She was right, of course. So when I got the chance I created a similar set up in my studio. I love the sweet/salty aromas and tastes that the subject evokes. And all the gorgeous colors and textures, and the beautiful cast shadow under the plate. It really was a delicious composition to paint!
Our Thanksgiving turkey was browning in the oven, and the guests were getting hungry. So I placed an appetizer on the table, and my sister said "Wow, that's beautiful, you should paint that!" She was right, of course. So when I got the chance I created a similar set up in my studio. I love the sweet/salty aromas and tastes that the subject evokes. And all the gorgeous colors and textures, and the beautiful cast shadow under the plate. It really was a delicious composition to paint!
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If you follow my blog you may already know that during my art school days I studied the figure, still life and landscape using oil paints. But I like to challenge myself and learn new things. So lately I've been reading up on watercolor techniques and trying them out. Many old school watercolor books I've found are written by purists who use transparent watercolors only, and look down their noses on any use of opaque media. I get why they love the fresh, luminous look of transparent paint. But coming from oil painting makes staying in the transparent zone easier said than done. I'm used to the option of painting light over dark. And you can't do that using transparent paint. Light colors just won't show up over dark. Nevertheless I persist. I continue practicing transparent techniques to get better. But sometimes, after I've already tried and failed, it's time to save my work ... by any means necessary! And why not. It's kind of liberating, actually. Besides, after a recent trip to the Metropolitan Museum I couldn't help noticing that many of the modern and old masters made drawings and paintings in mixed media. Watercolor with charcoal, watercolor with pastel, watercolor with opaque white, watercolor with ... you get the idea. I'm by no means a watercolor historian so I'm not sure when the cool kids got so pure. But I'll look into it and get back to you. I'm determined to learn how to paint with watercolors. This was my seventh try on this little bouquet of yellow carnations. Thank goodness these cut flowers last so long! This week was my first watercolor class. Watercolor requires a whole different method and mindset than what I'm used to. So much fumbling around with a new medium made me want to do a quick sketch in something I had more control over. Just to balance things out. Here in New York City we had a strangely balmy February, with temperatures occasionally rising into the 70s. So it's a good bet that March will bring an early spring ... along with the official ending of the 2017 Mallomar Season. Mallomars are only sold from October to March, primarily in the New York State region. So you may not know about these beloved, gooey, s'more-like cookies. They've got a marshmallow center, a graham cracker crust, and a crispy dark chocolate coating. Way back in 1913, when Nabisco first began making them in New Jersey, they were delivered without benefit of refrigeration. So during the warmer months the chocolate would turn into a melted mess. But nowadays don't they keep their trucks adequately chilled? Why do devoted fans have to yearn for their return in October? Who knows. It certainly adds to their mystique. Perhaps Mallomars just like to play hard to get. Greetings, art lovers! Here's wishing you a Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Joyous Kwanzaa, and a wonderful holiday season, whatever you're celebrating. May the universe bring us all generous helpings of peace and love and things to smile about. And perhaps one or two small luxuries. And throw in a little comic relief once in a while. It couldn't hurt.
Okay. So it's not The Godfather or Lord of the Rings. And it's only a minute and a half. But ta-da! It's my directorial debut, lol. Anyway, I'm so pleased that I finally figured out how to make a video slideshow of my latest gouache still life paintings. And ... it's uploaded onto my Youtube channel. For all the world to see.
I do hope you'll visit Youtube and click the thumbs up button ... you'll find it below the video on the right. It'll be a hu-u-uge help for an artist, and you'll be doing your good deed for the day. Enjoy!
Okay, so maybe they're not the sexiest vegetables on the dinner plate. But fresh raw turnips sure are pretty, with their lavenders and pinks, and their delicate, serpentine roots. So when I saw them at the Union Square Farmer's Market I decided they were coming home with me. Along with a ginormous bunch of eucalyptus leaves that perfumed the air as I set up my still life. Thanks Mom, I'm Sold!Jean Kessler, my mother, has been painting with watercolors for as long as I can remember. Recently she introduced me to Cartiera Magnani Portofino, a high-quality watercolor paper. It's hot press, and all that means is that the paper's surface is smooth. (Cartiera Magnani Aquarello is cold press, and that's the bumpy kind.) Verdict: I absolutely love it. This paper greeted my gouache paint like a dear old friend. It wasn't too absorbent for washes, which went on nice and smooth. And I didn't mangle the surface while making the inevitable corrections and changes. Fantastic! Cartiera Magnani has been making paper in Tuscany since 1404, so by now they must know a thing or two. The only downside is that I couldn't find their paper at my local art supply store, so I had to buy it online. But that seems to be the new world order. So, what about you? Have you tried the Cartiera Magnani Portofino? Do you have a favorite watercolor paper? Do tell all about it in the comments. Inspired by the dog days of summer. Gouache on paper. Just because it's scorching out there doesn't mean I can't have fun painting. Indoors. Want new posts by email? Click here.
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Julie Kessler
I'm a representational painter enchanted by the unique qualities of watercolor. Sometimes oils, gouache, colored pencils and other media call to me too. I started this blog to share my work and ideas about making art. Sometimes I toss other things into the mix. Such as painters I love, and art books and exhibits that inspire me. Your comments are welcome. I'd love to hear from you! Recent PostsCategories
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