Watercolor classes have begun again!  Two afternoons of painting pansies here in the art studio was amazing time spent together with several friends, both old and new.  All of this began with a thorough cleaning and reorganizing session to make the space better suited for sharing with other painters.  

Because the violas have been abundantly reseeding and growing in my garden (more than ever!), and their shape and colors are both simple and inspiring, I chose pansies (violas, johnny jump-ups) as the theme.

In time, I will become much better at spreading news of upcoming classes.  I apologize for not sharing a post here in advance.  I am slowly getting back into the steps of publicizing watercolor classes.  I am sharing on Facebook and Instagram along with an email list.  If you are interested in getting notified my email, please send me an email letting me know.  At present, my classes are only offered here on location in my home art studio.  It's most easily managed with a smaller group, my own studio setting, not needing to pack up supplies, more flexible scheduling, and my set up can be days in advance.  This space has a calming and relaxing atmosphere by design.  Over the years, it has been modified in a lot of ways to benefit functioning as a creative space.

The lighting in my home studio has been switched out for a much better experience.  I am amazed at the difference from before and after.  It's like daylight is pouring through sky lights!  Evening and winter painting will be better without the need for multiple task lights.  

In June of 2024, I offered two afternoon classes and had a few students each day.  I did not have either class fill up completely so July's class will be offered on only one afternoon.  I have not had anyone contact me requesting an evening or Saturday class so that may not be necessary.  I would be more than happy to accommodate anyone wishing to schedule a private event for six to nine students at one time.  

I was preparing to write a post about July classes and realized I didn't share about June classes.  Oh, well it is all a work in progress anyway.  Allowing myself some grace, I will share these thoughts and photos of one of the examples I painted for class.  July class information is coming soon!  As of today, the next class is twelve days out.  The theme is going to be a really fun one to explore and I encourage everyone to play with finding their own inspiring photos.  I am off to paint a few examples and will return to share more soon.

Christy

-She must make art.

 

Ethereal Expressive Collection Now Available

The Ethereal Expressive Collection is now available on my website.  The artwork in this collection are a bit different from the landscapes I have painted in the past.  I live in the northern part of Montana, USA and there is so much here for inspiration.  Glacier National Park has influenced my artwork with its grand beauty, no wonder it has provided so much inspiration.  With a large collection of landscape photos, I have endless options for what I could paint with watercolors.  

There are days when I just want to find a way to relax for a little bit.  Like a needed reprieve, I find painting my way of taking a little trip in my mind.  My imagination helps me to wander the hillsides, valleys and mountain meadows, all lush and wild.  So these paintings evolved as I explored different ways to vary on an expressive landscape.  I let the watercolor have more freedom to flow as it blended into other colors and areas, and I added salt for textures, as well as spatter and scraping through damp color.

The pieces in this collection are of a smaller scale, ranging from 5" x 7" to much smaller 2 1/2" x 3 1/2" for an important reason.  I am managing to make art in the pockets of time.  When I have just an hour or less to spend in the art room, there's a great challenge in working larger.  In 2020, I am pushing myself to paint on a larger scale of 8" x 10" and 11" x 14" though I need to be reasonable in my expectations.

Summer is an ideal time to go explore the mountains here locally and take photographs for my art reference collection.  It's also perfect for painting outdoors on location!  I typically take the photos now and do some smaller work in nature; fall and winter are perfect for longer art studio work sessions.

For those on my mailing list, I apologize for the website not showing this new work earlier this week.  I thought I had gotten it all ready to publish on its own...and it turned out not to be the case.  Next time a collection releases on a schedule, I will be sure to check it that same day.  Website management is an ongoing process for me as I improve my skills there.

My art website is linked here, ChristySheeler.com and I would love for you to go check out the new artwork in the Ethereal Expressive Collection.

Christy

-She must make art

New Art Releases Soon!

Ethereal Expressive Collection

I wasn't sure this one would be released according to schedule.  There are quite a few paintings in this collection.  Just over twenty original watercolor paintings, and though they are small, they seem mighty to me.  With so much internal pressure to control the water and paint, these were a delightful and relaxing venture in letting go.  I was so lost in the exploring of letting watercolor lead the way!  To feel lost in a good way, releasing the cares of the day and watching the paint do as it pleases.

This collection is unlike many of my previous landscapes, which are usually of landmark views here in Montana.  With Glacier National Park and the Rocky Mountain front being within a few hours of my home, those are the recognizable views I enjoy painting most.  These paintings in the Ethereal Expressive Collection are more created from my imagination.  A more limited palette and more loosely depicted, these have less specific detail.  

I was able to play with wet into wet painting method along with the use of salt texture, spatter, and leaving the blossoms that form in an unevenly wet area on the paper.  I experimented more with scraping back details with a palette knife or a razor blade.  I found that a painting doesn't have to be finished to the degree that I had always expected for myself.

These paintings will release very soon.  You might consider checking out my website at ChristySheeler.com soon!  While you're there, be sure to sign up for my mailing list.  There are more new collections on the way throughout the next several months.  If you are one of those who thrives off of knowing first, having that insider's tip, the mailing list means you'll know earlier than most.  I send out an announcement several days ahead with the release date...even before Facebook or Instagram!

If you're needing to be tempted just a bit more, here's a video (down below) with a quick glimpse of the whole lineup of new originals, available very soon!

Take care and talk again soon,

Christy

-She must make art.

Garden Blooms Collection Releases Soon

I am so ready for spring.  Montana spring is full of the occasional snow.  Gardens full of peas and lettuce will be a welcome sight.  And flowers.  I am excited for flowers.  The year 2020 has brought so much unpredictable and strangeness for daily life.  So while we might be feeling impatient for some beauty in the garden, I can bring you some blooms earlier than they will bloom locally.  Color so vibrant and touches of playful watercolor effects are on the way.  They are titled, in my art inventory,  have been photographed and now being uploaded on the website!

It has been my goal to remain  creative.   I find that even if no one needs my art, I need it.  I crave and heal through the process of creating art.  This outlet helps me cope with what is happening around me.

There are roses and sunflowers among the artworks coming soon to my website.   Nearly twenty in all, ranging in sizes from miniatures to 5" x 7" with prices that are super budget friendly.   My target date is May 21st, 2020 for these to be available online to purchase. 

I would like to add a few larger pieces to this collection though that may take a few weeks.  I have limited time available now.  I have returned to my seasonal nannying position on weekdays.   The small pockets of time available are key to making art and getting it ready to release online.

Would you like early access to see new artwork? 

My plan at the present is to release an art collection every 2 or 3 weeks.  That is dependent on a lot of things but it always helps to have a target.  There are seven collections ready to be released.  I will need to create the listings on my website which takes a few hours for each collection.  At this time, the collections are as follows:  Garden Blooms, Ethereal Expressive (landscapes), Summer Memories (landscapes), Waterfalls and Rivers, Trees, Autumn, and Winter.  I have plans to add two more collections, Wildflowers II and Prairie.

My website is www.christysheeler.com so go visit and you will be invited to sign up for my mailing list.  I have not been brave enough to actually try sending out a newsletter...until now.  Do it scared, right?  I do plan to send out an announcement for the release of each collection.  Sign up and you'll know before I publish it on social media!  What can be better than that?

I have two private commissions in the planning stages.  These will be larger pieces considering the sizes I have been working in lately.  I have been trying out studies in watercolor to prepare myself for working out the composition and values and color pigment choices.

One of my goals for this season is a better morning routine,  with about an hour reserved for being in my art room.   

Along with this, I have been bringing a small bag of watercolor supplies to work and I can find time to paint one or two times a week.  Even 30 minutes helps my outlook so much.

The two palettes shown are the Cornucopia Empty Watercolor Palette Trays.  They come as a 2-pack with 72 empty half-pans.  I ordered them from Amazon and they were under $20 total.  Dick Blick sells a larger variety for sizes of empty palette and full pans or half pans.  I chose pigments that would be lovely together, either just the one palette by itself or both together.  They have primary pigments and other favorites for pairing and mixing.  The sketch journals are Global Handbook Artist Journals.  The collapsible water cup is the Faber-Castell Clic & Go

I have been searching out a small and medium size bag perfect for organizing and protecting my art supplies.   Another of my goals is to have a perfectly packed for small quick day trips and longer ones as well.

It's great to be able to post this update and I will be working hard to make this spring and summer productive.  Thanks for stopping in to join me for this chat and let me know if you have any comments or questions.  You can comment below or send me a message through the link off to the right.

Christy

-She must make art.

An Instagram Update

-The Very Long Winter-

I'd like to give you a brief update on life here in my world.
Winter seems to have a strong grip on us.  We are weary of snow, ice, slush, and cold.  With serious effort, a positive attitude is being attempted so we can keep on with life.  We've had the most heavy and steady snowfall since a week prior to Christmas.  The amount of snowfall and wind have been a challenge not only here but worse in neighboring communities nearer the mountains.  We have had severe cold temperatures that kept the snow from being able to melt off at all.

The view through the windshield on Saturday as we drove south for a day out...out of the house and out of town. We are past ready for spring but doing our best to hang on until warmer days arrive in Montana. I will be so glad to be done with bundling up daily! Keep reminding myself that spring and summer and fall are worth freezing my bum off now.

A post shared by Christy Sheeler (@christysheeler.artist) on Feb 26, 2018 at 4:46pm PST

Beautiful colors in sky and land...shadows with snow are always eye catching to me. This was a county road which is why it's less travelled. It was great to take a drive and see wide open spaces.

A post shared by Christy Sheeler (@christysheeler.artist) on Mar 4, 2018 at 8:34pm PST

Snow as far as the eye can see. We enjoy every bit of blue sky...and sunshine. This was taken late afternoon yesterday. The amount of snow here is hard to describe. Ditches along the road are filled plus snow drifts are another 4 to 10+ feet high. So relieved and thankful for stories of people helping out neighbors with plowing often.

A post shared by Christy Sheeler (@christysheeler.artist) on Mar 4, 2018 at 8:40pm PST

I try to remember to keep my eyes watching for the beauty in what seems much like Narnia.

Having a bit of fun with the view through frosted glass window. Love the intricately laced patterns and just hints of the tree across the front lawn.like

A post shared by Christy Sheeler (@christysheeler.artist) on Mar 2, 2018 at 4:49pm PST

Outdoor temperature reads -14 F as I drove kids to school this morning. There are the most beautiful and intricately detailed etchings of frost on the glass in our front door. Trying to find the blessings in this new day. #thecreativelife #beautifulfrostyday #summermakesupforwinter #isitaprilyet #shemustmakeart

A post shared by Christy Sheeler (@christysheeler.artist) on Feb 9, 2018 at 7:59am PST

Local weather conditions: more snow. We had a couple of warmer days (30ish degrees for highs) with sunshine. Now this morning, snowfall has returned again. We're hanging on and believing spring will be here eventually. #snowonsnowonsnow #marchsnowinmontana #sonistiredofshoveling #goodforfarmers # goingtobeamuddyspring #springwillcomeeventually

A post shared by Christy Sheeler (@christysheeler.artist) on Mar 2, 2018 at 8:39am PST

There is a lot of wonderful detail in the frost, snow drifts, and shadows created in winter weather. Still, we'll be thankful to put the snow shovel away for a brief 6 or 7 months. Our first snow usually arrives in October.

It's much worse in other places, closer to the mountains. We live in town and on the prairies at lower elevation. More trees mean less drifting in our neighborhood. Thankful for our son's willingness to help with shoveling walkways. He's getting tired of the constant request though... #winterinmontana #snowonsnowonsnow #belowzerotemps #thanksforshoveling #cozywarmhometoday #springwillcomeeventually

A post shared by Christy Sheeler (@christysheeler.artist) on Feb 20, 2018 at 9:32am PST

I am now back to work as the nanny for a local family. My first week of full time adventure with three beautiful kiddos is behind me. It's the best kind of tiring "work" with lots of hugs and cuddles. This past week we worked on a leprechaun trap and I baked banana muffins. We played games and watched Sesame Street among many other daily activities.

Today is a very special day! We are making a leprechaun trap! Sparkle and bright colors are making this one hard to resist. Inside, the goodies, Lucky Charms cereal is our bait. We're almost done but now we wait for glue to dry.

A post shared by Christy Sheeler (@christysheeler.artist) on Mar 16, 2018 at 10:54am PDT

While youngest kiddo was napping today, I baked up banana muffins. It's really great to be back at work! Love this family and the friendship that's an added blessing. I'm grateful for having fun and laughs while I work as a daytime nanny. #marypoppinskindavibe #bakingismything #getmoredonewhilehenaps #reallythankful

A post shared by Christy Sheeler (@christysheeler.artist) on Mar 13, 2018 at 5:29pm PDT

Now, before you get all concerned about me losing out on my art creating time and space...I have been giving this some serious effort! I am staying hopeful that my creative energy will still get put to good use in the next few months. Are you on Instagram? You might want to follow me there because I'm most actively sharing what I'm painting on my Instagram account.

Hollyhocks in watercolor are very close to completion now. After I had focused on touching up whites and pulling out more dark details, I stopped for the day. There comes a point where more work is not really needed...and mistakes come easier. #thecreativelife #artstudiotoday #shemustmakeart #hollyhocksinwatercolor

A post shared by Christy Sheeler (@christysheeler.artist) on Mar 7, 2018 at 3:28pm PST

Painting on Yupo with watercolor is a great exercise in working more loosely with the brush. I am finding it more enjoyable each time I come back to this surface. It's not paper at all. It's a plastic surface and color lifts and moves so easily. #thecreativelife #artstudiotoday #shemustmakeart #yupopaper #montanasummer

A post shared by Christy Sheeler (@christysheeler.artist) on Mar 7, 2018 at 4:01pm PST

It's difficult for me to be away from my blog.  I enjoy being able to write about my adventures with watercolor.  So I'm so glad the number of views and comments continues to grow because this is my way to sharing with other creatives in this fantastic journey.  Hopefully, I'll be able to share my own spring views soon with vibrant green shoots of new life sprouting up from the earth.  The new blossoms will be bursting open to be loved and enjoyed once more.  I'll be able to capture these glimpses of the seasons changing from sleepy winter to sunlit spring.  Here in northern Montana, we're longing for the warmth and glow of sunshine, longer days, and easier travel from one side of town to the other.

Christy
She must make art.

No Searching Needed: The Artist is Not Lost!

I am not lost...

I am still here making art!  I know, it's been quite a while and you may be wondering what's going on in my art room.  Well, I have to remind myself that I'm not THAT crucial to the outside world.  Several artists have caught my attention, whether for their style, methods, or subject matter.  I get a lot of inspiration from them on a regular basis.  Their energy is contagious and keeps me fueled up for getting back to my brushes.  It's a bit disheartening when I get attached to following along with fellow artists and then (poof!) they are gone.  It's a cliffhanger or an unsolved mystery.  I want to know that they've continued on and are still creating with vision and passion.  I want to know they didn't give up their art making because life got in the way.

I made my way back to the brushes today! This watercolor on Yupo surface is inspired by an autumn hike. The sun was breaking through from the left side of this little creek. #autumnartwork #watercoloronyupo #inspiredbynature #christysheelerartist #missedmyartroom

A post shared by Christy Sheeler (@christysheeler.artist) on Dec 16, 2016 at 5:50pm PST

There's a tough choice to be made between making the art and managing the social media.  Both take time and there's only so much time in a day.  I have had some incredible art opportunities and I am behind in sharing them with you.  A large art commission came my way and I look forward to bringing it to you here.  That was completed back in November and shipped in early December 2016.

All my references and mixes for current artwork in progress. #watercolorpaint #watercolorinprogress #christysheelerartist

A post shared by Christy Sheeler (@christysheeler.artist) on Nov 2, 2016 at 10:46am PDT

Now, I'm cleaning and rearranging my art room.  I am making plans for art workshops here on location.  My art studio is both relaxing and inspiring and with so many people commenting on it, what better place to teach others about watercolor painting processes?!

While there's a lot of activity in my art room today, it's not the art creating kind. Furniture is rearranged and desk area is relocated now. It's quite a mess! #preppingforclasses. #thecreativelife

A post shared by Christy Sheeler (@christysheeler.artist) on Feb 15, 2017 at 5:15pm PST

With inspiration from the island of Maui, I'm planning a larger artwork for my personal collection.  Working from photos taken on our honeymoon, this artwork will hang in the master bedroom, as the focal point for redesigning that room's decor.

A bit of play to find how I want to paint the foliage in this watercolor of black sand beach on Maui. #blacksandbeach #backtomauisomeday #shemustmakeart #warmerplacesonmymind #christysheelerartist

A post shared by Christy Sheeler (@christysheeler.artist) on Feb 2, 2017 at 11:40am PST

So hang tight and check back soon...I'll be working on the Ivy Ranch Commission progression photos for a new blog post to be shared with you very soon.

I am just in awe at the response to all that I have shared in the past here and in my other social media presences!  It's so exciting to be sharing these experiences globally.

If you are interested in contracting for a private art commission, I am available to work with you!  I have plans to share all the pertinent information here soon.

Thanks for dropping in and be sure to say hello in the comments below!  Feel free to share a tidbit about your current art project!

Christy

-She must make art.

My Art Studio Update

All my references and mixes for current artwork in progress. #watercolorpaint #watercolorinprogress #christysheelerartist

A photo posted by Christy Sheeler (@christysheeler.artist) on Nov 2, 2016 at 10:46am PDT

This place is a zoo!

Hey there!  I am stopping by really quick like to let you know, I'm still plugging along in my little art world.  With quite a few "irons in the fire" at this point, I'm making the most of every minute this month.

In two days, my booth will be set up and selling at the Holiday Bazaar in Cut Bank, Montana.  It's being held at the Cut Bank High School building in the gymnasium from 10 am to 4 pm.  This event has been well promoted and has a large selection of vendors as well!

I've been working with great purpose to complete two watercolor painting of the Cherry Blossoms.  These two watercolor paintings will be framed and on display!  The three watercolor paintings are 5" x 7" dimensions and I will not be making Giclee Art Prints from them for that reason.  The paintings with mat and frame are available for purchase now at $210.00 each.  The third artwork, The Delicate Unfolding, (also 5 x 7) is offered with mat and clear protective sleeve for $170.00.

My artist's booth will offer original watercolor artwork, both with mats and frames, fine art prints, my handmade note cards, my own handmade lip balms, and rustic wood candle holders in sets of three or four (my husband's handiwork).

Abundance of Spring, 5 x 7, original watercolor painting now available - $210, will have mat and frame. #cutbankholidaybazaar #christysheelerartist #newartwork #originalwatercolorart

A photo posted by Christy Sheeler (@christysheeler.artist) on Nov 3, 2016 at 8:14am PDT

Along the Way, original watercolor painting 5 x 7 with mat and frame $210. No art prints made due to size. #christysheelerartist #newartwork #originalwatercolorart #cutbankholidaybazaar

A photo posted by Christy Sheeler (@christysheeler.artist) on Nov 3, 2016 at 8:25am PDT

The Delicate Unfolding, original watercolor artwork, 5 x 7, with mat and clear protective sleeve $170. No art prints made due to size. #christysheelerartist #shemustmakeart #newartwork #watercolorartwork #thecreativelife

A photo posted by Christy Sheeler (@christysheeler.artist) on Nov 3, 2016 at 8:29am PDT

Fall touches are popping up in my art studio! Pumpkin scents are keeping my creative energy alive. #artstudiotoday #fallaccentdecor #christysheelerartist #rusticwoodcandleholders

A photo posted by Christy Sheeler (@christysheeler.artist) on Oct 26, 2016 at 12:08pm PDT

In addition to all this, I've accepted a private art commission to be delivered by Christmas!  It's a large artwork of 22" x 30" and I'm already enjoying the process beyond explanation.  I'm so honored and blessed at the same time!  As I've drawn, reworked the perspective, transferred the drawing to watercolor paper, planned the color mixes, and studied the reference photos...I've considered how the past 17 months prepared me for this opportunity.  Each technique I've practiced and every challenging detail has given me this full tool resource for a new challenge.  I feel the weight of providing my best work now, as always.  Each of the more than twenty paintings that were created in those months strengthened my confidence and ability.

Thumbnail sketch for an upcoming project; a quick little study shows my vision for this place. #preparingforartwork.#watercolorsketch #gettingitonpaper

A photo posted by Christy Sheeler (@christysheeler.artist) on Oct 18, 2016 at 7:07pm PDT

Art room activity with watercolor in progress! Large piece this one!

A photo posted by Christy Sheeler (@christysheeler.artist) on Nov 2, 2016 at 10:49am PDT

I just need to say that God's timing is impeccable!  Many times along this artistic journey, I worried that maybe I'd be given a surprise challenge I would fail at miserably.  I feel like that was a silly concern now.  As I work here in the art studio, my mind is hard at work but my spirit is busy in prayer.  Many friends and family have commented on the atmosphere of this room; they observe the peaceful and relaxing way it affects them.  That is something I wanted from the start.  That is what I strive for and how I prepare to be creative.

My mind is also busy working on a plan for offering watercolor classes in the spring.  The space here limits me to 5 or 6 people per class.  I could choose another location but this room, my art room, has its own special draw for others and I'd like to host classes here.  So, if you should see me at an event, or around town, let me know if you'd like to take a watercolor class in 2017!  I've considered offering a make-and-take stamping and card making class, too!  If either of those sound like a great idea to you, let me know!  The space will be limited and I may need to offer more than one class.  This would be a full day workshop, 9 am to 4 pm...bring a lunch.  Coffee, tea and water would be available.  Bring your art supplies!  If you don't have any, I can provide a list of supplies needed and you can get them yourself before class.  I can provide student-grade watercolor supplies for an added supply fee.

I'd love to stay here and share more but my list of today's tasks is waiting for me!  I'm excitedly working away to provide the most beautifully handmade items, each one crafted with great attention to detail.

I look forward to meeting and visiting with many on Saturday in Cut Bank...

and then again on November 11th, Ladies' Night Out at the Golf Course in Conrad, Montana!

Stop on over and check out my facebook page for more current updates!  

Have a great weekend everyone!

-Christy

Giclee Print in the Art Studio

I can't wait to share the news!
I've got Giclee prints here now.  They arrived a few days ago and now I'm preparing to list them on Etsy.  If you live in our area, I'll have them in the studio for purchase.  There's a bit more work to do before they'll be ready to leave the studio.  I'll be signing, packaging and photographing them.

Just arrived this week! Giclee fine art prints of my work. Only a limited number of each; I will have a few of each in the studio for now. These will be ready for purchase locally next week. Soon after, they will be added to the Etsy shop as well. #watercolorprints #christysheelerartist #giclees #artstudiotoday

A photo posted by Christy Sheeler (@christysheeler.artist) on May 6, 2016 at 3:57pm PDT

 The lilacs are blooming and I ought to grab my camera before they finish their show.  It all changes so quickly!  Our family will be heading closer to the mountains this weekend for an afternoon of picnicking, kayaking, and maybe even a campfire.  I'll take my camera and maybe a few art supplies!  Are you enjoying some time outdoors this weekend?  Be sure to take some time to see what's happening in the nature around you!

-Christy
she must make art.

Watercolor Poppies Complete Art Process

Overview of Poppies Watercolors Series

The inspiration for these paintings began with a neighbor's garden!  Lynn has one of the most green thumbs on our block.  As I've shared before, I keep a close eye tuned to the gardens throughout our little town.  Many a trip, toting one of my kids somewhere and back again, means I can spot the local views for inspiration.  In the past, Lynn has been great with me taking photos of her sunflowers as well.  I remember years ago...photos gone with a hard drive crash...taking some photos of magnolias she was growing in her living room.  Last summer, I visited Lynn's garden when the early evening sun brought out their beautiful glow of oranges and yellows.    The petals are like tissue paper, so delicate and thin.  For my artist's eye, these are just too lovely to resist!  I've looked forward to painting them and found they were worth the wait.  There are a total of four paintings in this series.  I'll be showing photographs from the stages of completion but not always from the same painting.

As I've shared in passing a photo on my phone of my current works in progress, many people have commented that poppies are their favorite as well.  With photos sorted and favorites chosen, I began the process with the value sketches.  The composition is very important in the planning stages.  I must admit I broke some composition rules in two of these paintings.  I did not place the focal poppy where it ought to be BUT I believe I was able to pull it off.  This should not be my regular habit; the unusual composition appeals to me.  My art critic husband is strongly drawn to the more traditional compositions.

I did not want to do the value studies/composition planning!  Like brushing teeth...it doesn't take that long and it's painless, but it sure prevents future problems.  I have been aware that these little quick sketches are important.  I wanted to get right to the painting sooner.  It wasn't torturous and I will begin implementing this in my process on a regular basis.  It's really not THAT bad.

I have been making my sketches directly on tracing paper.  Maybe I ought to be sketching on drawing paper in the sketch book first.  What thought do you have?  I suppose a sketchbook is a longer lasting record and easier to flip through later.  Well, I made the sketches on tracing paper.  I had purchased a thicker tracing paper and this was my chance to try it out.  I think I prefer the thinner weight.  Is it because it's what I am familiar with, that's undecided.  

Sketches are transferred with graphite paper onto the 300 lb. watercolor paper.  This saves the paper from multiple eraser marks and pencil lines indented in the paper.  If you have not made your own graphite paper before, you should give it a try.  You only need a few items and you most likely have them on hand now.  Comment and let me know, I would do a how-to demo to show how it's done.

Lush Fields of Teton County in Watercolor

Painting a View of the Front Range

Montana has won my heart!  The breathtaking views offered daily are more than an artist could ever capture.  Whether it's a brightly colored sunrise, a gentle frost on the tree branches, or a purple mountain range that seems to go on forever, it's a land of inspiration.  One of my most recently completed artworks was inspired several years ago.  

After watching the annual Independence Day parade in Choteau, Montana, we were driving home.  We topped the hill and then I saw this fantastic sight.  The fields were such a verdant green and in the distance I could see bright yellow flowers, perhaps mustard.  The sky was clear, no haze at all, and just sooo blue!  The mountains in the distance were easily visible.  The well worn tracks along the fence line drew my eye to the mountains.  I was mesmerized and picturing how it could become a painting.  My camera was close at hand and we pulled off onto the side of the road.  

As I've said many times, my husband and children are more than understanding and patient.  They know how much photography means to me.  Over the years, they have become accustomed to a camera being in my hand.  It's very seldom that they hurry me along or distract my focus.  I am indeed blessed.

The photo by itself is not that awe inspiring, I must admit it's just okay.  It's bones are nice though.  The elements of design being used here make it work; it just needs a little tweaking and it will be exactly what I need.  The basic composition is made up of sky, mountains, fields.  The mountains are not cutting through in the center of the frame.  This creates more interest.  Add to that, the horizontal planes are divided unevenly.  The wheel tracks and the fence line both break up the lower plane at eye pleasing angles.  See, I've been working at this long enough, it's planned out pretty well when the photo is taken.

Quick Glimpse of Recent Watercolor Progress

What's happening today?

Well, two paintings are being flattened under a stack of books.  They will be fully flattened tomorrow and then comes the dreaded signing.  I always stress over my signature.  Is it straight?  Is it weird?  Is it just right?  Re-do is not an option.  Over thinking again.  That's me.

Three more landscapes are mid-process with their skies completed.  It's time turn my focus to the land part of the compositions.  Who knows what little challenges lie ahead, causing me to rethink my techniques.  What techniques will work best to achieve the desired effect?

I was able to get further along on two of the three remaining landscapes.  An ivory mat laid on top gives me new perspective on how the whole composition is coming along.  It's a tough thing to decide how much color an area needs.  The saturation of color affects the contrast but too much is not always a good thing.

This is a view of the whole setup in front of me while working today.  Changing out the water often is very important.  I have another tub of rinse water to my right, out of view.  The roll of toilet paper is wrapped with paper towel; this is where I blot extra water out of clean brushes.  Too much water left in the brush will travel up the bristles into the metal ferule.  The end result is that extra moisture is absorbed up into the wood handle and the result is cracked paint on the handle.

At times, it feels like a good idea to take a break and set the painting aside.  I'll set it on an easel across the room.  As I pass by, I glance at it to see what stands out as an area needing changes.  In the evening, I'll call on my husband for a critique session.  Over the years, we've done this so often, we complete each other's sentences.  He begins and I can guess where he's going with his thoughts.  Another person's point of view is an incredible tool in deciding what still needs work.  The painting below is from the "Cut Across" road; we were coming back from the Fourth of July parade in Choteau.  My husband loves this one most right now because of the wheel tracks leading along the edge of the field.

It's all I can do to keep myself from grabbing the camera right now!  I would love to show all the changes that have taken place in the past two days.  Why not?  I 'd never complete the painting.  I'm going to be disciplined and get back to work with a brush in hand.  I'd like to plan another update later in the day...although it may be a very short addition below.  

Another blog entry to come again on Thursday...check back and I'll show off a previously completed landscape painting.  The watercolor palette is calling my name so I'm heading back to create for today.

I have two new landscape paintings to be added to the Etsy shop in the next week.  If you have not been to the shop, click to go to ChristySheelerArtist.  I've been taking more photos of each painting to give more variety of views for each listing.  Those will be updated in the coming weeks.

-Christy,

because she must make art!

Quick Question:

If you were to use paint to capture a scene in your mind, what would it be?  What type of paint would you use...or what other medium would you choose?