THE PITFALLS OF WORKING FLAT!

This is the demo painting I created for the Society of Western Artists on Saturday. It was a wonderful group of enthusiastic artists. I always have such a good time at demos.

Here is the problem: Because I work on Tyvek, a very slippery surface, I need to keep the painting flat so the watercolor doesn't slide right off. I draw the image on with a wet line, so the painting stays flat from the drawing on. There is a distortion that happens (slight parallax) and I don't discover it until everything is finished and dry! The first image is what I was seeing and the second image is what I actually drew and painted. Rats!!! I really like the head but the body and hand are too small (or the head is too big!) What to do? I have a few choices. The first is to try and scrub out the arm and hand and change it. Not too sure that will work with this paper. I could do a drastic crop. I could do it again. I think I will start with the first idea and work my way through the choices until the problem is solved.

The real question is how to prevent this in the future. A number of possibilities here, as well. First, I could draw the image on the paper with something that doesn't run so the paper would be upright and I would avoid the distortion. Second solution is to view my drawing in the overhead mirror before I start to paint. I think I would notice a distortion. The third idea is to print out the reference material with a parallax distortion and then I would automatically correct it when I drew it on my paper. The fourth idea is to use a "reducing glass". This is the opposite of magnification. It allows you to see the image you are working on as if from a distance. You can find this item in a shop that caters to quilters. They can't pick up their work in the planning stage as it would fall apart!

As with so many things, there is always more than one solution. I think starting with a distorted image is the one that appeals to me the most. Once I get started, especially with demos, I work fast and furious. I forget to slow down and check the drawing. Can't wait to try this theory.

THE GOOD NEWS JUST KEPT ON COMING!

Today was an amazing day! I was able to preview the Santa Clara Valley Watercolor Society Annual Show after a meeting of the participants. The show opens tomorrow and has some very spectacular paintings in it. The level of creativity and talent goes up each year. It is in the Rose Shenson Gallery on the grounds of the Triton Museum in Santa Clara. It's worth the effort to come by and see this show.

When I returned home from the meeting I found my two cartons had arrived from Minneapolis, safe and sound. I was very relieved! I had shipped quite a few paintings and lots of art supplies. I am always a little anxious until I have them securely back home.

Then I discovered a message on my answering machine telling me my painting "Put Up Your Dukes" which was in the Rocky Mountain Watercolor Society Watermedia Exhibition in Golden, CO. had SOLD! This is the most anyone has ever paid for one of my paintings. I feel very honored that someone would part with that much money to have one of my pieces. Everyone is always so complimentary about my work but I am always surprised when one actually sells. So, Wow, that was a an exciting turn of events.

Next, I received a call from SCVWS with the news I had won an award. The reception and awards ceremony isn't until Sunday, October 25th. I will have to be in suspense until then.

Tomorrow I will be doing a demo for the Society of Western Artists (SWA). They have a great new location in Redwood City on Broadway. The meeting starts at 1 PM and I will probably start about 1:30. The meeting is open to the public, so if you have the time, come on down.