Thursday, July 14, 2011

Watercolor Workshop with John Salminen

     I just had the best three days taking a workshop with watercolor artist, John Salminen! You can see John and myself in the photo along with my workshop painting of a New York scene in Time Square.
     My painting isn't finished yet, but I took on a very challenging scene for a three day workshop! I think the next workshop I take, I will pick a less intense piece.
     I would highly recommend taking a workshop with John Salminen. John worked with everyone, no matter what level you are at in your watercolor ventures. We learned some great tools to enhance our paintings and there were a lot of demos by John and one-on-one time for help. John's wife, Kathy, was an added benefit to the workshop. She was there all three days to assist John and help and encourage the participants. She also worked with us on using a mouth atomizer, one of John's tools to adjust the values in his paintings. I have had an atomizer for many years, but couldn't make it work and after learning from Kathy the proper way to use one, I had no problems with it! I plan on experimenting and using this valuable tool in the future. If you would like to see more of John's artwork or workshop listings, see his website: http://www.johnsalminen.com/

Saturday, July 9, 2011

Watercolor of Waterlilies Final

Stained Glass Waterlilies ©L Watry
Original Waterlily Photo ©L Watry
 Yeah! I have finished my waterlily painting in time to enter it in this years National Watercolor Society Annual juried exhibition! I finished up by painting in the lilies and lily pads. I also adjusted the water darkness in a few places where I felt it was too light. Below you can see the original photo and how I adjusted it for the final painting. When I get a chance, which may not be until August, I will finish up the editing of the video I took while painting the waterlilies and place the videos on YouTube again.