Agave Latte

Friday, February 28, 2014

Back Lit Jardin Elements

Here's a demo in progress. Two images were combined from my garden. I had to tweak the light source

The process is wet into wet with dropped in color. Take a look at the unfinished leaf area on the left side.

I painted a glaze with dropped in red and yellow hues onto the leaf shapes. The shadow patterns were quite complicated and became too busy. I ended up softening edges.

On the right side....take a look at the brick shapes. The line was too distracting so I scrubbed out the edge and added a new geranium leaf to overlap. The process is ever-changing and challenging......hopefully, I'll finish this one up!

Thursday, February 6, 2014

Spiky flower tutorial

February is already in full swing and I'm offering a fab workshop at San Diego Botanic Garden in a couple of weeks on Sunday, February 23
9:30 am – 4 pm

Here are the correct details....

Water Color Fusion

This process will allow you to discover ways to define the shapes of growing things with contrast and brilliant colors. Part of the beauty of this technique is revealing some of the underlining botanical imagery once the paint settles in selected spots. Metaphors and messages can play a whimsical or thoughtful role in your finished piece with added bits of collage and text. Paint on a smooth hot pressed watercolor paper for a vibrant look. Work with some very contemporary, good vibe iridescent, interference, and opaque watercolor techniques to further enhance and embellish the surface.

And here's a mini tutorial that I created last week in one of my local Watercolor classes.

I started with a wet into wet background with mostly cool colors. The paper was moistened for over a minute and I made sure it was well saturated.

When the background was dry I painted the leaves, stems and buds with dropped in color
...shape by shape. Sometimes I let the colors fuse between the shapes.

Then I committed a sin...I used white ink!( Daler Rowney Pro White opaque watercolour) This used to be a bad no-no in transparent watercolor school. It feels so decadent to use opaque hues! Forgive me, for I have sinned.....he, he, he...

Tuesday, January 14, 2014

Word for 2014

I've selected my word for 2014

Simplify

This word has multiple applications for me. Gathering things is becoming less important. I still feel the need to collect but I've come to the conclusion that I can also just view it on my favorite place online...Pinterest! And I've simply run out of room....

I think the need to collect makes me feel protected and safe. Objects of desire are still important but the need does not have to be as tangible. I'm becoming more selective. The scale of my collections is changing too...small is good....
I have a long way to go. I still love "stuff" and my art hoarding will still be there. My family and close buddies know all about this....

On the other hand I know that time is important and simplifying my schedule is a must so I can get down to the nitty gritty things in life....projects that I want to achieve.

So...when I'm flying around literally or just in my car I'll find the time to ponder and clear my mind to focus on the important things....

speaking of collections....

Clay things I made years ago or collected....they now live in my garden....or lounge around the casa....

Monday, December 23, 2013

Colors of Winter

My Southern California Garden in Winter is aglow with color this year. We haven't had a frost yet...a few rain storms have gone through...enough to soak the ground and feed the plants. Being a native CA gal I can only imagine what it would be like to live in a colder climate.

I had a little taste of it in Kansas in November. Burr....

I am so grateful that I can play in the dirt, weed and plant my plants all year long.

I hope the winter holidays bring you

joy, warmth, laughter, and bubblies....Cheers!

Monday, December 16, 2013

Teaming up with Daniel Smith Art Materials!

I'm pleased as punch to announce that I've teamed up with Daniel Smith Art Materials! I've bought my supplies from Daniel Smith, based in Seattle, Washington, for over 25 years. This company has always offered the finest professional and student supplies. They have been a leader in the innovative development of Quinacridone Hues in Watermedia and Oils. I've created two new watercolor kits for you at very generous educator discounted prices. Have a look!

Helen Shafer Garcia Basic Watercolor Kit

Helen Shafer Garcia Full Watercolor Kit

Thursday, December 5, 2013

Kansas Patterns

On my walks in Kansas I found patterns everywhere. Patina and aged things standing through time, regardless of the weather. I...on the other hand...froze my aged Southern CA fingers and legs on my treks....but it was so worth it......

Friday, November 29, 2013

Kansas in November

Just returned home from Kansas to be apart of the Kansas National Watercolor Society Reception in Wichita. My hubby and I had a delightful, fun weekend touring the Wichita Center for the Arts, Wichita Art Museum and the Indian Museum. Shopping in 20 something degree weather was a new experience ....layers and layers of clothing......

Karl Zerbe

"Building"

Chihuly

Blackbear Bosin

Thursday, November 7, 2013

Stencil Girl Blog Hop with Jane LaFazio!

The Pods and Eucalyptus stencils that my friend Jane LaFazio designed are just fab!
take a look!

StencilGirl Products is giving away a prize on their blog StencilGirl Talk.

ALL comments left on ALL blogs are eligible to win. The more blogs you leave comments on, the more chances you will have to be the lucky winner! The giveaway will close on Monday, November 11, 2013 @ 11:59 PM Central Time. The deadline has been extended! Wednesday, Nov 13, 11:59 Central Time!

We all used Jane LaFazio's leaves and pods stencils from Stencil Girl Products for our creations. Take a look at each Artist's Blog listed at the end of my post.......