art, wall art

Display watercolors up close and personal

One thing I learned, early in my time of working with watercolors, was that the finished paintings needed to be protected. This protection has traditionally been provided by glass or plexiglass. I always wished there was some way to view the work more immediately, without the reflective aspect of glass getting in the way.  Also,… Continue reading Display watercolors up close and personal

art, Kids, Objects

Some of my favourite art books are written for kids

Art for Kids – Drawing by Kathryn Temple, for example, explains the basics of drawing and shading with pencil really well and has excellent sections on perspective, human body structure, drawing faces, and gestures. Another favourite I purchased a few months ago is The Drawing Book for Kids—365 Daily Things to Draw by Woo! Junior… Continue reading Some of my favourite art books are written for kids

art, art instruction, Book Reviews, Personal, wall art

Welcome September!

Happy September! I’ve kept my promise and given my blog a summer break. Now summer is all but over—hard to believe but that’s what the calendar and the shrinking hours of daylight say—and it’s back to more regular posts here. I’ll try for weekly. Though the summer was a quiet one due to continuing Covid… Continue reading Welcome September!

art, Personal

What to draw?

Whatever creative practice you’re into, you’ve probably faced the question—what do I fill my time with? If it’s writing you ask yourself, what do I write about? If it’s a craft, what do I make? If it’s art, what do I draw, paint, or sculpt? I have faced this question daily since starting my sketch… Continue reading What to draw?

art, art instruction, nature, Non-fiction

The Watercolor Flower Artist’s Bible – Review

The Watercolor Flower Artist's Bible: An Essential Reference for the Practicing Artist by Claire Waite Brown My rating: 5 of 5 starsMy newest art book is the gorgeous Watercolor Flower Artist’s Bible: An Essential Reference for the Practicing Artist, edited by Claire Waite Brown.This is quite a comprehensive volume. It starts out with a section… Continue reading The Watercolor Flower Artist’s Bible – Review

art, Book Reviews, Non-fiction

Everyday Watercolor Flowers – review

Everyday Watercolor Flowers – A modern guide to painting blooms, leaves and stems by Jenna Rainey © 2019. One of my favourite art teachers, particularly of watercolor, is Jenna Rainey. A couple of years ago, her book Everyday Watercolor introduced me to the wonderful medium of watercolor (reviewed here). Her newest book Everyday Watercolor Flowers… Continue reading Everyday Watercolor Flowers – review

art, Book Reviews, Non-fiction

15-Minute Watercolor Masterpieces – review

If there was ever a great time to learn about art, this is it. Not only is the internet full of videos and online class possibilities, but books are easier than ever to purchase and use. For art instruction I love Kindle books. On my iPad they have a built-in stand (I don’t have to… Continue reading 15-Minute Watercolor Masterpieces – review

art, Book Reviews, Non-fiction

Everyday Watercolor by Jenna Rainey (review)

What strange days we’re living in! Here on Canada’s west coast signs of spring are poking out and blooming all over. The coming of spring usually buoys my spirits immensely and this year is no different—and yet it is. For the black Covid-19 cloud looms on the horizon and we’re all living in obeisance by… Continue reading Everyday Watercolor by Jenna Rainey (review)