Art and Life Lessons

Dear Friends,

As many of you know this last year has had its highs and lows. None of these experiences have been wasted on me. I am observant by nature and being an artist has taught me a lot. The lessons I've learned have extend far beyond a piece of watercolor paper or canvas. I’d like to share what I’ve learned…

COMPOSITION IN ART: A well composed painting places the focal point off center; otherwise it will appear predictable and boring.

IN LIFE: A well composed life means I don't put myself in the center of everything.

DESIGN IN ART: A harmonious arrangement of the parts of a work of art in relation to each other and to the whole.

IN LIFE: Design my life to be lived in a way that is harmonious in all parts: faith, family, health and work.

COLOR HARMONY IN ART: Limit strong colors, otherwise color will overpower the painting and distract from the overall picture.

IN LIFE: Don't overpower others with my opinions.  It distracts from my purpose.

COLOR TEMPERATURE IN ART: To make objects come forward in a painting use warm colors, and to make objects recede use cool colors.

IN LIFE: If I want people to feel close to me I need to be warm, if I am cool I will push people away.

VALUES IN ART: A term used to refer to lights and darks, which are the most important of all the visual elements. Without value variations we could not even see the subject—in pitch black or blinding light.

IN LIFE: Conduct my life in a way that my values are clear and understandable.

FRAMING IN ART: Framing is the artist’s final act before the painting goes out into the world. The way in which a painting is framed says a lot about how the artist feels about their work. The matting should enhance and support the art work. The glass and frame should be clean and presentable.

IN LIFE: Use care in the way I present myself to others.

ART SHOWS AND COMPETITIONS: Don't let successes go to my head or rejections go to my heart.

IN LIFE: Not everyone is going to like my artwork and that’s okay…they don't have to hang my paintings in their homes. Not everyone is going to like me and that's okay they don't have to live in my skin.

I promise to have a new post soon...with images and another lesson in watercolor.
Happy Sketching!
Brenda

Plein Air Convention & Expo

Home from the Plein Air Convention & Expo, in Monterey California. The event was held over five days.
Wednesday through Friday was the indoor portion of the program with lots of lectures, demonstrations, and manufactures. Saturday and Sunday was the outdoor portion of the program. I was one of the demonstrators. The event was hosted by Plein Air Magazine. More than 600 artists were in attendance this year! The publication has outstanding articles on plein air artists, high quality printing, and solid information pertaining to working outdoors. It's mainly an oil painter's publication with a smattering of watercolor.

When I was asked to participate I had my reservations. I wondered if I would I look out of place next to hundreds of oil painters? Would I be the odd man out? Would my artwork hold up next to an oil painting...?



Yup...I had a moment of  self-doubt. I'm no different than you. We all have to deal with that monster now and again. The trick is not to let my emotions rule my actions.  Look at all the great sketching and painting opportunities I would have missed!

Point Pinos Lighthouse, Pacific Grove

The organizer Eric Rhoads talked to me about bringing more watercolorists to the event next year... 

Monterey Cypress

Happy Painting!
Brenda

Asilomar Resort and Beach

Carmelite Monastery

Daniel

Daniel finished his last chemo treatment! He's now past the yucky stage and back to feeling well. He also had his PICC line removed and couldn't be happier! Except for a little bit of scar tissue underneath the skin where the tube was inserted, there is no evidence that a PICC line was there. Now Daniel is a free man until…until next month. He'll have a bunch of blood work done and a check-up by the doc, but no chemo drugs! At this appointment the doctor will determine when his next PET scan will be, but he mentioned that it most likely won't be until the fall. By then, six months will have passed and they'll have a good idea whether the cancer will come back. Hodgkin's Lymphoma is easily cured however, and rarely returns. After another PET scan this year, he'll only have one scan a year for five years. If the cancer has not returned after 5 years, he will be considered cured.

So what does Daniel's life look like now that he's in remission? It's busier than when he had cancer! He started his last quarter of the mechanical engineering program at Cal Poly and he's taking 20 units. The school load is pretty much insane, but he's making up for taking an easier load last quarter. Six classes is all that stands between him and graduation! June 15th can't come soon enough! In between all the classes and homework, Daniel works part time and has been going to lots of career fairs and job interviews. He's had 6 interviews! His choices for employment are looking better and better each week. God is answering our prayers! I look forward to seeing how His plan continues to unfold for Daniel and his family.

Life is also a lot calmer for his wife, Heidi. She’s not consumed with doctor appointments, lining up baby sitters, endless paper work with medical bills, a sick husband… No doubt cancer is hard on the patient but Heidi has carried a burden that was at times beyond my comprehension! In the last nine months she has walked through the fire.

I would like to share Heidi's words with you. “To be honest, I am in a much better place spiritually, emotionally, and physically than I was 9 months ago. I truly am thankful for this trial the Lord allowed us to go through because it taught me lessons that I know I wouldn't have learned otherwise. Don't get me wrong, I had A LOT of days where I wanted to give up. I wanted to complain, whine, and throw a major pity party. That was probably the biggest lesson I learned: refusing to complain and choosing to be thankful instead. The conscious effort to praise the Lord rather than focus on myself has not come naturally. Of course I still have much to learn, but I feel spiritually refreshed.” ~Heidi Davison

I want to thank everyone who held Daniel and Heidi in prayer. This mother’s heart is filled with joy, gratitude, and relief beyond words. I can never thank you enough!

Brenda

An Illustrated Journey, Video

Its been a couple months since "An Illustrated Journey", by Danny Gregory was published. Before I had a copy of the book in my hot little hands Danny interviewed me on Skype. We had a wonderful conversation about techniques, tools, materials, my personal journey, and thoughts. As promised, I said I'd tell you when it was posted on-line. Today it was posted! Here is a link if you would like to watch the video interview. The beginning is a little choppy, but hang in there...it's good stuff!

The book is a real jewel...filled personal thoughts, creative inspiration, funny stories, wonderful adventures and more. The artists in the book are diverse, talented, inspiring, unique...and from all over the world.
Here's a link if you are interested in the book, "An Illustrated Journey".

Happy Sketching!
Brenda

Watercolor Workshops

UPCOMING WORKSHOPS... California and Wisconsin. If you are interested I would love to meet you and have fun creating art together! 

May 17-19, 2013, 3-Day Workshop
 Stained Paper Collage with Watercolor
Fee: $275.00 Citi Bank Building, 2350 Honolulu Ave, Montrose CA
If you have questions or would like a flyer email me at: SwensonsArt@gmail.com

 

This workshop is designed to take you in new directions with watercolor. Explore how vibrant pieces of stained Japanese papers can simplify a scene and develop stronger imagery. Identify the importance of design and build upon your current knowledge. Each day we will construct a collaged surface, paint back into it  with watercolor and create exciting results! Come with an open mind to explore a new and exciting way of seeing and working with watercolor! Enjoy daily demonstrations and critiques. Skill level: All

 June 3-6, 2013, 4-Day Workshop

Sketching Techniques Watercolor
Dillman's Creative Arts Foundation, Lac du Flambeau, WI, 

Website & Workshop Details here Info: 715-588-3143

 

Enjoy the wonderful allure of watercolor! Each day we'll explore 
exciting sketching techniques, tools, and papers. Learn how a sketch can be complete in itself, or a road map to larger studio paintings. Sharpen your observation skills, color awareness nd learn simple design principles. We will explore fun and exciting ways to be expressive with sketched images and words. Learn the artistic process of merging words and images together on a page. Whether you want to improve your watercolor skills, create travel journals or take that next step as an artist you'll come away from this workshop excited and inspired about your artwork. Explore the charm of watercolor in a friendly and encouraging environment and a sketchbook uniquely your own. Benefit from daily demos, friendly critiques, and lots of one on one help.  Skill level: All

 

Putting Zeta Paper to the Test

Recently the Stillman & Birn Sketchbook Company sent me samples of their new Zeta Series paper. When the paper arrived the first thing I noticed was the papers surface. It is similar to Hot Press watercolor paper. To the touch the surface is smooth, bright white and the weight is 180 lb. The Zeta Series has both internal and surface sizing, it is acid-free, lignin-free and chloride-free.  

Click on image to see larger

Step #1 Pen drawing. I used the technique of Contour Drawing with a waterproof pen.

Step #2 Watercolor painting. I began by blocking in the larger areas with watercolor.

Step #3 Here is where the paper is put to the test. I like to build up rich color in glazes. The paper held up great.Where I wanted to lift color for highlights the color came up easily with a soft brush and clean water.

Pen & Ink

I thoroughly enjoyed how pens move on the surface…they glide! I also noticed that some inks take a little longer to dry than others. This has to do with the papers sizing. This isn't

a problem, just an important fact. Quite often I select pens/ink because they move when wet, but for this demonstration I wanted the line work to stay put. The Pitt Pens by Faber-Castell dried instantly, and this is the pen I used (medium tip). Noodler’s Ink in Polar Brown and Lexington Gray dried instantly, too.

Watercolor
I am predominately a watercolor artist so I was curious to see how the paper would hold up with watercolor. The paper was a joy to paint on! It was easy to build up layers, soften edges, and lift color. I found it easier to work on than Hot Press watercolor paper. All my colors remained clear and vibrant and the paper didn't warp.

Final Thoughts
I take all my artwork seriously whether I'm sketching or painting. The Stillman & Birn Company takes their paper seriously, too. I can’t wait for the new sketchbooks made with Zeta paper to arrive in stores. I will definitely be using it!

Happy Sketching! 
Brenda

How to Set-Up a Watercolor Palette

It is time to share these helpful tips again. Very little information is available on how to set up a watercolor palette... so I figured I'd share my technique.The palette I am showing is a Heritage Folding Palette with 18 wells. It is one of the nicest travel palettes I have seen in a while and a great price. The lid has a soft plastic seal, which keeps the palette from leaking and keeps your colors from drying out quickly. It comes with a removable clear plastic tray. I don't use the tray since the palette has an ample mixing area. 

(1) Before I use a palette I give it a light scrubbing with a mild abrasive such as soft scrub. This takes the slick surface off the mixing area and removes any residues from the manufacturing. Be sure to thoroughly rinse off the palette…you don’t want this in your paint.
(2) I fill the 18 wells with my favorite selection of paint. Don’t put tiny dabs of paint in the wells…fill the wells! Tiny dabs of paint will eventually just fall out. Hold the tube over the deep end of the well then come back towards the shallow end while squeezing the tube.

(3) Let the palette sit open for a day or two. When the paint had set up and is no longer sticky I wet my thumb and push down in the center of each well. What this does is create an indentation for the water. When I get ready to paint I lightly mist the paint wells and I am ready to go.

Here you can see how nicely the paint mixes and mingles because the palette was prepared with a mild abrasive.
 
List of  Watercolors in my Palette
Colors are listed clockwise starting at the left bottom. I find distinctive differences from one manufacture to the next so I have also listed the brand names. 




Leaf Green (Holbein), Hansa Yellow Medium, (Daniel Smith), Raw Sienna (Winsor & Newton), Quinacridone Gold (Daniel Smith or Winsor & Newton), Winsor Orange (Winsor & Newton), Scarlet Lake (Holbein or Winsor & Newton), Permanent Alizarin Crimson (Holbein or Winsor & Newton), Rose Violet (Holbein), Cobalt Violet Light (Holbein), Ultramarine Light (Holbein), Cobalt Blue (Holbein or Winsor & Newton), Marine Blue (Holbein), Cerulean Blue (Holbein), Cobalt Teal Blue (Daniel Smith), Viridian Hue (Holbein or Winsor & Newton), Quinacridone Sienna (Daniel Smith), Burnt Sienna (Winsor & Newton), Lunar Black (Daniel Smith)

Happy Painting!

Brenda