Cathy Johnson is a long-time member of EBSQ. In 2012 she did a series of free workshops with Strathmore Papers. Those video lessons are now on Youtube!
Tag: watercolor
EBSQ Friday Five
1. Collage Fun & Watercolors – Patricia Christensen shows off her latest creations after completing a watercolor class by Ian Ramsey. Beautiful!
2. One Petticoat Lane Show – Artist Angela Petruncio mixed media creations will be on display from Nov 30 to Dec 27 in Annapolis, MD. Check her blog for details.
3. 12 Days of Christmas Giveaway – Sara Burrier is giving away 12 gifts to 12 winners this month. You don’t want to miss this giveaway!
4. EBSQ Holiday Showcase 2012 – I need entries for the EBSQ Holiday Showcase. Details on the forum.
5. Do you have a news worthy blog post to share in our Friday Five? Email me at amanda[at]ebsqart[dot]com.
Free Watercolor Workshop with Cathy Johnson
EBSQ’s very own Cathy Johnson will be hosting a free 4-week workshop on Watercolor Sketching in March 2012. I know March is a little ways off and you’re probably focused on the holidays right now, but sign-ups have already begun and Cathy will be sharing the class supply list on January 23rd! Cathy’s workshop is a part of Strathmore’s 2012 Online Workshop Series. Here’s what Cathy had to say about her workshop on her blog:
I’ve been asked to do a 4-week workshop as part of Strathmore’s free workshop series, and I was delighted to say yes! It will focus on watercolor, but we’ll also cover mixed media and journaling.
Follow the link above to register for Cathy’s workshop or all three of the free Strathmore workshops. Then they will send you a link where you can sign-up for the class via their Strathmore Online Workshops community. You get your own page where you can upload some of your art, meet other classmates, etc.
I’ve already joined and can’t wait to start Cathy’s workshop. If you decided to join, come sit by me (a.k.a be my friend) and we’ll take the workshop together!
EBSQ Blogger of the Week: Erika Nelson
Who and where are you?
Erika Nelson, but I’d rather be known as ArtByErika since it’s my domain name and it embodies many of my more important accomplishments. I’d also rather be known as an artist online because I seem to be moving from one state to another, but currently I am in Northwest Arkansas, USA, (it just doesn’t feel like home yet).
How did you get started art blogging?
I’ve always kept a journal from age 7. I think it’s because I like writing and I like seeing my handwriting 🙂 Growing up in Catholic school in Asia in the Philippines specifically, penmanship, in it’s most legible and tidy condition, was really a worthy skill to master! Journal writing is another art expression of mine that has quickly gone south since I discovered I love computers! Still I am currently on my 2nd 10-year journal book which is quite neglected these recent years due to online blogging.
I remember I saw Robyn Hanzel had a Livejournal and I was so extremely excited that at the prospect of finally having readers (a purpose to expose my thoughts), and I could showcase images of my art as well and feel like a real writer! The rest is history and I’ve since moved to Blogspot because I find it has more traffic. So thanks Robyn for inspiring me!
Any tips for other EBSQ art bloggers?
My biggest tip is not to get too wordy and try to have a focus like you need a focal point in your painting. People live busy lives and they’re looking for a quick read and hope to gain something (knowledge, humor, good news, etc). from the 5 minutes they have to spare. Must use IMAGES- they are wonderful baits! But same advise – try not to get carried away; too much of anything is too much.
What’s your musical inspiration of choice when you’re working in your studio?
The only musical preference I have for painting is radio music As long as I can’t predict what will play and hopefully it’s not music I am too familiar with or I begin to daydream and imagine myself on stage singing and my fans screaming out my name 😀 In most cases I tune into Classical music. But when I need to wake up, I play jazz and classic rock, 70s music. Most of the time I prefer quiet so I can hear the birds outside my window.
What can we expect to see next from easel?
I just got back from a figurative workshop offered by a master artist Romel Delatorre so I feel very inspired! It’s always a surprise – some watercolors and some oils, some still life, maybe landscape as well. I am providing for 2 local galleries as well as my online artgoddess on Etsy! I also have a couple portrait commissions waiting for more attention and I try to participate in the Daily Paintworks challenge – I love mixing it up as it were! 🙂
http://artbyerika.blogspot.com/
Thank you Erika for being an EBSQ Blogger of the Week!
If you are an EBSQ Artist and would like to be considered for Blogger of the Week just add us to your blogroll. I’m searching EBSQ profiles weekly for links to artist’s blogs. If you aren’t an EBSQ Artist, what are you waiting for?
EBSQ Blogger of the Week: Jeanne Forsyth
This week’s EBSQ Blogger of the Week is an amazing watercolor artist. She’s one of those artists who’s skill in the medium inspires us all.
Who and where are you?
My name is Jeanne Forsyth, and Queen Creek Arizona is where I call home (about 30 SE of Phoenix.) Arizona is my native state, and also where I find inspiration for my paintings. I work primarily with watercolors in a realistic style with an emphasis of high contrast, rich color and simple compositions.
How did you get started art blogging?
I originally started my blog under the name “Nanny’s Room” two years ago as a result of being chosen to a design team for a digital stamping company. After 1 1/2 years of design work, I decided to step down and devote more time to my fine art journey. I changed the name of the title of my blog to My Studio Work. I have found blogging a great way to not only network, and connect with others, but also it is a great way to record and journal my artwork and achievements.
Any tips for other EBSQ art bloggers?
Stay current – I try to post at least once a week. When I do a work in progress, I will spread that out over several posts. This keeps my readers interested and checking back for progress updates.
Pictures are a big deal. Good quality is a must. Art buyers, and gallery owners are looking at your work. First impressions mean everything. I edit every picture before putting it on the blog. Usually the color from the camera is not as vibrant as my painting in real life. I will do the necessary adjustments needed for the best quality. Cropping the picture also allows the viewer to see the piece clearly and pleasing to the eye.
I try to keep my articles in my blog on an upbeat and positive note. I think most people are in looking more than reading, so keeping it simple and directed to the artwork works best for me.
My objective is to motivate and inspire my readers. The best compliment to me is when a reader takes the time to comment on my work. I always try to respond back, and pay that blogger a visit if they are keeping a blog.
What’s your musical inspiration of choice when you’re working in your studio?
I cannot paint without music, and my mood dictates what I listen to. I love Pandora – I’ll select stations with instrumental folk, or praise, and sometimes a little Josh Groban;-) There are many genres to choose. My paintings also dictate what music I will listen to. When I’m throwing and spattering paint on for the underpainting – a fast guitar piece does the trick. When I’m concentrating on details, I tend to like some inspiring worship music. Music carries me away and allows me to get lost into the work. There is nothing better than that moment while you are totally absorbed into painting and realize you are in sync with the beat of the music and the stroke of your brush – it’s the perfect marriage~ Sometimes I finish a setting, and will wonder how I even got there – what did I do to create that – hummm… maybe the hand of God had something to do with the results~
What’s coming next from your easel?
I have recently been juried into the AZ Art Alliance, and am also represented by Xanadu Gallery in Scottsdale. I am currently working on building a portfolio of work for exhibits to these groups. My next piece that is ready to start is a pet portrait of my big dufus-dog Ben. He is a beautiful white Great Pyrenees. I just completed a portraiture workshop and the instructor had painted a white dog – thought I’d give Ben a try.
http://nannys-room.blogspot.com/
Thank you Jeanne for being an EBSQ Blogger of the Week!
If you are an EBSQ Artist and would like to be considered for Blogger of the Week just add us to your blogroll. I’m searching EBSQ profiles weekly for links to artist’s blogs. If you aren’t an EBSQ Artist, what are you waiting for?
EBSQ Friday Five
The EBSQ Friday Five offers a brief look at noteworthy news from around the EBSQ Artist Blogosphere.
1. UWS Spring Show Entry – I LOVE Catherine Darling’s new watercolor painting for the Utah Watercolor Society Spring Show. Good luck, Cathy!
2. Figuring out just exactly what *do* I want from art – Carmen Medlin discusses her battle to be true to herself and her art.
3. Giggle Dogs Contest – KiniArt is having a contest! Find the Giggle Dogs and win a prize!
4. 7000 Bracelets for Hope – Vickie Miller is participating in the a project to help children who suffer from rare diseases. You can too, check out her blog for details.
5. March Giveaway – Tina Robertson is giving away a wonderful budget book, designed by her. See her blog for details.
Have a wonderful weekend folks, and please take a moment to think of those affected by the quake and tsunami in Japan.
EBSQ Blogger of the Week: Kathy Jurek
November is not only a time of changing leaves. Traditionally, it is a time for family–gatherings and feasts. Kathy Jurek is one EBSQ artist who’s passion is the painting of family and everyday people, in everyday situations. I’m proud to present her for this week’s EBSQ Blogger of the Week!
Who and where are you?
My name is Kathy Jurek and I live in Omaha, Nebraska.
How did you get started art blogging?
I started blogging in October 2006. I was selling my work on Ebay and blogging was becoming very popular so I thought it would be a good idea to try it.
Any tips for other EBSQ art bloggers?
If you’ve been thinking about blogging, then try it. Blogging allows you to make a more personal connection with people and it’s very easy to get started. It’s easier and quicker than a website. Even if you are the only one who knows it exists, you will have an online diary of your progress as an artist. It’s fun to look back and see how far you have come. It’s also a great place to send people who are interested in your work. I update my blog more often than my website. I also post smaller artwork, works in progress and illustrations that I don’t put on my website.
What’s your musical inspiration of choice when you’re working in your studio?
I’m addicted to pandora.com and this year I’ve been really hooked on the band, Lifehouse. Sometimes I listen to podcasts. Honestly, I think I’m more productive when I work in silence but that’s no fun.
What’s coming next from your easel?
Aside from all the small art I try to get done during the week, I’m getting ready to start a large figurative painting to enter into a national show next year.
http://www.kathyjurek.blogspot.com/
Thank you Kathy for being an EBSQ Blogger of the Week!
If you are an EBSQ Artist and would like to be considered for Blogger of the Week just add us to your blogroll. I’m searching EBSQ profiles weekly for links to artist’s blogs. If you aren’t an EBSQ Artist, what are you waiting for?
EBSQ Friday Five
The EBSQ Friday Five offers a brief look at noteworthy news from around the EBSQ Artist Blogosphere.
1. I’ve Just Been Thinkin – I love the painting featured in this post, though it isn’t related to the question Judy Vars’ is asking. She asks, “Do you feel like it takes a certain solitary selfish commitment and that women inherently and usually have a caretaking role so there is and less time and passion to devote to being an artist?”
2. Work in Progress and a lesson in Chops – Theresa Bayer has a fascinating series of posts on her new Wip and the process of regaining her “chops.” What does that mean? You’ll have to go to her blog and find out!
3. Lightest Watercolor Palette Ever – I love it when artists take an ordinary object, something we might normally throw out, and transform it into something new and useful.
4. Reflecting Rose I Wip – Another fascinating Wip, this one from artist Sandra Willard. Scratchboard has always been one of those elusive arts for me. Thank you, Sandra for sharing!
5. 5 Simple Steps to Start your First Blog – No, this doesn’t come from an EBSQ Artist, but it’s a post every artist and would be art blogger should read! Lori McNee’s fine art tips are some of the best around the web.
Have a great weekend, folks!
EBSQ Blogger of the Week: Vera Dennen
This week’s EBSQ Blogger of the Week always has a piece of art in the works. One of things I like most about her portfolio is the diverse subjects she’s explored. There’s always something new and vibrant to be seen and the same can be said for her blog!
Who and where are you?
Vera Dennen, and I live in middle America, right in the heartland with lots of open space! Have lived on both coasts, which I will never regret having done, but am glad to be back with my roots now as well.
How did you get started art blogging?
Began to blog as a way to share my work after having numerous requests for more information through my web site. Do have a few blogs with more deeper thoughts of my own, but mostly try to add some interest is trying new media, new methods, and new artistic horizons for follow artists as I believe this is the way we all grow.
Any tips for other EBSQ art bloggers?
Speak from the heart. There Julia and Julia was not wrong (although I think that title is), just let your feelings roll as if off of your tongue; then others can better relate. Not only about what you did to achieve such and such new affect, but perhaps what caused you to try this style to begin with, or what trials and errors were involved before final achievement.
What’s your musical inspiration of choice when you’re working in your studio?
I have on major news networks, where I can keep up with what is going on in the world, but do not have to look at the TV while doing it. This is not for everyone however, as all of the news is not good. CNN being my favorite, and Hardball on MSNBC. Because I have lived in such a variety of settings in my life, guess my need to be broadly informed may be greater than many. To tell the truth, do envy those artists who turn up the music and paint while they listen.
What’s coming next from your easel?
Am working on a second Mustang, smaller in size this time, and pre-stretched on Gallery Wrapped Canvas. Mustang III, about a week away from finish yet I would guess. But have many paintings lined up in different stages of work, watercolors receiving glazes, others being mounted, several oils in the works, drying, etc., and some having floater frames being added as well. What ever pops up and yells “finish me” the loudest will be next. Anyway, that’s the way it usually works best for me.
http://veraoriginals.blogspot.com/
Thank you Vera for being an EBSQ Blogger of the Week!
If you are an EBSQ Artist and would like to be considered for Blogger of the Week just add us to your blogroll. I’m searching EBSQ profiles weekly for links to artist’s blogs. If you aren’t an EBSQ Artist, what are you waiting for?
EBSQ Spotlight on Still Life: Mark Satchwill
This month’s featured gallery is Still Life. A still life is a collection of inanimate objects depicted in an artistic composition and is a genre that has always been a staple for artists. Setting up a still life is an exercise in composition. Painting or photographing the composition is an exercise in technique. The result of these efforts is a work of art. Throughout the month of January, we are going to take a few moments to catch up with some of EBSQ’s still life artists.
Mark Satchwill
Still life is a new genre for me, as I am predominantly a figurative artist. It was while harvesting produce I had grown in the garden that I was inspired to use them as a subject for painting. The chili’s got me first and then I was hooked. I became interested in how the objects became arranged, in which colours to place the objects on, how to capture the character of the object, the shapes and textures, and how to convey that convincingly in watercolor. New and interesting challenges! – Mark Satchwill
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EBSQ Spotlight on Seasonal Art: ‘Tis The Season – Rebecca M. Ronesi
This month’s featured gallery is Seasonal Art: ‘Tis The Season. The month of December brings us Chanukah, Christmas, Kwanzaa and New Year’s Eve. It is a month of festivities and reflection. Seasonal Art: ‘Tis The Season appears once a year in month of December and is always a favorite. From now until the end of the year, we are going to take a few moments to catch up with some of the EBSQ artists that create for this season of celebration.
Rebecca M. Ronesi
For the holiday season I paint glass “Dragonfly Balls” They’re ornaments that can be hung on a tree or keep around all year long. I have different themes every year. Besides loving to paint, it gives me the opportunity to play with sparkle…I love sparkle. This idea came from my own desire to collect unusual holiday ornaments from other artists and different parts of the world. – Rebecca M. Ronesi
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EBSQ Spotlight on Seasonal Art: ‘Tis The Season – Lisa Monica Nelson
This month’s featured gallery is Seasonal Art: ‘Tis The Season. The month of December brings us Chanukah, Christmas, Kwanzaa and New Year’s Eve. It is a month of festivities and reflection. Seasonal Art: ‘Tis The Season appears once a year in month of December and is always a favorite. From now until the end of the year, we are going to take a few moments to catch up with some of the EBSQ artists that create for this season of celebration.
Lisa Monica Nelson
As much as I love the holidays, I love making a few pieces of holiday art each year. Be it Halloween or Christmas or even Fourth of July, it’s a fun endeavor that adds to the richness of the season. Now that I have grandchildren, it’s wonderful to see the older two (ages 4 and 2) making glitter stars and cotton ball snowmen. I’m a member of two juried holiday art groups — both of which sell on Etsy — American Holiday Artists (AHA) and Magical Holiday Artists (MHA). Please come visit us, or perhaps consider joining us, if you too enjoy holiday art. Happy Holidays! – Lisa Monica Nelson
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EBSQ Spotlight on Seasonal Art: ‘Tis The Season – Ann Murray
This month’s featured gallery is Seasonal Art: ‘Tis The Season. The month of December brings us Chanukah, Christmas, Kwanzaa and New Year’s Eve. It is a month of festivities and reflection. Seasonal Art: ‘Tis The Season appears once a year in month of December and is always a favorite. From now until the end of the year, we are going to take a few moments to catch up with some of the EBSQ artists that create for this season of celebration.
Ann Murray
I’ve been making a hand-made Christmas card for friends, family and art patrons for years. It is a labor of love that I enjoy doing. I start thinking about different designs in September. In October I start sketching, and at the end of November and first of December I put a burn on and start painting the final design. By the time I’m through, the finished card looks nothing like what I started with, but I’m always happy with it. They take many, many hours to design, paint and print and I’ve heard feedback that people look forward to getting my hand-made cards every year. Some people have told me they keep my cards in their art collection after Christmas. Hand-made Christmas cards are really a limited edition fine art print, when it comes right down to it. I especially like trading cards with other artists and art patrons because I know they are the ones who will appreciate all the time and work that goes into them because they’ve been busily making their own holiday cards!
When looking over my past cards, I noticed that I have a theme going. In over half of the cards that I’ve made, I’ve worked in a peace message by using the Peace Dove, Angel, or by working the old Hippy peace sign into the design. Wishing people, animals, and the environment peace seems especially appropriate right now; the world seems to need peace more than ever.
I was particularly happy to find a quote on peace by that great musician, poet and philosopher of my generation, Jimi Hendrix. “When the power of love overcomes the love of power, the world will have peace.” Perfectly said, Jimi.
I wish you all Peace, and a very Merry Christmas. – Annie
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EBSQ Spotlight on Seasonal Art: ‘Tis The Season – Ulrike (Ricky) Martin
This month’s featured gallery is Seasonal Art: ‘Tis The Season. The month of December brings us Chanukah, Christmas, Kwanzaa and New Year’s Eve. It is a month of festivities and reflection. Seasonal Art: ‘Tis The Season appears once a year in month of December and is always a favorite. From now until the end of the year, we are going to take a few moments to catch up with some of the EBSQ artists that create for this season of celebration.
Ulrike (Ricky) Martin
Growing up in Germany, we would usually have snow during the holidays, and snow meant building snowmen! To me it also meant being home by a warm fire and drawing pictures of snowmen and children sledding – to my heart’s content. Christmas was greatly anticipated , since I knew that I would receive more Art supplies and books. (My mother never repeated her mistake of giving me a doll one Christmas – I never gave it a second glance – I was only interested in the colored pencils and drawing paper!)
Now I live in SW Florida , and the temperatures often reach the eighties in December. None the less , when the end of November rolls around, I get the urge to paint snowmen, Santas and my beloved Poinsettias. The warm and fuzzy feelings of nostalgia and memories of wonderful family Christmas days are with me – as I paint and paint and paint! – Ulrike (Ricky) Martin
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EBSQ Spotlight on Artistic Nudes: Miriam Schulman
This month’s featured gallery is Artistic Nudes. The nude is a classic subject for artists and is of endless fascination and challenge. There are many types of nudes, in all degrees of undress and all manner of poses. Some are intended to make a statement, some are part of a story and some are just a celebration of the human form.
Miriam Schulman
I pour my heart in soul into creating my nude figure studies. The style of my artwork is modern, yet impressionistic. Sometimes I venture into abstraction working on canvas with thick brushes and oil paints but my largest body of work is with watercolor. The composition and technique I use is influenced and inspired by Sargent, Charles Reid and Alice Neel. I tend to anonymise my subjects or impose my own emotions onto them. There is an eclectic interaction between artist and subject in my work where their feelings transform my own and my own feelings transform the art.
My figurative artwork is often sensual and sometimes tastefully erotic as create a narration in my head for the subject and a back story, and a character. – Miriam Schulman
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EBSQ Spotlight on Artistic Nudes: Barbara Jensen
This month’s featured gallery is Artistic Nudes. The nude is a classic subject for artists and is of endless fascination and challenge. There are many types of nudes, in all degrees of undress and all manner of poses. Some are intended to make a statement, some are part of a story and some are just a celebration of the human form.
Barbara Jensen
The human form has always fascinated me in a curious way since I was very young and I’ve been drawing and painting nudes since I can remember. The sensual curves, the flexibility and all of the nooks and crannies of the human body. And what I find real fun is that each one is totally different in so many ways. Female nudes have been my focus since I got my first Barbie doll. In my work I try to portray the softness of the skin and try to stay away from hard lines but in the future I would like to get into some more dramatic work using the contrast of shadow. I just love experimenting with different media and styles but I have become a slave to detail so I find it hard to loosen up. I challenge myself!
I also love an expressive face. In my opinion the face is the hardest thing to capture and can make or break the piece. I can’t count how many works I’ve scrapped because I mess that up, so now I always do the face first. Live and learn! – Barbara Jensen
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EBSQ Member News: Cathy Johnson Watercolor Demo
Friday, June 12
2nd Friday Art Crawl
5:00-8:00 p.m.
Olde English Garden Shoppe
115 E. Broadway, Excelsior Springs, MO 64024
North Light books artist and author Cathy Johnson will demonstrate her techniques for watercolor painting at the 2nd Friday Art Crawl in Excelsior Springs, MO.
Johnson is the author of 34 books, including 9 for North Light Books, (one of two major publishers of art books), the Sierra Club Guide to Sketching in Nature and The Sierra Club Guide to Painting in Nature, for the Sierra Club.
She has judged art shows all over the USA, and done a number of presentations and workshops for arts associations from Maine to Nevada, as well as offered field sketching classes at statewide Nature Centers for the Missouri Department of Conservation.
Johnson spoke to the first international gathering of the Sierra Club in San Francisco in 2005 on sketching and painting in nature.
She is currently working on a revision of her 1988 book, Watercolor Tricks and Techniques, and will be demonstrating some of the techniques included in that book.
Come see some of the innovative techniques in person, at 115 E. Broadway in Excelsior Springs, Friday, June 12.
Johnson regularly shows her work at Olde English Garden Shoppe, along with Polly Jaben, PhD, photographer of scenes from Ireland, Scotland, England and Wales as well as the USA. Jaben’s eye for the perfect shot and Johnson’s watercolors and drawings work well with the boutique’s offerings.
The 2nd Friday art crawl will include a number of other shops and galleries in downtown Excelsior Springs, including Gallery 105, Frame of Mind, the Mercantile, and others. There will be music, wine tastings, and food–join us for an exciting evening!
Have member news you’d like to share? Drop us a line!
Like what you see here? We hope you’ll consider leaving a comment or subscribing to one of our feeds. Never miss another cool post from EBSQ. Subscribe to EBSQ: Art Meets Blog v2.0 by Email today!
Art & News from EBSQ 