Tom's Demo & Workshop

What a pleasant, relaxing experience we all had at the September monthly meeting.  Our guest artist was Tom Howard and we were gathered around him while he shared his wisdom and knowledge of painting landscapes.  This is the finished demo piece that Tom forwarded to me so I could post it here for everyone to see.








The workshop consisted of several hours in the morning, of key tips on drawing, while developing good visual skills.  Tom lead us through several practice steps for accurately drawing things in the cafeteria.  Then he shared some individual objects that we took turns drawing from various angles.  One of Tom's key elements was this pyramid for composition,





The afternoon found us outside, in front of the senior center, painting au natural, or as the french say: "Plein aire".  Here is Tom's demo of the trees he found in the parking lot.  Amazing what you can compose with just a few suggested elements.

 If you would like to take an extended class with Tom on building your drawing skills, please tell Barbara next time you see her and she'll check with Tom, for when he might be available.  Also, don't forget, Tom teaches at the local university campus's. 

Reminder for September's Meeting

I hope you can join us this Thursday night, September 15th for a fun  demo by Tom Howard.  He is a university instructor here in Utah but his classes are always full the minute registration is open.  We are fortunate to have him as a local artist,  Here's is his website address if you would like to know more about Tom.  I can tell you he is a patient, down to earth kind of guy.  I've taken his workshops in the past and enjoyed every minute!  The meeting will be held from 6-8 pm, so hope to see you there!

We are honored that Tom will also be teaching his workshop for us on Saturday, September 17 at the Sandy Senior Center.  He will be sharing his experiences and knowledge of composition, drawing and plein air painting with us, plus much more.  The fee is $45 for members, $65 for non-members.  Drop off a check, or pay on Thursday night!  You will be glad you did!  Tom is an awesome instructor!
:- )  Cindy

TomHoward

Sherry Meidell's Workshop in May

Sherry Meidell's Saturday Workshop at the Sandy Senior Center, May 21st, will explore how you can "Capture People on Paper".
Here is the supply list:

Any brand of paints will do the trick, but Sherry recommends and uses Winsor & Newton in the following colors:

Cadmium Yellow, Lemon Yellow, Cadmium red or Scarlet Lake, Permanenant Alizarin Crimson, Cerulean blue, Ultramarine blue, Antwerp blue, Burnt Sienna, Burnt Umber
Quinacridone Gold is Optional

Bring your usual setup of: watercolor brushes & an old toothbrush, water containers, paper towels or kitchen towel, 1/2 sheet of Arches, mounted to a board or other substrate.  (140 lb.Cold Press or 300 lb. hot press) You will also need some practice 1/4 sheets (2+) and if you are a fast painter, bring more!), Masking Tape, a Sketch Book with a pen or pencil, 2-3 photos of people you would like to paint.

If you would like more information about Sherry, please visit her BLOG  

 I first met Sherry at a paint out via UWS.  We were up at Park City painting the Ruth Christopher's Barn/converted home and while I was struggling with perspectives, she was happily admiring the cows behind us.  The colors she had thrown into her landscape had me in awe.  I asked her how she achieved such a beautiful sky and lush greens.  Sherry didn't hesitate....Antwerp Blue!  It became my favorite from that day on.  Sherry is an amazing artist and holds nothing back.  I hope you will enjoy this fun opportunity!  

April Paint Alongs

                                                                          Photo Credit: Bruce Bley

Beginning April 7th, every Thursday afternoon from 1-3:30, you are invited to join us for a video Paint Along at the Sandy Senior Center.  Colleen Reynolds has graciously offered us her "Lilacs" video to share as our first presentation.  The video is 1 1/2 hours long, so we will surely need to break this up into Part 1 and Part 2.  In order to get right into the painting, or pouring in this case, I would suggest you have your drawing of lilacs done and all the highlights masked out.  This will eliminate the waiting to dry time!  Images to use: google has a bunch!  Simply select a photo of lilacs if you don't have one of your own to use.   (Please give credit as I have here!)
The methods Colleen uses can be used with any lilac image.  Here is a list of other supplies you will need:
* 140 lb. cold press paper (Arches is recommend but Fabriano is good as well) 12" x 16"
* Large Round Brush
* Small "Rigger" Brush
* 1/4" Angular Brush
* Pigments: Daniel Smith: Quinacridone Pink, Phthalo Blue (Red Shade) & New Gamboge
   Holbein: Crimson or Crimson Lake
* 3 small (no lip) plastic or metal cups to mix paint with water to enable pouring
* palette knife
* 2B soft pencil & kneaded eraser
* Masking Fluid & Applicator (Colleen uses her Palette Knife)
* Water Container for washing brushes
* Spray Bottle to mist the paper
* Paper Towels
* Sponge

No sign ups are required, simply bring your supplies and be prepared to have fun!

Date Change

Ian Ramsay's Saturday workshop is not being held on April 16th, but APRIL 23RD!  Please make changes to your calendar.  Doors open at 9:00!

and 

WORKSHOP MATERIALS & INSTRUCTIONS

     Please come prepared to the workshop, with your drawing carefully laid out on a piece of watercolor paper to the size of 11” x 15”” or larger.  Use good quality W.C. paper (Arches or Fabriano); 140 or 300 pound, either cold press or rough.  The paper should be secured to a firm board with tape, staples or both.

     You will need a variety of good quality brushes, large and small, for washes and details respectively.  Also, bring along a stiff bristle oil painting ‘Fan’ brush for some special techniques.

     As to paints, a wide variety of colors can be used and adapted to our needs.  I will be using, specifically:  yellow ochre, hansa yellow, raw sienna, burnt sienna, burnt umber, cadmium red, quinacridone rose, deep scarlet, sap green, cobalt blue, ultramarine blue and thalo green (blue shade).  I also use other colors, but more than enough can be done with those enumerated.  In addition to these watercolors, you will need a white gouache…preferably permanent white.

Chinese white watercolor would also be acceptable.

     Please bring along a good natural sponge for softening and correcting mistakes.  Yes, we can fix a watercolor painting!  We all make mistakes and I will show you how to deal with them.

     Be prepared to relax and have fun.  This won’t be the Spanish inquisition…  Ian.

February Monthly Meeting

We had a great time watching Colleen finish a loose, carefree painting of one of her 5 kitties, after we watched a few short demos on her youtube channel.  Colleen was very inspirational and made painting an animal, look so easy that several of us are ready to give it a try.   Thanks Colleen for sharing your love of watercolor with us!  

Unconventional Watercolor Abstract Selfie Workshop

Starting March 3rd thru March 31st, you can experience an art journey of unconventional watercolor techniques while painting your "Selfie" and a second portrait using a vintage image, as you practice several different methods of applying watercolor and "White Wash". This workshop will be held every Thursday, at the Sandy Senior Center, located at: 9310 S. 1300 E., from 1-3:30 PM.  Five weeks of fun!

The first class I will be sharing the supplies you will need, prepping your pigments, how to tear a deckle edged sheet of 300 # watercolor paper, plus I will be taking your photos to transform them into poster size, line drawings for your painting.  You will also select another vintage portrait image that will be provided to you.  I will be demonstrating many fun techniques over the 5 weeks of March and will be giving you a student kit with lots of fun things to play with along the way.
 
This image shows a selfie of me, (Cindy), after two classes of applying watercolor.  I am ready to start the 3rd week of techniques, by adding textures to the background and week 4, techniques of adding shadows to the face and neck.  Week 5 we will be finalizing the details.  Handouts will be provided for each class as well as tips for facial painting of the individual parts of the face, plus special techniques for painting the hair using unusual painting aids.

The cost is $45 for members of the Sandy Watercolor Guild, or $65 for non-members.  Seating is limited to 15!  Reserve your seat today by dropping off a check to the front desk at the Sandy Senior Center.  Please make checks payable to "Sandy Senior Center", placed in an envelope, marked "Karla" or you may pay Karla or myself on Monday afternoons when we are at the center.  Payments will be accepted until March 1st.  Please note the Sandy Senior center is closed on most holidays, including Presidents Day-March 15th.

February 2016 Workshop

February 13th at the Sandy Senior Center on 9310 1300 E, we will be holding our first Saturday workshop for the New Year.  "A Loose Style of Painting with Watercolor" with Bonita "Bonnie" Tollefson.  (9-4pm-Bring a Lunch & Snack to Share).  $45.00 for Members and $65.00 for Non-Members due before Feb. 1st!  Drop off a check to Karla or Cindy on Monday afternoon, or at the front desk, in an envelope addressed to Karla.

Come and enjoy a fun day throwing some paint around with fellow artists.  Relax and learn how easy, loose painting can be.  Practice along as Bonnie demonstrates her methods with us.  Play with clear wrap for beautiful effects.







Supplies Needed: Your usual watercolor painting setup, pigments, brushes, paper towels, etc. plus the following:
*1 sheet of 260 rough or 300 lb. quality watercolor paper such as: Arches, Fabriano.
*Some scraps of paper to practice blending wet into wet pigment.
*Clear Wrap
*Table Easel is optional but recommended

Any questions, call: Cindy 8016749503  Thanks!

January's Guest Artist-Spike Ress

We had a really good turnout for Spike's demo and a really great time learning how he paints his awesome landscapes.  Spike shared his color palette and mixing skills, his layering of colors and his knowledge of his artistry.  We all want to express our Thank You to Spike for enabling us to learn his tried and true methods,  If you would like to
learn more about Spike Ress, please visit his website:  SPIKE

End of a Year-Beginning of a New

2015-2016 Years made up of days, weeks, months, but really it's only how we measure TIME on earth. Calendars, watches,
accomplishments, birthdays, holidays, special events are how we manage to remember our brief stay here.  One life, your life and all the things you have done, your adventures, your friendships, your family relationships are how we leave a stamp on others lives. Cherished moments of our times together, sharing the camaraderie of Monday afternoons, quite conversations, laughing, crying and caring for each other.  Your friendships have made this journey into the fine art of painting with a difficult medium, all the more enjoyable, because it was shared. Our love for a particular medium, the excitement it brings into our lives, and the joy that we share is a blessing.  Thank You for being a part of this life, this one moment of many, this one shared love.

Reminder

Mark your calendar for December 17th!  Our Annual Christmas Party!  We have asked John Fackrell to present a "Trunk Show" for us this year.  If you have never attended a trunk show, you are in for a real treat.  A trunk show showcases one artist's work.  John will be sharing his award winning watercolors with us after dinner.  During dinner we will be listening to some amazing Christmas music from CD's, enjoying each other's company and we will have a gift exchange, so please remember to bring a small (under an 8" x 10") painting to exchange.  Time: 6:30-8:30, or come a little early and help set up the cafeteria!

Please mark your calendar for our first monthly meeting, January 21, 2016!  Spike Ress from southern Utah will be demoing his amazing landscapes for us.  I was lucky enough to watch Spike's demo this past year, when he was a guest artist for the Utah Watercolor Society.  In just a matter of a few minutes, he changed how I paint landscapes!  Really!  He made it possible for me to understand how to paint canyon walls with a few strokes of his brush.  I was in awe!  I know you will not want to miss this monthly demo, so mark your calendar!  Take a minute to visit his website, by clicking his name above.  It is a direct link to Spike's beautiful paintings.

Want a new challenge for 2016?  I love a good challenge, especially if it involves watercolor painting.  John Fackrell will be teaching a 3rd, 6-week workshop, but this time it will be about painting just one large painting.  When I say large, I mean 1/2 sheet!  That's the challenge! Yup!  We will be painting the Park City (white) Barn, the one that is on the National Historical Registry and pictured here.  (This is an image I took last week, but it is very similar to John's).  With this, we can learn how to paint snow, mountains, bushes, shadows, etc. etc. etc.  Each week we will be learning something else and at the end of the workshop, we will have a beautiful painting!  $45 and only a few seats (3) are left! I am collecting payments now, so reserve your seat!  You can give me a check at the Christmas Party or on Monday afternoons, when I'm at the Senior Center.  (Please make your check out to Sandy Senior Center).

Don't forget to pay your 2016 Membership dues!  They are due on January 1st, but you can pay at the Christmas Party or January 21st monthly meeting.  (Make checks out to: Sandy Senior Center)

Have questions, give me a call: (Cindy) 801-6749503

General News for the Sandy Guild Members

I have added a new page, in the right sidebar, with a list of the books we currently have in our Library.  To view the list, simply click on: "Our Library".  To check out these books, please speak to Karla.  If you have any books or DVD's you would like to donate, they would be welcomed.  Sharing knowledge is a wonderful gift.

Christmas is fast approaching and we are trying to make plans for our annual Christmas Party.  This year we are unable to secure our usual caterer, but we thought a potluck, family style meal was the next best thing.  We are ordering a Honey-Baked Ham as the main meat dish.  If you would like to bring a side dish to go with the main dish, please let Sharron Bell know what you would like to bring.  Her number is: 801 676 9904  There is plenty of time for you to decide.  I will send out another reminder next month.  Please let her know whether or not you prefer Apple Juice or Apple Cider.  (We will provide these refreshments as well).

Gift Exchange-in the past we have shared either a 5 x 7 or 8 x 10 watercolor and it is such a favorite gift, we will be doing another exchange this year at the party.

If anyone would like to volunteer to help with the party, decorations, music, table settings, etc. please contact Sharron.

Our October Meeting on the 15th is the annual Dick Blick Demo!  Mark your calendars!

Our November Meeting  on the 19th we will be making Christmas Cards with Virginia Kimball!

Our December Meeting on the 17th will be our annual festive Christmas Party!  Please plan to share the evening with good friends, delicious food, fun and laughter.

September Sandy Watercolor Guild Meeting-Update

Circle your calendar for September 17th as a reminder that our next club meeting is at 6:30 pm and we have a wonderful, new and interesting workshop being presented by Jim Zinanti.  (One of our very own members!)  He has provided us with some eye candy of his paintings, using his unique watercolor technique.

We're going to be using Jim's technique of dropping thick watercolors into puddles of water.

People wanting to try the technique should bring the following supplies:

Jim as added two more items to the supply list: *Tape and *A support for your paper such as
 gatorboard, foamcore or plexiglass.  

*140 lb. hot press watercolor paper, approx. 6x8"
 *Opague Watercolors such as: Cadiums,  Chromiums, Cerulean Blue, etc.
*Transparent Watercolors such as: Phthalos, Quinacidones, Alizarin Crimson, etc.
*large and small round brushes
*#4 round or smaller brush
*Hair dryer if you have an extra
*Plus your regular painting supplies

Some prep work is needed in order to get started painting right away.  So please select a photo that has large areas or simple shapes such as these building paintings that Jim has shared with us.  Simple shapes can be trains, cars, trolleys, buildings, stacked rocks, etc.  Please have your image drawn on your 140 lb. hot press watercolor paper before we meet.  (Jim has provided a drawing that you can right click, save and print on your home printer if you wish to use his image).

See you there!

Watercolor Mosaic Workshop by Mary Pusey-Updated 8-19

Mark your calendars for September 19th and sign up for Mary Pusey's awesome new workshop, "Watercolor Mosaics".

This workshop will be held at the Sandy Senior Center, 9:30-4:00 and the cost is only $35 for members and $50 for non-members.  Payments can be made via check, made out to SSC (Sandy Senior Center-9310 S. 1300 E.) and dropped off. You may also give your payment to Kay Adair, Barbara Glick or myself (Cindy Powell) at the SSC Monday Paint Group.  If you prefer to pay on-line via Paypal, please contact me (Cindy) at 801 674 9503. (Or if you have any questions-please call)  Seating is limited. Payment must be made by September 1st to secure your reservation. 

Mary was born in Murray, Utah, but grew up in Midvale.
She began painting as a teacher in-service class and what started as a way to bring art into the classroom, ended in a love for watercolor. She retired from teaching in 2013, and now paints full time.

Mary continues to learn about watercolor by attending workshops of other diverse artists and has had the opportunity to paint in both, England and Spain.  She loves painting from nature in the great outdoors.

Mary is a signature member of the Utah Watercolor Society.
She has been their Exhibition Chair for the past two years and is now the Web and Constant Contact Communications Chair. She is also a current member of Art At The Main, a co-operative gallery in the Salt Lake City Main Library.

Mary has had paintings juried into and won awards in exhibitions sponsored by Intermountain Society Artists, the Schorr Gallery, and the Utah Watercolor Society. Her paintings have also been juried into Western Federation Exhibitions and the Pioneer Memorial Theater’s Loge Gallery Exhibits at the University of Utah and into the Catharine Lorillard Wolfe 118th Juried Exhibition at the National Arts Club in New York City. She recently received an Award Of Merit from the UWS Spring Open Exhibition.

She currently lives in Holladay, Utah, with her husband.

Mary has many paintings done in this unique style, all amazingly beautiful,

(Reminds me of stained glass windows),  I've had the privilege of taking this workshop when it was offered at the Cache Valley Chapter of the UWS.  I highly recommend it.  Mary is such a wonderful teacher, explains every step, encourages you along the way, and takes the time to make sure you are enjoying her workshop.

The supplies are the normal watercolor supplies with the exception of hot press 140 lb. paper. (It's a dream to paint on, using Mary's methods).  Below is a full list of supplies.

*Your usual pallet with a variety of pigment hues.

Mary has quite a few yellows, oranges, reds, blues, and greens.

Sometimes she just puts extra colors on a plate if her pallet is 

already full. Any brand is fine. Make sure you have space to 

let colors mix on your pallet. 

*Small pointed brushes-sizes 4 and 6 work well. 

Mary uses Leow Cornell pointed round brushes, but any brand is 

fine as long as they are finely pointed.

*Pencil-Keep it soft, 2B-4B-Fine. The less pencil marks showing the better.

*Soft eraser-less chance of abrading the soft surface of hot-pressed paper.

*Your Usual Stuff-Paper towels, water jar, ruler, tissues, apron, 

sponge, tape, etc. You know what you need to paint comfortably. 

You will not need to bring any type of resist or masking. We will be painting and 

leaving the white spaces between. Do Not Use Mr. Clean sponges.

*Pictures, photos or digital images are fine.  Mary will give 

you a copy of what she will be painting. You may trace it and paint,

or draw your own image to paint. Bring photos/digital images of 

something you would like to do on your own.

*Sketch book to design your composition.

*Back board w/clip-or whatever you normally use as a support.  Mary uses an old foam core support

and clips her photo to the painting. 

*Patience!-Mosaic Painting is a thoughtful creative process. Be patient 

and have fun!  To see more of Mary's fabulous paintings visit her website by clicking: Mary Pusey

Please Note: You will need to bring your lunch and it would be nice to bring a snack to share.
Thanking You in advance,  Cindy

General Information

There will be no meeting tonight due to our summer break, but we will be back in full swing, September 17th!  There are some exciting things happening, some minor changes and some great workshops planned for 2015-2016.

One of the changes will be how we organize the Christmas Party.  This year it will be held at the Sandy Senior Center and it will be a down-home, pot luck with a gift exchange.  We will provide the main meat dish and Apple Cider!  More about this in a future post.

Some of you know, I volunteered at the County Fair this summer and made some interesting contacts. These people are interested in providing us with a venue to demonstrate our painting talents by giving us the room to offer painting demos at the 2016 County Fair.  You will also have the option of selling your work.  Anyone interested in participating in these 4 days of demos, please call me (Cindy) 801 674 9503 and I will add you to the list.  (Please note that we will need to break up the times over the 4 days, into 2-4 hour slots and you will be able to sign up for the hours you can be there.  No one is required to be there for the full 4 days!  Also, I will work on getting you parking passes for these time slots.)  The County Fair is normally the 2nd week of August every year, but this has not been confirmed yet.  There will be more information about this opportunity in the future.

Hope everyone is enjoying their summer, vacations, family and friends at the Monday Paint Group.

Carl Purcell's Workshop is now Full!

Payment needs to be made to the Sandy Senior Center and given to Kay Adair by August 1st.  You may drop off a check at the Sandy Senior Center, Mon.-Fri.  If payment is not received by August 1st your name will be removed from the reservation list.

If you would like to be added to the waiting list, please call Cindy 801 674 9503

If you find that you will not be able to attend after signing up, please let Cindy know and we will give your seat to the next person on the waiting list Thanks!

Barbara Glick, our workshop coordinator, has scheduled Carl Purcell to be our guest artist on August 8, 2015.

Carl Purcell has a wonderful informative blog called:The Watercolor Teacher  He offers a variety of artist tips, his thoughts about drawing, his bio and a newsletter that you can sign up for.  Carl has also written two books, titled: "Drawing with Your Artist's Brain" and "Painting with Your Artist's Brain", both available through Amazon or North Light Books.

This "Drawing for Painting Workshop" will be held at the Draper Library (1136 E. Pioneer Road) on Saturday, August 8th from 10:15-4:30

Members $35, Non-Members $50  Seating is limited. Call Kay, Barbara or Cindy to reserve a seat and drop off a check-Mon-Fri, made out to: Sandy Senior Center at the Sandy Senior Center.

Mark your calendar and call to reserve your seat today!

Supplies Needed:  A large Sketchbook ( 9" x 12" approximately),
                                      a 2B Pencil & Kneaded Eraser
Please bring a lunch and drinks for yourself.  We will be taking a short break to eat outside.