A new road and a new demo
Posted: January 8, 2024 Filed under: Uncategorized 15 CommentsThe exploration continues in my new neighbourhood. On my way to Eastern Ontario the other day, Google Maps ordered me to take a series of country roads to get to the highway. I’m glad I obeyed. Along the way I discovered plenty of stuff that urgently needed painting — barns, horses, gritty farm equipment — all within a ten-minute drive of where I live. And no competition for parking on the roads.
I have been waiting for fresh snow to fall, and we had lots of it yesterday, with more coming tomorrow. That covering of white makes these otherwise dreary landscapes so much more interesting. You don’t need much colour to paint these winter landscapes but I had a freshly filled palette because I just filmed a new demo last week…
Most of my palettes — both studio and travel — have 18 wells or more. But fellow sketchers often ask me which colours to use in a 12-well palette or even one that has only 8 spots. It’s always easier to show rather than tell in these situations, so I decided to create a video demo that answers all the questions about where to start when you’re choosing colours and filling your palette. If you think this might be useful for you, have a look at My Essential Watercolour Palette: Building Blocks for Clean Colours. And since the first month of the year is always a good time to get a fresh start with your colours or brush up on some new skills, you might also take a peek at my January sale. All my single courses are discounted 30% for this month.
I love your winter scene!
Connie Renaud
Thanks Connie! I was happy to be out there painting!!
We finally got snow too. The light it brings into the landscape and its reflective surface is so cheering!
I’m happy for you Ashley. It does make such a difference to my mood and to my choice of subjects to paint. It’s all about that contrast.
Just signed up for your new class on your paint palettes👍
Lori, thanks! I hope you enjoy it!
I’m so glad that you have new roads to travel and places to explore and paint. This lovely painting shows your mastery, especially of brushstrokes. I look forward to more!
Jean, that means a lot. Thank you! Loved your pine cone post this week!!
More snow to come:)So many places to explore:)
Can’t wait!!
You are becoming a master in my eyes.
When I first started following you years ago I felt that with practice I could perhaps sketch something decent. Your skills have increased so much over the years that more than anything, I am in awe when looking at your work.
You have really and tirelessly demonstrated that with hard work and years and years of practice, “this” is possible.
WOW!!
Suzanne, I don’t even know how to respond to this except to say thank you so much. This is incredibly nice to read.
Hi Shari
I continue to be inspired by you! I watched your new demo – so interesting to hear about your paint choices and the rationale. I still use my San Miguel palette – you introduced me to lavender and transparent orange (no longer a mainstay on your palette I see) both of which I love. And to the joys of painting snow. I look forward to your posts, insights, demos, and tales. Thanks! xo
Hi Lynn,
Great to hear that this was useful. Lavender is still on there!! And my smaller travel palette has a few more spots so yes, there is an orange on there too!! I hope you are enjoying the Ottawa winter.
Shari
Hi Shari,
I finished the palette class and really enjoyed it! I’m SO inspired by your work and your palette choices. I am making a little palette with the cotman 14 palette and doing a hack to fit 20 colors. So, if you were to add 2 more to your 18 what would you recommend, please? Always appreciate your guidance and insights! Thank you! 🙂