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?

Josephina's Tea Party Watercolor Painting

A Doll's Tea Party Watercolor Painting in a New Frame

It's been a busy week moving in many different directions!  I'm continuing work on five landscape paintings which feature local views.  I've just completed number two, a view of the Marias River in the Rock City area.  I had no idea how much time this one would take...  In my mind, there is a sense of the place I want to capture and communicate and that takes time.  There are elements of the moment captured with camera that I so badly want to keep.  In the next three days, I'll resume work on the other three landscapes.  Their skies have all been laid down previously.  The fields and plains are yet to be finished.  

There's a pocket door I have acquired with plans to clean and repaint for a photo backdrop.  Etsy offers the option for five photos to be shown for each item listed.  With use of all five photo options, giving varying views especially in a mat and frame, the potential buyer has more information for purchase decisions.  My goal is to make the door my backdrop for displaying the paintings with mat and frame.  In addition, I'd like to have the option to add natural seasonal items for best presentation.

Recently, I've done some work on greeting card building as well.  I look forward to showing off progress in these different projects.  With frosted vellum I'll soon be creating overlays with printed text.  These will be layered on top of select photographs or prints of my artwork.  I've also got a supply of frosted shrink plastic; I'd like to fashion little tokens to be added as an extra beautiful detail.

So all of this has been incorporated around a busy family schedule with orthodontist, football games, medical appointments and more.  Yesterday, I had great initial plans to make big progress in the studio early in the morning.  Then I realized that much of our home was in need of my attention, so I spent the day with cleaning and laundry.  Of course, the housework is never completely finished; I'll be cleaning floors again soon.  Now I can sit and work today without the dread of housework looming.

My main focus for today is this brightly sunlit painting of  Josephina, an American Doll, seated up high on thick books, enjoying a tea party.  We've just recently taken part in a benefit for a local family.  Their daughter was the recipient of a liver transplant in July.  The fundraiser was a community effort to help with their travel expenses.  I was excited to be able to contribute and this painting seemed ideal.  It occurred to me that it's time to start including my children in the decision making.  They are in their teens but someday they may want to have pieces of my artwork for their own homes.  They were fine with letting this painting be donated.  They pointed out which paintings they'd like to have kept for now.

The one problem with this painting, in my mind, was the mat and frame.  I'm sorry I did not photograph it for before and after comparison.  It had a pale yellow top mat and navy inner mat along with a narrow navy wood frame.  I just couldn't give it as it was; it needed an improved mat and frame.  I attempted to paint the frame but it was no longer strong in corner construction so I bagged that idea.  A pale wood frame here in the studio was the beginning of my solution.  The color of the wood was so pale and uninspired!  Some kind of face lift was needed.

With bottles of Folk Art chalk paint and antiquing wax, I was able to give the frame a very different look.  I began by brushing the chalk paint onto the frame, carefully covering all surfaces seen when the frame hangs on the wall.  I let it dry for about an hour.  After the first coat, I did a little more to touch up for full coverage.  I nearly forgot one outside edge which would have been embarrassing later!  A little sanding in areas helped to keep the roughness in check.  Applying the antiquing was was a little trickier because it takes such a light touch.  A really stiff brush helps for better application.  I used a cloth to wipe away extra wax immediately.  I let it dry again until it was not as tacky to the touch.  With a cloth, I buffed the whole frame to bring out a bit of shine.

This is the painting and mat sitting beside the frame.  You can see I did not paint the back of the frame.  The paint could easily be transferred to the wall and we don't want that.  There's enough housecleaning to do as it is!  The glass has been cleaned with vinegar and a soft cloth on both sides.  There's just something about assembling a painting with a frame...there is always lint or debris that stays no matter what.  This painting had to be removed after it was all complete because even with my great care, there was still two tiny bits of unwanted debris inside.  Ack!

My next step in the process:  mounting the painting to the foam backing board.  One of my aunts owns a frame shop and much of her instruction stayed with me.  The mat or the backing board is either attached to the back of the painting at the top edge.  The painting is able to expand and contract without resulting in the watercolor paper buckling.  Below, there is a view of the work space at this stage.  The hairdryer and brush are to remove all remaining lint.  The damp blue sponge is sitting on a plastic tray.  The roll of acid free linen tape is what I use for hinging the painting on the mat board.

This is the when I recall my aunt using weighted bags to hold the artwork in place.  In quick, problem solving motion, I grab a rice filled sock.  (Why do I have this?  We heat it in the microwave and use it to soothe sore muscles.)  This will do the trick just fine!  What I have done is this:  I've placed a cut piece of foam board on the bottom, the painting in the middle and mat on top.  These three are sandwiched in a way so the painting is positioned for the best view.  The sock weight is placed on the painting and then the mat is set aside.  The painting is held in position while I apply the linen tape hinges.  You can see that the back of the box has instructions for two types of hinges.  I chose the one on the left.  The gummed tape is torn and then dampened on the sponge.  It's called a T-hinge because of how the two pieces are arranged for each hinge.

This photo is a better view of the two types of hinges.  Acid Free gummed linen tape holds the painting to the foam board.  It is only hinged at the top.  It's difficult to see but I used the T-hinge method.  The linen tape is not really visible, I'm sorry.  It's just too similar in color with the foam board.

The painting is now attached to the foam board and the mat is set on top.  Here is the point at which we must be super picky about little hitch-hiking lint.  I think I should have used paper towels or flour sack towels.  The microfiber cloth just didn't perform like I'd hoped it might.

The three parts (mat, painting, foam board) are placed into the frame face down toward the glass.  Using the screwdrivers, I carefully bent the staple brackets down over the foam board.  The painting is now securely sandwiched in and I can hardly wait to see how it looks from the front.  

Without double-sided tape on hand, I chose a different method to attach the dust seal on the back.  I wish I had not attached the hanger earlier.  I have done these steps so infrequently that I forget what steps should be done in what order.  This has been a great refresher!  The double-stick tape or a dot glue runner would work much better by far.  I have a large roll of gummed kraft paper tape so I chose to use this for the sake of completing without another supply run.  The dollar store sells brown kraft type wrapping paper and foam board which is such a great find!  

I did not photograph the following steps...it was a bit sticky.  I needed an extra set of hands.  I measured and cut the wrapping paper to cover the back of the foam board.  The gummed kraft tape was measured and cut for all four lengths.  The piece of kraft tape for the top edge needed to be cut to allow for the hanger to be exposed.  I used a spray bottle to wet down the back of the tape.  It's useful to know now that the gummed kraft tape works but not the easiest application.

This is one view of the finished work all ready to go...the mat and frame are such a fantastic improvement!  I love the look of the chalk paint and antiquing wax; they added to it without distracting from the artwork.

With a business card on the inside edge of the frame, I'm nearly ready to drop it off for the benefit auction.  I almost hate to see it go!  With so much effort in every piece, it can be difficult to part with each one.

The story behind the painting:

This painting was the result of a summer Saturday spent outdoors with artist friends.  This arrangement was placed in the center of Athena's backyard.  Great attention was spent on every detail to place each item with care.  Each artist brought her art supply bag and a food contribution for lunchtime.  We chose the vantage point that best appealed to us, scattering to tables for work space.  The chatting hopped from one subject to another.  When the neck gets sore or legs need stretching, we'd get up and wander to see progress going on with others.  The camera was needed for the necessary reference photos but back then (ooh, I feel old) it was necessary to take them somewhere to be developed.  No digital tablet or cell phone with camera.  My style has continued to develop since this painting came about.  Those days of art club were just so precious because we challenged each other and shared our knowledge.  We weren't competing; we were encouraging.  There's a gift in having camaraderie...working alongside one another.

One final touch:

There was one last special touch I made sure to remember in order for this to be complete.  Sometimes, when I donate a piece, they are mistaken for prints.  There's a big difference between an original painting and a print.  Huge.  There's planning, prepping, supplies, working through techniques, researching methods, and many hours.  There's great effort taken to complete a painting from inspiration to last brush stroke.  Such care and detail is given that is not there in a print.  Prints are nice for the pocket book  but they do not retail the same as original artwork.  From an artist's point of view, I need the viewers, bidders and buyer to be aware that this is the real thing, not a reproduction.  On the back dust cover, a business card attached and a handwritten note:

Now Josephina and her tea party are ready to go to a new home.  A place where she'll be enjoyed daily.  It's gratifying to know that what I've poured out on paper with a brush is being appreciated by another.  Someone valued it enough to make it theirs.  Thank you to those who have done so for me or another artist.  I'm sure with all my being, we would still carry on creating art regardless... but it is the highest compliment to have another seek to have it in their own collection.  There are probably more than 25 paintings of mine purchased and now in private collections.  I've been painting for over 25 years and have never kept a written record of artwork purchased.  That sounds crazy, I know.  Now, I wish I had written it all down.  This may be a low estimate, it's hard to accurately remember.  I feel a deep appreciation for those collectors.  At some point, it would be wonderful to have photos of each painting as it hangs in their homes!  Maybe through the blog and other social media, I can begin to record these now.

If you have a piece of my artwork hanging in your home, would you please be willing to send me a photograph to christysheeler.artist@gmail.com?  I would be glad to share it here, with your permission.  I've got some of these paintings shared on Pinterest; I can share that they are in your private collection as well.

Oh, this has been fun to share with you today!  I hope you'll continue to return so I can share more about this artistic journey.



-Christy

because she must make art.

Watercolor Landscape & Sky: Scotch Tape and Magic Eraser

Easy Watercolor Techniques For Landscapes

Have you been itching to try watercolor painting yourself?  Are you just a little excited to get your hands on a brush?  Today, I'm going to show two techniques that anyone can use.  

When painting a landscape that has more complex details, keeping the sky color separate from the land portion is a challenge.  It's easy for watercolor to spread over where you don't want it to be.  Keeping a paper towel ready makes a quick blot possible.  Sometimes, we just need a few fluffy white clouds in the sky so we'll add those, too.

Materials:

Watercolor paper

Scotch tape

Box knife or razor blade

1" flat brush, synthetic is durable for watercolors

Watercolor pigment in blue hue of your choice

(ultramarine or cobalt, add a little cerulean for variety)

Eraser cleaning pad

Scissors

Container of water

Scotch Tape with Watercolor

1.  Here, I've drawn a few basic lines to imitate the planes of a landscape.  The top line separates land from sky.  This is where we have possibility of paint spreading from sky area.  With this simple line, I would just turn the painting around with sky area closest to me.  This trick is key for landscapes with more varied or complicated shapes.  If the paper is clipped to a support board, then it can be tipped at an angle so paint runs toward the highest point of sky.  You can rest the board on a roll of masking tape to keep the back edge higher.

Labor Day in Glacier National Park

Chasing the Sun: Glacier National Park

Labor Day 2015

Montana's landscape holds beauty that any attempt to describe can't possibly do it justice.  The mountains are breathtaking but the prairies can be just as awe inspiring.  The way the light plays off the wide range of colors and textures captures my full attention.  Logan Pass had been closed in the days before taking this day trip.  There had been rain on the plains and snow in the mountains and the clouds still hung low.  With camera bags, water bottles, and snacks packed up, we took to the road.  We dressed for autumn but probably should have added another layer or two.  A winter coat would have been a great idea once we hit the top of the pass.  We were in and out of the car quickly, not intending to hike, so we were only a little chilled along the way.

On the road between Browning and East Glacier, I was so taken with the changing landscape and sky.  There's a bit of blue sky but the clouds are heavy yet.  This just cries out, "paint me!"  I probably will.  Our two kids (teens) were not very excited about spending the day on the road but they had their electronics along.  At this point, I'm hoping for the least complaining possible.  The bad attitudes seemed to be held off that day.  I always pack more stuff than necessary even on days like this.  I had very little leg room but it was my own fault.  I really didn't care; camera in hand, I was distracted with the landscape around us.

As we cross the bridge high above the river, this is the view to the north.  Just wow!   As I saw the train moving along the tracks, I had to try an attempt even with the vehicle in motion.  It's always a gamble with the end result.  I was pleasantly surprised that it turned out so well.  

[Happy purring kitten crawling on my lap, nibbling at my hands on the keyboard.  I think she's saying she'd rather have playtime or cuddle time.  She's doing her best to distract me.  She doesn't comprehend blog post deadlines.  Funny Lucy Lu!]

The first stop was Apgar Village on Lake McDonald.  The cloudy skies made it a challenge to capture very well.  I'm always seeking more reference photos here.  It's my favorite place in this national park.  I have more favorite views from the west side of the lake.

On our second stop inside Glacier National Park, I was noticing the lighting still wasn't ideal.  This view would be so much better with blue sky.  For an art reference photo, it will work nicely to a point.  There really isn't a strong light source.  It's pretty flat.  It give information about the parts of the composition but a light source and more defined shadows would be a huge improvement.

While taking these photos, I was looking up at the sky around us, studying the "holes" in the cloud cover.  I was trying to decide if it would be worth waiting longer to have a chance at more sunlight.  Do I wait?  Should we move on?  Will there be more sunlight for other photos up ahead?

Before moving on, I zoomed in on a these five views.  The first shows the blue of the water caused by algae.  Then I zoomed in closer for several more shots in the area.  I did alter these some to adjust them because of the overcast sky.

This is a view I am planning to paint at some point.  I've been gathering reference photos over the years.  It's such a tranquil perspective.  While here, I would guess I took at least 15 photos of this and the surrounding area.  I zoom in on specific areas to help with added details while painting.  As we were pulling away, there was a photographer waiting in the parking area.  He was patiently waiting for the sun to come through the clouds.  We joked with him that he was "getting" the sun.  I wanted to wait as well, but I knew we needed to keep moving.

This would be so much more dynamic with some blue sky, sunlight, and more distinct shadows.  But here we are, it's what it is.  I still enjoy it and could use it for an art reference.  

We are driving on the Going-To-The-Sun Road toward Logan Pass and there are few chances to pull off for a better view.  My camera was being put to work now!  Judging the roadside and trees, I click away hoping to not have a tree in the middle of the viewfinder.  The sun is beginning to show signs of breaking through the clouds.  I can see bits of blue sky appearing.

About this time, as my husband driver is slowing for me, I'm shooting away like crazy to get as many shots as possible.  Without realizing it, we've slowed down another driver behind us.  That driver used his horn to communicate his annoyance.  "Really?  These views and you're in a hurry?"  That was my thought.  The sun is breaking through and lighting up the tree tops on the mountainsides.  The sunlight's rays so defined.  My husband drives quite fast all the time, EXCEPT in national parks.  He wants to enjoy the views and he's not rushed at all.  We are a great combination.  

Ooh! Ooh!  It's the sun!  We found the sun!  I know I sound ridiculous but that's exactly what it felt like.  The sky was changing constantly as we traveled the road.  I couldn't take my eyes off the views.  The sunlight brings out the vivid greens in ribbons that bend with the curve of the slope. 

These are just spectacular views and I'm taken with the fact that I get to see them.  This happens every day.  I try to imagine what it would be like to see this everyday.  The clouds move and the sun comes through to spotlight creation.  The light brings out details that captivate those who will pause.

We approach Logan Pass Visitor Center and I observe other people dressed for winter.  Oh.  We didn't dress for winter.  We brave the cold and the snow anyway.  We can do this.

Inside the visitor center, this quote is posted on the wall.  I relate with these words.  I cannot begin to do justice to these views with words or photographs or paintings.  The views are just too amazing.

As we continued along the road toward St. Mary's, it occurred to me that we seemed to be chasing the sun.  We were excitedly pursuing sunlit views and glimpses of blue sky.  I am still in awe of the sun and clouds effects on the view of the valleys.  The varying pattern of dark next to light green is just yummy!  I know it's not food but yeah, it's food for the eyes.

The sunlight makes the difference.  Without the sun lighting up the landscape, it's flat and lifeless.  It's a beautiful view, sunlight or not, but just not the same.  It's really hard to add that in as I paint, second guessing how to plan the shadows.  I just know seeing the shadows makes painting a better experience.

Here is how the wildfires have changed the landscape this year.  This is the area drawing nearer to St. Mary's.  It's sad but intriguing all at once.  It's not ruined.  It's different.  Though it may not be ideal, it's still alive.  What we see may not appear to be alive but time will show its recovery.  The process is slow but so incredible to follow...this is one area I'll continue to photograph to show it's regrowth.

As we drove from St. Mary's toward East Glacier at the day's end, this traveler's Winnebago gave us interesting food for thought.  My own sentimental mind thought this suited our day and lives perfectly.  Off in the distance there are areas previously burnt in years past.  The regrowth is bright green and lush...like something good is on its way.

Our final stop in this day's journey before the drive home...Serrano's.  East Glacier has this little gem, Mexican cuisine so delicious that you'll need to get your name on the waiting list.  We waited about 30 minutes for a table and ate on the back patio.  It was a little cool but temporary walls were up on the patio aided by a patio heater.  We caved on letting the kids have technology at the table.  We seldom do this.  It almost felt like a date for just the two of us.  A little quieter and we could visit while we just enjoyed the end of the day.

During one of our first stops of the day, my loving guy shot these photos of me.  You can probably see how I was eating up every moment, sunshine or not.  It was a day full of taking in as much as possible because the seasons are changing.  The weather is changing quickly and soon all this will be like a different world.  The days grow shorter, the leaves change and fall, and the landscape is all new again.  I'm thankful for the opportunity to record these views and share them with the world.  It's all too good to keep to myself.  I'm sure there's somebody that would relish it all as well or better.  

This has been quite the wild ride, I'm telling you!  I'm not just talking about my own adventures in art and taking care of my family at the same time.  That has been a most exciting undertaking to be sure.  We had a rhythm that worked for us and felt pretty comfortable.  My decision to explore art as a possible career venture has thrown us all for a bit of a loop.  Now that we are starting our back-to-school rhythm, my work days in the studio are struggling to be productive.  There are appointments and interruptions that take me from art goals.  Though my progress continues, the amount of multi-tasking is tiring.

I'm learning so many new things at one time;
that only adds to feeling like I'm moving forward at the pace of a snail on Benadryl!

There are so many other unrelated commitments that I don't really want to give up.  I think my biggest weakness is that I can feel overwhelmed and not reach the goals I've set.  Do I expect a lot of myself?  Oh, yes.  Taking life too seriously can be my downfall.  

In the beginning, much research of online advice recommends longer posts for better search engine optimization (SEO).  I'm learning so much daily.  It seemed really hard to build longer posts at first.  Now, I'm trying to keep the post lengths from being too long.  I'm not sure what to share or how to say it...I guess that comes with experience and time.  I'll be trying to give a few short posts both for reader convenience and mine, too.  Now that the school year has begun, I'm finding I have to choose to write a post or paint.  Managing it all is a learning process.  We'll see where it goes!

_________________________________________________________________________

In the meantime, here's a teaser on what I'm putting together for a post in the near future.  My sister is very curious about the magic eraser method I mentioned on Facebook.  I'm just learning how this can be effective so don't mean to sound like a pro here.  It's an experiment that I tried on a painting recently.

So for now, I'm heading back to get going on paintings for the remainder of my morning.  That river's not going to paint itself!  If there's a technique you'd heard about but never tried...let me know, maybe it could turn into another blog post.  Maybe creative little videos will be added eventually.



Until next time,

-Christy

because she must make art.