Many of my watercolor paintings are created as demonstrations, spontaneously, without much planning. It’s difficult to know what each group or student wants, so I have to switch swiftly from one subject to another, from one color palette to the next. Fall season watercolor paintings shine through the light and numerous shades of red, burnt sienna, golden ocher, warm, deep or cool yellow shades, orange, grey, purple an so forth. Fall season watercolor paintings allow using many approaches and techniques.
I am sticking this time to fall season watercolor, but we have done also many new acrylic artworks. It is a good time to be indoors and immerse oneself in bright colors. I paint in layers which means I create a map of a painting with weaker tones at first and then gradually bring it to the necessary value and color temperature. None of that is visible on my photos which look mostly yellow. There’s a reason I dislike Apple and their iPhone. No chance to get true colors. I’ve tried everything, but it’s too automated to recognize all colors at once.
Nevertheless, the actual paintings are large (24 x 18” or 61 x 46 cm) and look quite impressive, just as required for display of the fall season watercolor versatility. I’d love to let images speak for themselves, even though photos are all wrong.
The attendance at classes is fairly good and I have to repeat some observations. If you intend to learn painting, you have to go big. Postcard size images don’t allow to implement many things. I haven’t seen any student yet who learned painting using video tutorials and online courses. Quite the opposite – nobody knows anything about brushes, paper, how to use whatever they have and so on. There’s no knowledge of direction of light or values. We usually start from scratch. First purely basic techniques and then more complex matters.
This time is a fantastic for observing nature. Many people try painting trees, structures and buildings, but the first step is to look at them as they are in nature or in reality and try to remember what exactly a tree looks like. There are numerous sorts of them, but none here has wider and fatter branches than the trunk. The branches thin out rewards the top. Natural things have randomness to them and it’s important to remember that nothing in nature grows equal distance apart. Basically, your subjects are everywhere and you just have to look at them.
It’s a great season to start painting. The most gains and successes come from practice and observation. We make errors to learn from them. We learn from doing, not exactly watching. Watching gives an idea, but doing is superior to watching. Or talking, or thinking about it. Doing makes one master of the trade, so, the next step – take your brush, paints and paper and on to painting the colors of fall season!
Dear Inese,
I know you are unhappy with the way your paintings show up in the photos, but I think they are amazing and beautiful. I love autumn’s colour palette, its bright, warm glow makes me feel so cozy.
I’m glad you get to share your experiences and lessons with art students.
Happy painting,
Tanja
Thanks very much Tanja!
Well, I’m just trying to get my paintings to look as they are. Normally painting contains dark and light, contrasting colors and weak shades. It has also warm and cool colors. With the phone photos, I can get them either very yellow or very blue/purplish sort of tone. I simply wanted to remind that the picture isn’t the painting. I read once how somebody said that picture is always better than the painting. In my case, picture is always much worse than the painting. But then again, I don’t have the correct lights or tools, etc. to take a decent picture.
I certainly love painting and teaching my students how to easily create a very attractive composition and use the fantastic fall colors. I so much wish people wouldn’t see these paintings only on their tiny phone screens. Unfortunately, the reality is such. I was wondering how big of a space I would need to display all of my paintings. I paint large and very large whenever possible. Most paintings sit in folders, I have put a few acrylic artworks on the walls. It’s weird, but we don’t even have an art gallery here in Ajax, Ontario. I suppose that says something about how little art matters for the population.
Well, I’m just pushing ahead. No better time than now. To paint, to capture, to enjoy.
All the best to you!
It sounds to me as though it might be up to you to open that first art studio. Wouldn’t it be a wonderful surprise to then have a lot of people show up and express their appreciation for art?!
I’ve had so far 5 studios. We rent, and I move around practically every 2 years or more often. The longest I stayed in 1 place was a town of Whitby between 2010 and 2018. After that we moved almost every year. It’s the second year here where I am, Ajax, Ontario. This extremely old house is great for displaying art, but it’s small and it has hardly any conveniences. The rents in Ontario like in many other places are absurdly high. I cannot cover that, not to mention internet, phone, heating, water and so forth. Pension is miserably small, it would probably buy groceries for a week, that’s all.
It would be fantastic to have a large place like in Whitby where I had my own gallery, but in the foreseeable future that cannot happen. I’m short of art supplies right now, trying to figure out how to cover them. Time to time I am off, lots of past surgeries after an accident, lots of pain. My biggest problem is not being able to make videos and edit them. I’m also rarely on social media, simply tired. All of that results in poor visibility.
Lots of my fellow artists who I know well, especially from the States and Europe have teams working on their websites, posting social media updates, doing their videos and so forth. It used to be so that 1 person could do everything, some 15-20 years ago, it was no problem. But this 1 person has to do everything from painting new art, teaching classes, cleaning studio and house, cooking, doing laundry, gardening and trying to promote oneself. Staying in touch, responding to numerous emails. I feel now that I don’t have energy for this all. Hiring stuff is out of question because of no funds. Like a vicious circle. Extremely hard to break out.
It sounds as though you have A LOT on your plate, Inese, I’m sorry to hear that. And I guess I didn’t know all the ins and outs of running a studio and keeping up a website. It sounds daunting.
I wish you better health and continued enjoyment of your artistic endeavors.
All the best,
Tanja
The art is actually an endlessly good thing. Any painting session takes away from any other issues, like completely.
By far, it’s not easy to stay up-to-date with everything. Sometimes our best isn’t good enough. Lots of people go through fairly tough times, and this is the most competitive business on the planet, like competing with the insanely huge print sites or very well established online galleries.
The good times are far away still, so staying visible is important.
All the best to you!
Thank you, Inese, I wish you the same.
They are beautiful, and beautifully displayed in your post, Inese. I love the golden colors and the feelings they evoke. Autumn is my favorite season for many reasons, but the golding of the trees, shrubs and land brings a warmth and peace all its own.
Thanks very much Lavinia! Many people lack peace and warmth these days, and I’m glad to know that looking at these paintings evokes nice feelings in the viewer.
Much appreciated, all of the great comments!
Always love seeing your paintings, they look stunning online and I’m sure even more so in person. I have the same issue with trying to capture a good photo of paintings. They don’t always turn out the best, nor convey the beauty of what is in front you. I think sometimes we’re too critical but keep going because they’re your paintings are so lovely and inspiring!!!
Thanks Maria!
well, it’s about 5 decades since I’ve been painting, and I’m not going to stop.
Fall colors are always easy and beautiful, and most of these were demonstrations for private classes.
It’s annoying simply that’s impossible to show the wonderful play of colors. These paintings are all large and very large, like 24 x 18″ or 61 x 46 cm and full sheet of watercolor paper, 29 x 22″ or 74 x 56 cm, and that’s probably why I cannot take good pictures.
Just like you’re saying It would be fantastic to display paintings correctly.
Iphone is totally automated and once I try to crop, etc. on Microsoft photos, the picture loses all color. Not good at all.
The quality matters because if I try to create prints, they don’t turn out well also.
Good luck with your paintings, I don’t think we lack inspiration, especially in the fall season!
The paintings are so beautiful, Inese! And I love how you have them displayed on the gray brick wall…just stunning. Yes…autumn. Leaves find their way to the ground as mother earth prepares for winter. I find myself being more in turn with the seasons and recognizing how this natural rhythm can actually help me in my life.
Happy to see you have classes activated again, and people coming in and learning in person!! Sending all good thoughts and lots of love and light. <3
Thanks Lorrie!
Basically, the grey brick wall is frequently the only free space I have.
Yes, the fall trees and leaves are always a perfect subject to paint.
Classes could be doing better, but I cannot complain.
All the best to you in this autumn!
Well, it is a beautiful backdrop to showcase the wonderful colors in your paintings…and I also get “the only free space I have.” I live in a rather small condo and frequently have to move things around. I try really hard to utilize the space the best I can…and I often clear out what is no longer needed. But there always seems to be more…and I am not really sure how that happens!!! Well…Amazon is a culprit for sure 😉
Have a super wonderful week, Inese. And I hope that the classes pick up for you <3
I know what you mean. It’s always a problem with space.
Especially when I want to display as many artworks as possible.
However, don’t buy anything from Amazon, if you do so you are decreasing chances of all small businesses to sell their stuff, also we are losing jobs because of that. Secondly, is it really cheaper or is it because Amazon says so?
Yes, I know, you are a very kind-minded person, don’t give your bucks to a major corporation. Maybe the guy next door deserves it more.
Always nice to hear from you Lorrie!
I hear what you are saying, Inese 😁
Hope you have a super week…and keep creating!!
It could be better, always. Cannot compete really with huge companies and so on. I hope to sell at least some prints which are available in many versions. I love my puzzles, for instance.
So far doing not too bad. However, Christmas is approaching fast and after that it’s a total silence for a while. I’m a bit late with advertising, a bit late with painting sets. Well, the day has only 24 hours.
I hope you’re having a good weekend, too!
Ranks, Inese! I have so many things I want to get done…and yes only 24 hours in a day! I like to be busy too, so I just keep plugging along.
Good luck with your sales…and all Sweet Blessings around the holiday season 😁💜
Thanks!
I got so sick for 2 weeks that I couldn’t do nothing, nothing happened also. I hope the rest of of the year is better. Doubt it, but whatever!
Ah! Sorry to hear that you were not feeling well, Inese. Hopefully you are on the mend and feeling better soon. Sometimes our bodies make us take a break whether we want it or not.
Sending lot of holiday cheer and wishes for a beautiful new year. <3
Thank you very much Lorrie!
It’s ok and better, and had some bad cold and lots of pain, but it’s less bothering now.
We had a fantastic Christmas and great New Year while also very simple.
I will try to post something soon, maybe in upcoming days.
I wish you also a great New Year and hopefully your wishes come true!
Glad to hear you are feeling better, Inese. And that you had a nice holiday season, albeit simple. Sometimes simple is best, no?
Thanks for your well wishes. I had a nice Christmas as my son came to visit and the time we spent was very nice. As I get older this time seems to mean more!
Hope to see a post soon…hope you are happy creating! Happy New Year!
Great to know Lorrie, it’s so nice to get together with family. Unfortunately, I can do that only over video apps.
Simple is great, and I find that more and more people go for that as opposed to just appearances and show-offs.
To me, as I get older relationships mean more, too. Not the gifts, not the fake smiles, but the real people who show real love and devotion.
Not ready to post yet, though, it’s still dark and gloomy here, but I need to take a few pictures.
I believe this year is going to be better. Last year, I definitely wasn’t sure about that.
I will catch up on your posts, hopefully soon.
All the best to you!
I am so happy to hear your thoughts about this year being better, Inese! I feel such big energy and hopefully it will be a year filled with many good things.
I look forward to seeing your post. And until then, here’s to all good things!
Thanks!
Well, so far it isn’t. I’m waiting for painting supplies like more than a month. Cannot do anything without them.
Waiting, waiting and tomorrow is already Saturday and no deliveries until Monday or usually rather Tuesday. Therefore, the big delay.
Canada Post is the absolutely worst when it comes to deliveries.
Have a good weekend!
Awww…sending lots of food energy that you receive what you need…sooner rather than later!! 😁 All good things!!
Well, it looks like nothing today. Oh my, I so need that stuff!
Hope you got it, Inese!! If not yet…then today!!
Not yet, apparently it’s lost or something. Trying to get some clarity.
So sorry, Inese…I know you said you needed those supplies.
Sometimes we don’t know why things happen.
Is there anything you can do with the supplies you do have? Maybe something different…maybe you will find a new way to do things.
Anyway….sending all good energy.
Thanks! No, not really. Classes are starting and I have to do demos. However, bought white acrylic paint. In that package, there were new brushes and new watercolor paints. I’m just like really out of them, nothing lasts forever. Hopefully, they will find what happened to the package. Even if it arrives way too late, it would be still great.
Hope this finds you well in the new year! Autumn is such a great season for observation and your paintings featured here take me back to that golden glow.
Thank you very much!
I haven’t updated my blog for a while, I got extremely sick at the beginning of November and didn’t feel well up to the New Year. Starting to recover. I also run in problems with art supplies, therefore, not many new paintings since one needs paints, surfaces and brushes. I hope after a while I will be ok. Not there yet.
I wish you all the best in the New Year!
I can commiserate since we’re in the same boat. The last two months of the year always do a number on my health. Also slowly recovering in the New Year. Hoping you’ll be up and about and painting again soon!
I think I am the same, yes, the last 2 months. Here in Canada, it might be the weather fluctuations and it’s so dark.
I hope you recover soon!
Thank you!