Mennello Museum Watercolor Demonstration

The Central Florida Watercolor Society is doing some demonstrations at the Mennello Museum of American Art in Orlando, Florida. 

One Saturday, I decided to use some tracings I've had ready to transfer to watercolor paper for several years. I finally found the perfect opportunity to paint one of them. The reference photo I used was taken by a good friend, Cheryl West and used with her kind permission.

Watercolor on Paper, 9 x 12 inches

I completed this painting from start to finish for the demonstration. First, I started by drawing the flower on a piece of tracing paper. I then transferred that drawing to a sheet of watercolor paper and painted the flower. You can see me transferring the drawing in this picture.

By drawing on the tracing paper first I can erase and make as many corrections as necessary. This also allows me to use the same drawing multiple times for other demonstrations.

I was scheduled to do a second demonstration on November 28, but got sick so I had to cancel. However, I am scheduled to do another on December 26. I think I'll do some pink and white flowers this time.

More information:
Mennello Museum of American Art
Central Florida Watercolor Society

Portrait in Charcoal - Sam Winchester

A fellow instructor at Michaels, Alex Rice, who is much more adept at painting and drawing the human figure as I am horses gave me some very good advice a few weeks ago. Draw portraits of people you like.

During a recent Open House at the store I'd asked him for some tips on learning to draw people better. This happened to coincide with the #SupernaturalArtShow on Twitter.

A few months ago I'd captured a picture of Sam Winchester from a scene in the TV show "Supernatural". As soon as I saw it I immediately thought to myself "This would make a great chiaroscuro drawing in charcoal." (One of my favorite mediums.)

The drawing I entered in the online show is the result. I've been working on it a little bit almost every day. Some mornings I had a few minutes before I had to go to work. Once in a while I had a chance to work on it a for a few minutes after I got home from work. And the morning of October 3 (a Saturday) I ate waffles for breakfast. (SPN fans know this is a favorite food of Team Free Will's dreaded nemesis Metatron). Then I got to work right away to put the final touches on my personal portrait of Sam Winchester.

If it weren't for the SPN Art Show I'd keep picking at this drawing because I constantly see more I need to change or tweak here and there. But that is the way of the artist. Knowing when to stop and move on to the next project. If I keep messing with the drawing it might get a better. But in the end it will just become a complete mess.

So here it is for the world to see.

Love and blessings to all Supernatural fans around the world!  Especially to my #SPNRewatch friends.

#AKF (Always Keep Fighting!)
Karen

Want to see all the show entries but don't have a Twitter account? It doesn't matter. You can view show entries on Twitter with or without an account!

PS - About chiaroscuro.

10 Paintings in Upcoming April 2015 Exhibit

I've created a catalog to display the paintings in the show.

Portrait of Chester - A Work In Progress

Paintings that require more time and detail are called a WIP or "Work In Progress". I am sharing one with you that I have been working on as a demonstration for the classes I teach at Michaels Arts & Crafts.

His name is Chester. I am doing this painting for a friend as a surprise gift. (Unless she finds this post.)

If you have any questions or just want to say hello, 

you can find out more about me or contact me.

Celebrate Literacy Week Florida January 26 to 30, 2015

Find a book or two or three and read this week!

This photo was taken in a used bookstore in Sarasota, Florida, at A. Parker Books.

Another great used bookstore I highly recommend for treasure seekers is 

Abraxas Books in Daytona Beach, Florida.

And if you live in Orlando, Florida, I frequent Didi's Bookstore

on the corner of Howell Branch and 436 (near Harbor Freight).

Click Celebrate Literacy Week 2015 for more information.