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I can’t believe I haven’t entered any events this year. It always seems something else took precedence over talking about us. But it was a good year.  In particular,I want to take a moment to express my gratitude for the joy in continue to have in working with my classes. The interesting and delightful people who wish to learn how to become better painters gives me such pleasure.  It is a thrill to watch and listen (lead and suggest) as they discover new or dormant resources within themselves. I may gain more than they. And I thank them. How can I ever stop when it is such fun?

At this busy time of year, we also take time for reflection. My question for you is for you to reflect on  what kind of artist you are or wish to be.

Most say they want to paint looser. They want to understand color better, become a better colorist. But WHAT is it that you represent when you paint?

I want you to think about whether or not you are a regional artist and by that, what do I mean?

This is a photo of the matrix mentioned in October’s Technique Corner. I just posted it with the text. It is one way of learning more about your colors.  This month we will continue to explore matrix glazing to help you visualize layering color with glazes.

Now that your studio or work area is clean, do you need a project to get you going?  How about creating a matrix of your colors?

Not sure what a matrix is?  Here is an afghan created by one of my students as a gift for me (on a bed for sleeping out on the deck under the summer stars).

It is a matrix. Try making one of your paints. Start with a band of each of your colors (20 hole palette) one inch wide across a half sheet – on the long dimension of the half sheet (22 inches). Label each.

Freehand, 10-minute painting of Madrona Point, Orcas No drawing, 1-inch flat brush

What do you mean, you can’t? Sure you can.  It doesn’t have to be perfect. But it is quick, immediate, and the more you do the more confidence you with have.

Every once in a while I find I need to get students to re-focus. What leads you to success in much of your life is often a handicap in becoming an artist. Trying harder, “getting it right” is often the way to not getting it at all.  Take a deep breath or better, three long slow breaths, and let’s set some new priorities.

I was all set to write a Technique Corner Post on “Do You Know Your Basics” when yesterday I discovered I had written exactky that on 2/12. See:https://buchananwatercolors.com/blog.cfm?technique-corner/post/do-you-know-the-basics (You do know how to fine old posts in Index of Titles, don’t you?)

Yesterday I also found myself floating pigment onto an almost finished painting.  Since I have had frequent questions about what I meant when I said to “float” a color onto the painting, I thought I would try to show you in this post. It is much easier to show you in person.

Yellow possesses tremendous beauty, power, liveliness and creates problems for the artist.  Let’s learn how to work with the diva, yellow.

I have talked about lost and found edges before but there are those who still aren’t “getting it.”

Let’s go step by step on how to make a lost and found edge.