What's New @ Martha's Fine Arts & Creations....with Local Artist Martha

It has been an amazing Spring and so looking forward to what's coming up. The "Spring Bouquet -Wine & Watercolor" was a big hit at the Mercantile in Rock Hill. Everyone left with good things to say about the workshop, which always makes me feel good about what I am doing. The artwork from everyone was so beautiful, couldn't have asked for a better group of people. There are more to come! So exciting.

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Workshop @ Indigo Iris Farm-Clover---Indigo Iris Farm was the cutest farm and the nicest host with bunnies, a mini pony, and beautiful flowers, it was such a treat. The workspace was perfect with plenty of light and of course plenty of water. It had a rustic feel of an old barn, but had all the modern needs for a workshop...you just felt creative and peaceful all at the same time. (Beautiful flowers, animals and trees, it brought up fond memories of childhood.)..sorry for getting off track. LOL. We had around twelve participants. Everyone learned something about watercolor, made a beautiful painting and picked their one flower bouquet. Can't wait to do another workshop with Stephanie at the farm.

Garibaldi Plein Air Festival----Last week I talked about Plein Air painting and what it was... Recently, I had the opportunity to compete in the Garibaldi Plein Air Festival held in downtown Belmont NC. Wonderful experience. Before then, I had never really painted outside...some--mostly for fun. I will do it again, but next time I think I will stick to oil paints and not my usual watercolor. Maybe not...I have joined a group of ladies that paint weekly as a plein air group. I have found my people...lol Painting weekly outside should build some confidence with the whole outside world...I hope. It was a success at the festival. I sold a painting...yah!

Where I've been and Where I am now, Local Art showings

In the past couple of months I've had the privilege to have my paintings shown at several art galleries. The Gaston Library, Charlotte Art League, Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden, and presently showing at the Confluence in Cramerton, NC.

Stay tuned for more to come.... www.marthasfinearts.com

Plein Air...what is it?

Do you know what Plein Air Painting is?...Well let me tell you...in a nut shell it is painting out side. Packing up your studio and taking it outdoors. LOL creating a good composition and turning out a fabulous painting isn't the easiest so lets add extra elements of changing light or movement of subjects etc. Who doesn't love a challenge? I had the opportunity to join a group of other artist in Belmont NC for a plein air competition---my first. Most artist there were oil painters, so I was just one of a couple working in watercolor. I don't like to do anything easy... Watercolor can be trickier because the paper and paint can dry out fast.

5 watercolor tips for Beginners

1) Know your brushes and how to use them...the best way to get to know your brushes is to practice with them to see what you can do with each one. The more you get to know your tools the better results you will get with your art.

I have been asked what Kinds of brushes should I use for watercolor? I say there are a couple to keep in your tool box...soft brushes made for watercolor---a mop, #6 # 12 round and a rigger, but all are a matter of preference.(they do not need to be expensive) Me personally, I mostly use the round #12 because you can use it for a variety of strokes. It has a point and full round body.

2) understand how to start your paint, mix your color, and how much water to use. This can be a little tricky but with a little practice it will become second nature. I found if you start by spraying your color pallet with a small misting bottle filled with water; this will moisten the paints on your pallet and makes it easier to move pigment to your mixing well.

3) With watercolor you will want to build your paint for light to dark. What I mean is you will want to paint a layer -let dry then add more layers of watercolor each layer making areas darker which adds values (depth) in your painting.

4) Know the differences in wet on wet & wet on dry. Wet on wet is where you wet the paper or area before adding or dropping the paint onto the paper were as wet on dry is where you brush the watercolor paint onto dry paper. Also, understanding that watercolor paint will only travel on its on where the paper is wet or damp. This is what makes watercolor different from all other medium and is way watercolor is considered magical.

5) Paint to water ratio/value...what this means--the more water you add to a pigment the lighter the value 1:5 ratio and the less water you use in the pigment will make the value darker 5:1.

If you get the hang of these few techniques you will be on your way to a successful watercolor painting. Try them and remember it is never to late to create. Have Fun!!