Trying for the reflection

1/4 sheet 300# watercolor paper

This painting is unfinished but I wanted to include it as a work in progress.  As you can see, the upper left hand corner is incomplete.  The stem on the fruit is not finished as well as the checkers on the tablecloth going off the page.  This was a fun piece to learn about value as it relates to reflection.  I haven't worked with watercolor for quite some time so I had to get my head wrapped around the transparent medium once again.  Anne Abgott is a colorist and works her paints thick and intense. It was the type of class where we all painted the same thing fairly step by step.  I am anxious to try a few still lifes as well as items with reflections to see if I can advance my skills in this area.  It is good to occasionally try something new and see how it can translate into what you are doing in your own personal work,

Anne Abgott workshop and Adventures in Watercolor

Watercolor paintings done plein aire in Amana, Iowa by Caryl Dahn

This weekend I will be taking a watercolor class from Anne Abgott, a watercolor artist from Florida.  Her work can be seen at www.anneabgott.com.  This year, after a long hiatus, I joined the Iowa Watercolor Society and this class is part of the members exhibit that will be held in Perry, Iowa.  I have taken several watercolor classes throughout the years by different artists.  Each instructor has a new slant on methods and techniques.  I am really looking forward to participating in this workshop.  I plan to add some of the photos of the event later this week.

Wise Old Owl

Barn Owl  Acrylic on hardboard 

September is here and birds are getting ready to migrate.  Hummingbirds are drinking from the feeder like there is no tomorrow. They have a long flight ahead of them.  I also have gold finches, morning doves and cardinals eating hungrily at the feeder, keeping me busy replenishing them often.
I recently tried my hand at painting a Barn Owl.  I like owls in general.  I like the fact that the ancient Greeks associated owls with Athena, the goddess of wisdom.  They even incorporated the owl in their coins with Athena on one side and an owl on the other.  Hidden knowledge and superiority lies behind the stare of this "wise old owl."