#irvingshapiro

Fourth in my [healthy!] watercolor vegetable series, “Turnip.” I am not fond of turnips for eating, but I thought this one from a local farmer’s market was perfect for painting. As with each of these still-lifes, I set it up in my studio, lit by natural light. The challenge for me in this painting was not to overwork it. I learned from NY master artist David Leffel the importance of knowing your concept ahead of time. The concept is your answer to, “What excites you about this subject?” I like to ascribe an adjective or two that describes my response. “Delicate” and “free-flowing” we’re my buzzwords for this lil’ turnip. Once you have a concept clear in mind, that drives your plan and approach. Having a clear concept helps you know when you’re done. My next post will be another step-by-step example. Note: two years ago my wife invited me to go vegan with her. I am so glad I did (I am a terrible cook and she is amazing). These vegetables are not only beautiful, they're incredibly good for you. Yeah! Thanks for sharing my posts with friends and your favorite garden group! : ) #truecolors #archeswatercolorpaper #winsorandnewton #davinciwatercolors #irvingshapiro #americanacademyofart #artist #colorist #impressionism #composition #stilllife #fruitpainting #beauty #sunshine #engaging #insightful #fineartpaintings #artcollecting #collectingart #artcollector #interior design art #contemporarypaintimgs #monet #abstractimpressionist @archespapers @winsorandnewton @avantgardevegan @evolvingvegan @hotforfood @genesisbutler_ @veg_md @ellenfisher @the_buddhist_chef @rachelama_ @ohsheglows @sovegan @elsas_wholesomelife @iamtabithabrown @hilariabaldwin @deliciouslyella @earthyandy @fullyrawkristina @nimai_delgado @chocolatecoveredkatie @frommybowl @happyskinkitchen https://www.instagram.com/p/CSZ6SiuLQIP/?utm_medium=tumblr

More veggies! Following my Onion (previous post)), I continue my vegetable still-life series with peppers from a local farm. (When I visit them, they say, “Oh, you’re that artist, right? We’ve got those veggies you’re painting.”) Yeah, I’m that artist. Today I am sharing the initial sketch and lay-in. My teacher, Irving Shapiro, taught me to do a mini sketch to ascertain the values ahead of time, as watercolor demands us to have a plan of attack before we lay down that first stroke. The video shows me laying down a wash of clear water, followed by my color; this is the wet-into-wet technique. It creates soft edges as the color spills into the wetted area. Accustomed to oil, I’m still getting used to watercolor drying lighter. Stop by tomorrow to see the finished peppers. Oh, a favor? Please share my posts with others. Thanks : ) . . . . #truecolors #archeswatercolorpaper #winsorandnewton #davinciwatercolors #irvingshapiro #americanacademyofart #artist #colorist #impressionism #composition #stilllife #fruitpainting #beauty #sunshine #engaging #insightful #fineartpaintings #artcollecting #collectingart #artcollector #interior design art #contemporarypaintimgs #monet #abstractimpressionist #peppers #red #green #water #vegetables #onion @archespapers @winsorandnewton https://www.instagram.com/p/CSKNIZtLesi/?utm_medium=tumblr

I’m shifting gears this week, painting a series of still-lifes in watercolor, a medium completely unlike oil. I had a terrific time learning this tricky medium from master watercolorist Irving Shapiro- thirty years ago, and I’ve been getting reacquainted this year. Whereas oil is a very forgiving medium that lets you go on and on forever (good for painting, but not for conversation!), watercolor demands I get to the point. With watercolor, although it evokes a spontanous feel, you gotta know when at you’re gonna say before you utter a word- er, before you lay down a brushstroke. Shapiro used to call this “planned spontaneity.” Here I start out with a sketch of the still-life. Not too dark, but I like the pencil lines all the same- I think it adds character and makes the art look more human than perfect. I then begin painting my darkest darks, working from dark to light, always thinking ahead. See the finished painting tomorrow! . . . . #truecolors #archeswatercolorpaper #winsornewtonwatercolors #davinciwatercolors #irvingshapiro #americanacademyofart #artist #colorist #impressionism #composition #stilllife #fruitpainting #beauty #sunshine #engaging #insightful #fineartpaintings #artcollecting #collectingart #artcollector #interior design art #contemporarypaintimgs #monet #abstractimpressionist https://www.instagram.com/p/CR9RuVuLGpa/?utm_medium=tumblr