art classes in May
I will be running a two part watercolour class in May.
We will cover all the traditional watercolour basics and some of my special techniques that I have explored over the years. If necessary, I will plan a third session to conclude all there is to learn, which is never possible!
SESSION 1:
SATURDAY 17 MAY, 9.30am to 1pm
Cost: R160 per person, materials excluded.
(I will research prices and give you an estimate as soon as I have it)
1. techniques:
Flat wash, graded wash, glazed wash, wet-in-wet, dry brush, lifting wet watercolour, lifting dry watercolour, splattering and textures, spray textures, back-wash textures, salt texture and more.
2. painting a landscape:
You will be supplied with a landscape photo which you will copy on to special watercolour paper. You will test and experiment with your newly aquired technical skills and return home with a lovely little landscape painting!
SESSION 2:
SATURDAY 24 MAY, 9.30am to 1pm
Cost: R160 per person, materials excluded.
(I will research prices and give you an estimate as soon as I have it)
1. drawing a still-life with pencil:
We will spend the first hour drawing a still-life which I will set up in the studio. By carefully observing the shapes, lines, textures and light and dark areas you will render a good likeness of what you are seeing.
2. painting a still-life:
You will copy the same still-life that you have just drawn on to your watercolour paper and proceed filling in colour and value with the techniques learnt in the previous session.
This time you will return home with a lovely little still-life painting in watercolour to impress friends and family!
Join us!
Janette and Tonto
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paintings progress _ 2
perhaps too yellow?
too pink
in progress
slowly getting there
in progress
almost there, needs a focal point
also needs a focal point
in progress
perhaps this one is finished?
preparation and play
coming along nicely
coming along nicely
something will come out of this
following intuition with this one
interresting development
coming along nicely
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Hello 2014
Firstly, I wish you all a blessed 2014!
I have been blessed to have visited one of the most beautiful places in the mountain kingdom of Lesotho a few times. One of the highlights while being there is to venture out and do some “plein air” drawing and painting. The people and especially the children are very curious and surround me while I am sitting near their homes drawing. They love to test their english, “how are you” is one of the first questions, followed by “I am fine, how are you?”.
Here are four little watercolour and pencil paintings that I think came out quite well.
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Whats been happening?
It seems that summer has arrived at last, heralded by the Cape Doctor.
I am presenting another art workshop this Saturday, 26 October. The theme is “Eastern Magic”. We will be painting with ink and watercolour on paper.
Now, about my own work: the featured image is of one of my finished oil paintings on canvas. As inspiration I am using photos from a road trip we did to Namibia.
Here are a few more, some finished, a few still in progress.
I hope you like them!
Old abandoned car with cactus growing from engine.
Another beautiful old car, unfinished. Oil on canvas.
Kolmanskop: unfinished. Old car, unfinished. Both oil on canvas.
Almost done! Oil on canvas.
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Experimental scribble drawing-paintings
This afternoon we are leaving on a road trip to the Karoo town of Sutherland. I love the Karoo with all the open space, textures, colours and shapes. There is sure to be some inspiration for artwork there!
I have been doing quite a bit of work which each started as a random-scribble-drawing. Here are some of the more successful results.
I think I am at the stage now where I have enough new friends to make up some “snapshot” stories.
Or what about a colouring-in book for kids?
I would be fantastic if you could help me make clever and humorous captions for my pictures. Bring on the comments!
pencil scribble drawing
please give me a name!
George will soon go on his first adventure.
I also want a name please …
old drawing redrawn with pen and ink and embellished digitally.
there has to be better names …
dressed in her nicest frock, she sets off on her scooter.
for now he is called “Spot Two”, surely there is a more original name?
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My Tonto-girl!
Tonto is a big part of our household. She thinks she is our boss. Her world revolves around food (any food!), a stick that can be thrown, chicken, barking at the postman, walkies, waiting for food and sleeping. She is amazingly active for a doggie that is almost 12 years old, it must be the Border Collie and Terrier mix! Lately we have had some hot dogs (literally) as a result of the hot summer weather. When Tonto is totally relaxed, she shuffles and wiggles on her back and and makes growling sounds.
Bollie relaxing on rolled-up carpet
Betsie sitting on shelf on the stoep
As far as the cats go – their world revolves around eating and sleeping. Occasionally as entertainment for Pepsi.
I did do some work this week! Here are some pictures: it is a bit of a mixed grill and I think that a little exhibition in a few months time would be good. With Snacks and wine of course.
This little man needs a name, ideas?
This is a bird-chicken and she is also in need of a name.
Spending some time working at my sister’s house, a change of scenery is always good.
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Friday, again!
Bollie cat on top of the dog house.
So little time and so much to paint. This week I did more “random scribble drawings”. That means: I grab a piece of paper, take a pencil, charcoal, koki or paintbrush and let my hand take the drawing tool for a “walk”. I scribble without looking at the page, sometimes with my left hand! Then I turn the page this way and that, until I see something pop out. A pair of eyes, a nose, legs or whatever. So the funny little creatures evolve and I develop the scribbles into paintings of some or other character.
Just a reminder that some of my creatures still need to be named. If you are feeling creative and have any clever or quirky ideas, please leave a comment!
The media used: arcrylic paint, koki, polychromo pastels and charcoal – oh, and tealeaves for the texture.
Betty and George
I called this one “Kattekwaad” which meand “mischief”.
Work in progress
Betty and George – beginnings in old fashioned nib and ink.
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