you want to skimp on. Every surface (cold press, hot press, rough) acts differently. Knowing how surfaces will react will save a lot of frustration. The weight of watercolor paper (90lbs-300lbs) varies greatly. Too light the paper will warp, too heavy and the pigment soaks deep into the paper and slows drying time. Lighter paper 90lbs is fine for watercolor sketches, dry brush or light washes. Heavier 140lbs to 200lbs cold press is my preferred weight and surface for painting.

 

Where do you see students struggling with materials? 

Student grade materials are a recipe for frustration. I would rather see students attend workshops with limited supplies that are artist grade than an abundance of student grade paint, paper and brushes. In the past, good brushes were very expensive. With modern technology synthetic brushes can fool an experienced painter. You don’t have to over pay to have quality. Most people own more colors than necessary. You will learn more with a limited palette of 8 colors. But don’t be cheap with watercolor paper!

Could you walk us through your process? What do you need to have figured out at each stage?

Step 1: Find my Inspiration

Step 2: Know my focus

Step 3: Creating a interesting design with a compelling value plan

Step 4: Draw

Step 5: Paint

Step 6: Know when to stop

For your reference: What do you take more or less directly and what do you translate? Why?

I’m not restricted by what I see. If I need to move a building, add people, change a color…I do so. As a painter it’s my job to create a scene or tell a story. If I’m not willing to change things I might as well frame a photograph and be done.

When I use a photo reference it will be in addition to a sketch. Either a watercolor sketch or value study. I will refer to the reference photo if necessary for architectural accents or signage. Black and white photo are the best for simplifying shapes and values!

“Don’t state the truth, tell me a beautiful lie”.~Gerald Brommer

What’s the biggest challenge you see with students and color?

Color is complicated. The task of understanding pigment as it relates to watercolor is compounded by understanding paint characteristics: granulating, staining, transparent, opaque and semi-opaque. Once someone wraps their head around these characteristics the possibilities of watercolor opens in new and exciting ways.

What kind of pigments do you use and what do those choices allow you to do? 

I mainly use transparent paints and a few semi-opaque pigments. I like the freedom of being able to develop a painting with transparent colors without worrying the colors will go flat or muddy. I can create glowing surfaces with multiple glazes while creating interesting and complex shapes with each glaze. 

There’s nothing wrong with opaques but they do not work for negative painting. My plein air palette has several opaque colors. Why? Opaque pigments are perfectly suited for creating body color and atmospheric perspective (fog, distance, skies…)

How important is drawing? Why? 

You learn to see through drawing. Drawing is the first thing people should be concerned with. Watercolor requires more forethought than other mediums. You can’t correct things like oil or acrylic. Drawing is where design is learned and values honed. Without drawing skills I have nothing. Perhaps that sounds drastic to some, but not to me! 

You paint en plein air and are sketching constantly from life. What has plein air painting and sketching given you as an artist? 

I used to dread plein air and would cringe when someone looked over my shoulder. Today I absolutely love it! I love being surrounded by my subject, feeling the warmth or chill on my skin, the smell of the earth or a coffee shop and the sounds that surround me. My love of light and its effect on a subject came from plein air. Learning to sit and observe my environment has given me a stronger awareness and understanding of my world. I literally feel a shot of adrenaline and have a heightened awareness of everything around me. Painting plein air is addicting! 

Would you like to learn more? I have two other great opportunities coming up in January! 

Watercolor Live, in January 27-30, 2021

Video release in January 2021 

Glowing Watercolors (with Negative Painting)

A day will come when it's safe to teach and paint in person again. I can't wait to see everyone's smiling, happy faces. Please stay safe until we meet again.

Love and hugs,

Brenda

His Teachings Changed My Life

Gerald “Jerry” Brommer, enthusiasm for painting and teaching changed my life.

I met him in the mid 90’s, early in my painting life. Many can attest to him as a loved teacher for 26 years, in the Lutheran schools, but I came to know him in the realm of a watercolor workshop instructor. His love of teaching, watercolor and nurturing style came together to create the man I knew. A kind, thoughtful person who loved God, Georgia and his students.  Always careful with his words and spoke kindly of others. He was a prolific painter, compassionate teacher, encourager and when needed…a gentle nudge.

Painting, art shows and students filled his life with joy and energy. Into his 80s he was
still teaching 18 workshops a year. A schedule people half his age couldn’t do. But with Georgia beside him he could do anything. In 2008 Jerry and Georgia decided it was time to stop teaching European workshops. He was 81 years old. But they wanted to visit Europe one more time. No teaching. Just a small group of art friends traveling, sketching and enjoying each others company. For two weeks we traveled from Prague to Berlin. One night during dinner he saw me playing with paper napkin rings fashioning an elaborate caterpillar. The next night he tossed a napkin ring my way and said “no more worms, make me something magnificent”. Never one to back down from a challenge. I proceeded to fashion him a crown of napkin rings and placed it on his head. It read,“ Sir Gerlad the Magnificent” (yes, Gerald is spelled wrong. Read my sketch to find out why).  He played along with a giggle and a smile and proceeded to wear the crown through dinner. He never took himself too seriously.

Jerry is one of the greatest people I have known. His contagious enthusiasm for life, teaching and painting guided me. I was a student beyond watercolor. I was a student of his teaching skills as well: how he handled a demo, a class, a person, a critique… his voice still guides me. We honor our teachers not by copying them but sharing their enthusiasm and carrying their message. In my workshops I always talk about him. I hope and pray my actions reflect this dear man: through my paintings, how I teach and in my life.

COVID-19 has taken Jerry from us. Rest well my friend. You have earned it. 

Love,

Brenda

Here's a wonderful interview with Jerry on YouTube. Joe Miller (Cheap Joe's) and Jerry were good friends. Video

On The Road Again…

If you want to make God laugh, tell him about your plans.  ~Woody Allen

The year started out like normal. Traveling and teaching workshops. January I taught in Florida, February Arizona and early March I flew to Maui with girlfriends. A little R&R before a hectic workshop season took off. During that trip we were beginning to hear alarming reports about “a virus”. I had no idea what was coming. Before I got home organizers and students were emailing me. Should we reschedule or cancel? I had 11 workshops across the U.S. and overseas…all were full. Over the next couple months I was rescheduling or canceling workshops, plane flights and hotel reservations. Can you imagine doing that for 11 workshops? Absolute chaos! 

Even though I couldn’t travel and teach I tried to be positive. I’d used the time wisely. I spent weeks combing through my teaching material for 4 different workshops and refined my curriculum. Out with the old and in with the new! It felt productive and good. I love teaching and it’s where I’m happiest. Surely the virus would be gone in a few months… Right? ...Wrong!

 On the road again! ------------------  Lunch break on the road

Okay, I still had my videos to look forward to. I had more time to prepare. I worked on the outline, chapters, demos, my timing… Then I was asked by the organizers of Watercolor Live to do a 45 minute session on Plein Air Sketching, for beginners. Now, I had two full length videos to think about and a 45 minute session for plein air sketching. My head was spinning with things I needed to remember. I had lists upon lists at home and at the studio: Negative painting / Sketching / Plein air

Two times we had to reschedule due to COVID. The ramping up and canceling was like living on a rollercoaster. The health risk of flying and hotels was real. I was at my wits end…should I stay or should I go? Then Mike had an idea. We’d rent a motorhome and drive to Texas for filming (1,400 miles). We’d have a safe place to sleep and our own food to eat. By this time motorhomes were in short supply and we were happy to find something. Admittedly 30 foot was a lot bigger than we needed! Off we went…

We arrived in Texas the day before filming and got settled into the Artist Cabin. Monday morning I met with the videographer Scot and his assistant Trevor. The next 4 days were filled with countless hours of filming and painting. We started at 9am and ended between 4-5:30pm. 

I’m beyond excited for the videos to be released by Creative Catalyst. 

Negative Painting will be out in early 2021,  followed by Sketching (ink and watercolor) a little later.

Both titles can be streamed or on DVD. Pre-release sign up and discount

But before the videos are released I have a session at:

Watercolor Live, January 27-30, 2021
Beginner’s Day Jan. 27th -or- sign up for entire event!
Information here

Happy Painting!
Brenda

Keeping Hope Alive

Six years ago...

Six years ago (today) I visited the Home and Studio of Nicolai Fechin, in Taos New Mexico. I’d been there before but this time something was different. As I stood in Fechin's Studio I was overcome with a feeling…it was hope. I wanted to keep that feeling alive. I was at a pivotal point in my life and I was struggling. I had to make changes. The choice was mine and so was the work. Where would I begin? I felt inspired and overwhelmed at the same time. What would I do?

Teaching and painting has always been a place where I felt at home, assured and strong. Over the next couple weeks an idea kept growing into a tangible reality. I was seeing myself and my future differently and I liked it! I felt more in control of my life than I had in decades. I decided it was time to tell my husband my plan. I announced to Mike I was going to get a Studio. He looked at me kind of funny and said “it’s not that easy”. He didn’t know I had a plan. I proceeded to show him. I had mapped out what I needed to do. I knew how much I could afford with my current income (workshop and painting sales), the size, general location, insurance, utilities, business license...

Within weeks I found a space and signed a 3 year lease. Over the next 2 months I hired a crew and remodel the commercial space for my Studio. I bought construction materials, carpet, furniture, lighting, shelving, sink...and took care of all the legal business requirements. I also butted heads with my husband on what I wanted. He had a few different ideas for my Studio. For the first time I wasn't backing down on what I wanted. We bounced around ideas but the final say was mine. It was the biggest thing I had ever done personally and financially. Talk about life changing! I was making my voice heard.

This isn't where the story ends... it's where it begins. My Studio didn't make me…I made it. The reason my life changed is because I made healthy decisions for my life. Not one decision...many! The way I felt 6 years ago was unbearable. I reached a point that I couldn't move forward until I found the strength to ask for help (part of my life I will keep private). I called our pastor. He referred me to a professional counselor. She was great! She listened, acknowledged hurt, cruelty... she advised, taught me healthy coping skills...and I trusted her. I thank God for putting her in my life for that brief period.

I'm not immune to bad days and 2020 has tested us all. Feeling sad, anxious, angry or tearful in uncertain times is normal…to an extent. But what's normal or depression is different. I’m not here to offer counseling. I am here to say life can be better. Many people are suffering in silence. Some to avoid abuse, some to avoid being called weak. If you're struggling you're not alone. Find the strength to reach out for help through: counseling, church, friends, Help Lines...

Hugs,
Brenda

Today I have a voice, a studio and... HOPE ❤️

Work of Nicolai Fechin
Museum, Home and Studio of Nicolai Fechin