Just a reminder that there is another Surprise Gift Drawing this Friday for early subscribers to Session 2 of Acrylic Painting Club. Use this link to sign up and to see the other great projects offered for the next session. https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?ii=1411939&c=ib&aff=269071&cl=279488

Here is a little watercolour I painted en plein air at La Finca Del Nino. I was trying to put into practice things like creating interest by making sure I used hard edges, soft edges and broken edges within the painting. I have my interesting shadow colour of Cerulean Blue and Opera Rose with just a titch of Burnt Sienna.  I mixed a super dark black with Paynes Grey and Brown Madder. I have saved some of the white paper which is very hard to do! But I think I’m beginning to capture the look of dabbled light. 

And for my reward I get to paint a cat! This is Smokey who lives at La Finca Del Nino. I still tried to remember all the above points!!

I am back on Canadian soil after just a fabulous trip! We ate well and saw some beautiful country, made some art and new friendships! The great part was that everyone was at different stages in their artistic development and it was a wonderful supportive group. I think we all grew under the positive tutelage of Barbara Barrett. http://barbarabarrett.net/

With all those cute little towns, a discussion about perspective was a must. And of course with all that sunshine, shadows become a major part of  our artwork. We just aren’t used to looking for shadows but they are interesting shapes and colours and add so much to a painting.

Time to try one of my own. Not too bad. Got a bit of perspective there and mixed up some nice greys….even got a suggestion of a breeze with the curtain blowing in the doorway!

Of course I just had to do a portrait of a little friend I met in town.

After taking more photos we went back to La Finca del Nino for a well deserved lunch…. and perhaps a siesta.

I am here! This is so exciting. La Finca Del Nino is a beautiful venue. We are being spoiled gastronomically and visually! Our day starts with a walk to the Mediterranean Sea and a coffee.

After a croissant, we headed off to a little village called Benagalbone. We had a little talk about perspective and how to make interesting shadows. The little village was so pretty. A painting on every corner.

Unfortunatly I’m struggling with the internet here so I’ll be just doing my Facebook posts while I’m on trip so I can spend more time painting. The photo shows us back at La Finca Del Nino working our paintings.

Hola!

I’m off to sunny Spain tomorrow…this time as the student!I wanted to stretch myself as an artist! Learn something new!

En Plein Air means painting outdoors. Not from photos and not in the studio surrounded by all my “stuff”. So that should be interesting.

Plus, this is a water media group. I’ve dabbled with watercolours for sure but you can see by my palette that it’s pristine!

So this trip will make me very stretchy! But the biggest question…..can I paint without my furry muses? We will see.

Upcoming workshop in Ottawa ON. I will be teaching Little Foxie on Tuesday, September 1, 2015. Little Foxie is in acrylics. It will be a full day workshop 9-4 for $80.00. Bring your own lunch…..coffee and snacks are provided. You choose your own surface.  There is some prep before class although not too much. Email me if you are interested in joining us. lsteeves@sympatico.ca

Acrylic Painting Club had it’s first gift drawing last weekend and the next one is in June! There are also lots of free packets coming for all early subscribers to keep you busy until the school starts in August. Please remember to use my link on my homepage or click here to register.

Margarita was my design for Art Play Date 2014!! Art Play Date 2015 (JD in the Summer Sun) is now underway so Margarita is available for purchase.The complete DVD and e-packet is $24.95. You download the e-packet right away and I mail you the DVD. The e-packet by itself is also available.

Acrylic Painting Club is having a promotion for early registrations. As well as the bonus class there will be extra surprises offered.

Use my link for sign up www.lydiasteeves.com