nature Archives - Page 5 of 10 - INESE'S ART STUDIO

March 12, 2019October 17, 2024

How and why to use watercolor for spring flowers

Watercolor paints: easy to take with you, easy to use

I love watercolor paints because they are compact, light and easy to apply whether painting outdoors or indoors, while traveling or working at a comfortable desk. When traveling, I do not use paint in tubes, but rather in tiny containers or pans. Therefore, I can make use of my watercolor paint set which I am taking with me everywhere, just in case some attractive subject happens to be around. The same goes for a few small (approximately 11 x 14 in) sheets of firm, quite heavy Arches or Saunders-Waterford watercolor paper. It is archival quality cotton paper.

Spring in nature and in art

Spring is a moody season in Latvia where I spent this month. Snow mixes with rain drops, but hopefully, the white cover will melt soon. The forecast says: by the weekend. I had not planned to travel this early, but that was what I had to do. From what I saw on the current news, spring does not want to arrive in Southern Canada either: temperatures might be not that low, but we will have to wait for some time until grass turns green and buds on trees are ready to pop.

Paint spring before it arrives

This is the time when we can have what we are longing for by simply painting it. Imagined spring or spring around you: there is always something great to draw or paint. One more great feature of watercolor is its ability to cover paper fast. I use lots of water to create soft color transitions. Small landscape can be done in half an hour. Still life or floral painting will take longer, but not the entire day.

Early spring flowers: your best subjects

Around March, I would be happy if there were already the first snowdrops, crocuses and similar early bloomers showing above the tiny grass stems and sprouts. I’ve seen that happening, but not too often.

My art is based on drawings. I am too good with drawing and always have been, therefore, I don’t think I will ever switch to completely abstract painting. Watercolor requires some planning, therefore, value sketch in the actual size is the absolutely best reference.

Drawing for watercolor painting

If you are new to watercolor, you should know that drawing can and most often should be done on some other paper. I use for that purpose the transparent transfer paper which is attached to a thick white sheet of firm paper. To transfer drawing onto watercolor paper, I use simply daylight. That way, I have hardly visible, accurate pencil lines, but initial drawing serves me as a value drawing. That helps deciding where to apply whatever color.

Spring tulips in many colors, watercolor painting which I completed while in Latvia

Painting in layers

I paint in layers starting of with mapping my painting and leaving marks wherever I decide it is helpful. I know people who paint one segment start to finish and then move to the next one. I prefer going all over the painting with first, second, third and more layers if necessary. That is the way I like it.

Why to use watercolor for spring impressions

Ready to create painting of spring flowers?

Are you in mood for some creativity and relaxing moment with paints? Do it in watercolor and don’t be afraid of water! If it won’t work out perfect, no problem. Start over and don’t put any limitations and pressure on yourself. Spring flowers and landscapes will make you feel happy. The well flowing watercolor paints can capture softness of flowers beautifully.

For art classes, please sign up here: Registration for art classes

To decorate for spring, you might check out my art prints which come at a reasonable price from Fine Art America.

Art collections by Inese Poga

January 4, 2019October 17, 2024

Be curious, be creative

Our natural artistic abilities

Children can draw and paint before they are able to speak and anybody can still draw and paint even if they have lost many other abilities. We can express ourselves through art naturally. It is just so that when kids grow up they frequently get engaged in devices and digital devices, as well as they believe there is no more time for art.

Brain fitness

The comparative research in brain fitness and memory boosting activities clearly showed that doing manual observational drawing and painting 2 times a week for a few hours grew the most new brain neurons and wired the brain in the way that it was much more active than with any other activities. Drawing and painting were compared with reading, writing poetry or fiction, researching internet and writing down discovered things, doing mind games and crosswords.

Outstanding visual memory and decision making

My personal experience is that observational drawing develops extremely good visual memory, not simply good and flexible memory, but outstanding memory which does not worsen over time and with age. Drawing and painting boost attention and focusing ability to a high degree, and most importantly, one becomes master decision maker because that is what drawing and painting is. Every single brushstroke and line is based on numerous decisions. At least, it should be. The memory improvement occurs when we absorb the subject visually, and our brain sends a signal to the hand with brush or pencil . That is also active brain exercising.

Style, decisions and originality

Curiosity and necessity are frequently the main driving forces of discoveries. Creativity is the base for any solution we find along the way. Since anything we create must originate in our personal perception and be based on our own decisions, one cannot ever learn drawing or painting by watching somebody else do it. As they paint or draw they make decisions which we are unaware of.

Be curious explorer

I have noticed the following. Most people who are about to attend art classes have new art supplies: new paint tubes, new sets of paints, new brushes and new paper and canvas. Everything is unopened and not used. The first time they open their paint tubes is in the classroom, therefore, nobody knows what their paints and brushes are like. It seems surprising to me. How do you know now what that particular paint or brush will do? We should start with exploring what we have.

Quality or lack of it

We have numerous art supply manufacturing brands nowadays. Some are fine, but some sell such bad quality paints, brushes or paper that it is hardly possible to use them. Just like with many other products, art supplies often will be: “you get what you pay for”. That is why you should always test everything.

Curious as a kid

Look at kids what they do with a new box of paints, pencils, markers or crayons! They open it as soon as they can and start using immediately. Kids are curious and they are creative naturally. What is stopping adults? It is hard to say, but they should try being as curious and as creative with their new art supplies.

Testing art supplies

I am strictly advising: test every color, test every brush, test every paper and canvas. Do it before the class. Open every tube and paint some areas with every paint color in your set. At first, we do this using each color separately. For watercolor, we add more water, then less water to see what range of tones each particular color gives. For acrylic, use a small bit of water and wash the brush with warm water and soap afterwards.

Testing two colors

Next step is to test two colors together, for instance, every other color with blue, then every other color with yellow, then every other color with red. Larger sets will have many blue colors, many red colors and at least 3 to 4 yellow colors. That gives you numerous shades and transitional colors. That will also allow seeing what exactly you have. Be curious, be creative and that will allow you to start out easier.

Creating your own color swatches

It is not important to use any color charts or wheels, but it is important to know what the colors you have are and how they behave when mixed. Create color swatches from all tubes you have. Add to mixed color swatches. That way you know what you have, what it looks like and whether it is worth using it.

Testing watercolor paper

It is very useful to test the watercolor paper, as well. We will have different results with different paper. Some papers buckle a lot and some won’t allow applying more than 2 washes. You need to know what your paper does when using water on it. Brushes are also not the same. If you test your brush and it absolutely does not perform, it is quite clear that you’d need a different brush. We only use 2 brushes for either watercolor or acrylic at the beginning.

Some of 2018 watercolors

Watercolor painting,, perspective and buildings

Being curious and being creative will make art happen

Being curious and being creative is always helpful when doing art. It is so much better to discover your own favorite colors and color mixes than to just blindly follow some rules, charts or somebody else’s favorites. Be the creator of your own style. I am personally against rules in art. We need at least some areas in our life which are free of strict regulations and rules. Art can be that area if you give your imagination space.

It is New Year. Maybe you have lots of new art supplies. Don’t wait to explore them. Always be curious and be creative, try them now. Thanks for reading!

Link to art classes schedule: Sign up here

October 24, 2018October 17, 2024

Plenty of beauty, plenty of art

Beauty and coziness

There is never too much beauty. There is never too much art. I’ve been to many houses and seen many designer home improvement ideas. A home without art on its walls looks somewhat deserted and empty. That applies even to classy furnished homes. One can have very basic furniture, a few textiles, a few great plants and lots of art and the whole space will look gorgeous.

When I was moving recently and had to take off walls all numerous paintings in the gallery, I could see that many paintings on a wall make the space look much larger. I was convinced about the opposite before.

Crowded versus minimalist

Many paintings do not create a crowded look if they are chosen carefully and art is tasteful and these are originals, not prints. Prints actually add feeling of cheapness to any space which is ok for an office, but not that much for a living space. However, it always depends. Even minimalist spaces look much warmer and much more livable by adding a matching and suitable art.

Flower paintings

Flower paintings are such an enhancement anywhere. Depending on style, floral art can add luxurious and elegant feel or very rustic and homey feel.

Floral art might add more feminine feel to a space that just does not make us feel cozy and well-taken care of.

Why not to create on your own?

Therefore, I would suggest: paint, create or buy beautiful original floral art. Once we have a few tubes of paint and some frames and paper or canvasses, we can create quite a few paintings. The added bonus will be your energy which goes into art and makes your space shine.

Energy of art in our space

Energy in our space is matters. While print will decorate the wall, it will have hardly any energy which circulates around that room. Energy of a printer and paint? That is why we have to choose carefully inherited or antique pieces of art. They come with their energy. We have to make sure this energy is not going to harm us. If we want to have not much impact on our personality, we can choose neutral art or art which displays nice and clam scenes. Floral paintings are definitely carrying good energy and they also have a nice appeal.

Choose beauty

It is as simple as that: there is never too much beauty and coziness!

Large floral painting classes start soon. Sign up from the website.

Original paintings are available for shipping or for purchase in person.

Choose beauty and coziness, especially in the cold season.

I hope seeing you in my studio soon!

My floral art prints on Fine Art America: Floral art for sale

and Flower paintings

Plus, direct access to all art prints and art products:

Art collections by Inese Poga

Copyright notice: Copyrights of displayed paintings, drawings, images of work in progress and images of finished paintings belong to artist Inese Poga. Please, do not use painting and drawing images unless I have given you a written permission. That includes no pinning on Pinterest.

August 21, 2018October 17, 2024

Mastering watercolor painting

Choose art classes, watercolor painting classes

Mastering watercolor: it is a journey

You can expect a lot of learning; a lot of practicing and you will definitely find out something which you did not know before if you would like to paint with me. I take a lot of pride in boosting one’s creativity as opposed to mechanical copying and using paint without any knowledge. Along with nature watercolor and acrylic painting, fall art classes will be an ongoing journey into creativity, and hopefully result in some students mastering watercolor.

Registration for fall art classes is open

Nature art: a wonderful opportunity

Our eyes best notice what is around us if we focus, pay attention and observe. Fall colors are intense and make any composition look impressive. We have created numerous fall watercolors before, and they always came out nice. Acrylic definitely is a very suitable medium for depicting fall scenes, especially with grey and blue colors of sky.

Democratic nature of art

This season, fall art classes are designed to better suit teens 13+ years, and the evening group is for any age adults and youth. Art is very democratic: one works on their own canvas or paper, and nobody cares whether you have experience or not. Art classes are for learning. If you have never painted before, allow this skill some time to develop.

Online versus live art classes

When you are sitting on one side of screen, nobody can check or see how exactly you are applying the advice or tip. In a live art class, the instructor can see right away whether the paint is too wet, too dry, student uses too little of paint or there is way too much of it. The instructor can see right away who understood the technique and who is struggling with it.

Inese’s Art Studio has new location

Inese’s Art Studio has moved to Ajax at the beginning of August. It is a beautiful place with indoor and outdoor painting opportunities. Its location is perfect since it is quite central, but offers fantastic nature all around. I hope you will sign up and enjoy our fall art classes.

Schedule, registration and more info about art classes: Sign up here

July 4, 2018October 17, 2024

Five stages to becoming an artist and summer art

I have found five stages which allow becoming an artist. For illustration, this post includes beautiful images of summer art in watercolor.

Learning is a gradual process

Learning how to draw or paint is a gradual process. I have noticed five stages of learning process which result in being an artist. It is the same as with manual writing: the more you write, the less you have to think about the technical side of writing a letter. Once you are past the first attempts and know all letters, you can put your efforts towards expressing a thought. The less you think about how to do that, the better your story.

Developing manual drawing and painting ability

To some extent, drawing and painting are similar activities to manual writing. You have a concept and you use graphic characters and signs to turn your concept into visually perceivable and readable text. At first, you learn writing letters. You put letters together and you have a word. You line up words in a sentence. You study grammar and style, and your sentences become better over time. After long hours of practice and after many attempts, you are able to write a story or a poem. This poem is what people can read and understand. The same goes for drawing and painting. Becoming an artist takes time.

Practicing techniques

The more you draw and use your brush, the less you have to think about how to use your brush or pencil sufficiently. You feel that you can show the story behind your painting and focus on expressing your emotions, not struggles with getting the main shapes and values right or achieving contrast and good composition.. Drawing and painting become processes which progress by hour if you keep practicing.

The first stage

You draw something, paint something. You try, but either brush or pencil does not want to do what you tell them to. Many lines have to be erased and brush stroke does not work yet. This is the encouraging stage: I could draw or paint, but this will require work and learning. Long way yet to being an artist.

The second stage

You decide to draw or paint a particular subject. Artwork is satisfactory, but the successful parts are good because you got them right accidentally, not intentionally. You mention frequently: I’m not going to touch it again, otherwise I will destroy what I have. The stage of accidental success. This stage will motivate you to move on.

The third stage

You have a plan, and everything goes accordingly to it, but some areas of painting do not work. You work over parts of drawing or painting for many times. Subject could have less or more detail, colors could be much better. There is little distinctions in values. Your artwork shows mainly the same values all over. You notice still lots of flaws. The almost-certain stage. You know you can do it, but practice is necessary, however, you feel like an artist!

The fourth stage

You have decided to draw a rose. You go outside, find a flower and draw a rose that looks like a soft, gentle rose. You decide to add color to it. You mix and test colors. No rush. It works out well: no part is too strong or too weak. Brushstrokes lay on smoothly. You are very satisfied with what you have achieved. A month passes. You look at the same painting, and you definitely see that, it could have been better actually. The potential excellence stage. You are very aware that there is still space for improvement.

The fifth stage

You are not flying on clouds. You know that any painting subject takes work and some planning. You allow yourself making unexpected and unplanned steps, too. It is meant just to keep the hand sensitive, to keep your eye observant. You have no absurd expectations. You have become master of the process, the artist. You can paint anything which comes to mind.

To know what works

You do a value or color sketch. You transfer the drawing onto paper or canvas. You do the color test. You create dark and light color palette for the particular painting. You have your favorite subjects, but you step out of comfort zone. You know exactly what effect each color combination will provide you with. You know exactly where to place details in order to make your composition work.

Painting according to your plan

You start painting in a relaxed manner. You know it takes time, but when this drawing or painting is done, it will be exactly what you want. You raise your bar with every painting. You look at your first drawings and paintings and you say: what was I thinking! That is when you have arrived at the mastery stage. You can do it. You can achieve any results you want. You have no limitations in what you draw or paint. Finally, you are in charge. Rushing won’t take you to where you want to be faster.

Watercolors of summer nature to inspire

Summer barn, just finished watercolor 15 x 20 in or 38 x 50.5 cm

Summer barn watercolor painting, 15 x 20 in or 38 x 50.5 cm

Spring creek sketch which I used as reference for the large watercolor painting

This sketch became a large watercolor painting afterwards

The final spring creek painting is much larger than sketch.

Watercolor, spring landscape, watercolor artist

Spring creek with white anemones, 24.5 x 20.5 in or 62 cm x 51.5 cm watercolor

Self-care and no summer vacation stress syndrome

There is a huge advantage with manual drawing and painting: it is a perfect type of self-care and the best cure for summer stress syndrome when people feel lost and do not know how to spend their vacation. Many feel they have no idea what to fill all free time with, especially, if they cannot book a trip, travel or have a party. I’m inviting everybody to paint!

Apply for art classes: Art classes

Learn in private: Find out more about private art classes

Please, visit my art studio

If you are in the GTA, Ontario and have time in the afternoon. please, stop by at my studio.

My art prints and paintings on Fine Art America:

Art collections by Inese Poga

Tag: nature

How and why to use watercolor for spring flowers

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Be curious, be creative

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Plenty of beauty, plenty of art

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Mastering watercolor painting

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Five stages to becoming an artist and summer art

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