Curious about the techniques used here? You can learn more next month if you’ve signed up for email updates!
ANSWER TO MYSTERY TECHNIQUE #136:
Fun with Claybord continues! First I took a big brush and wet the surface, which created a series of irregular puddle shapes. Next I dropped diluted acrylic ink into the puddles. After the outside edges of the shapes dried, I wiped the liquid paint away from the centers, leaving the darker outlines. I repeated the process several times to create layered transparent shapes.
Increase your color confidence by joining me for Color FUNdamentals on Saturday April 27 at Art & Soul! Discover key properties that affect the way color works in any medium. Find out how to keep your mixtures clean and banish “mud” from your paintings as you experience the rewards of working with a simplified palette. Learn more here: https://www.artandsoulnashville.com/Teacher-Bios/Elizabeth-Sanford
You have your choice of locations and dates for Watercolor Landscapes; choose Sunday April 28from 1 – 5 pm at The Little Art House in Sylvan Park orSaturday May 4from 10 am – 2 pm at the Franklin Recreation Center. To learn more, visit:
Curious about the techniques used here? You can learn more next month if you’ve signed up for email updates!
ANSWER TO MYSTERY TECHNIQUE #135:
You can create interesting linear effects with a Kemper Fluid Writer on Claybord! First I diluted white acrylic ink and used a pipette to fill the cup of the Fluid Writer. Next I removed the cap and tested the results on a scrap of paper before using the tool to make a series of consistent white lines on the Claybord. After this layer dried, I added multiple glazes of diluted acrylic ink.
Celebrate Spring’s arrival by exploring something new! You have a choice of 2 locations for Watercolor Landscapes in March; we’ll meet on Saturday, March 16,from 10 am – 2 pm at the Franklin Recreation Center and on Sunday, March 24,from 1 – 5 pm at The Little Art House in Sylvan Park. Learn more here: https://anc.apm.activecommunities.com/wcpr/activity/search/detail/28748
If you’re looking for a deeper dive, join us for 6 weeks of Follow the Flow at Art & Soul! We meet on Wednesdays from 10 am – 1 pm, and the first class is March 20. You can find all the details here: https://www.artandsoulnashville.com/Teacher-Bios/Elizabeth-Sanford
Discover fun ways to use the natural world as your inspiration for abstract painting by joining us for Natural Abstractions on Saturday, March 23. We’ll meet from 10 am – 2 pm at the Franklin Recreation Center, and you can sign up here: https://anc.apm.activecommunities.com/wcpr/activity/search/detail/27341
Curious about the techniques used here? You can learn more next month if you’ve signed up for email updates!
ANSWER TO MYSTERY TECHNIQUE #134:
Intriguing effects happen when you let gravity assist the painting process! First I lightly primed raw unstretched canvas with diluted gesso. After this dried, I tacked the canvas to the wall and used paper cups to pour a series of acrylic glazes; each layer had to dry before another could be added. To vary the shapes, I pinched the cup’s rim to make a spout and changed the direction and angle of the canvas for each pour. I created the ghostly white shapes by letting the paint start to dry around the edges and then pouring clear water to wash most of it away.
Take a deep dive into the magic of liquid color by joining us for Painting with Water Media! This 4-week series begins on Tuesday, February 13, at 1 pm and meets at the Franklin Recreation Center. My February workshops are already full, so reserve your spot in this class soon! You can find all the details here:
Start looking forward to spring by registering for a relaxing and meditative Forest Bathing walk at beautiful Beaman Park! Join us from 1-2:30 pm on Saturday, March 2. You can sign up by emailing beamanpark@nashville.gov.
Curious about the techniques used here? You can learn more next month if you’ve signed up for email updates!
ANSWER TO MYSTERY TECHNIQUE #133:
After sketching the cardinal on tracing paper, I used a light box to transfer the drawing onto watercolor paper. Next I mixed several reds for the first layer and added a little New Gamboge to the beak. When this layer dried, I rewet the paper, then painted bluish black next to the beak before quickly adding another layer of red. I came in wet-in-wet with a pale brownish gray to suggest darker feathers and shadows; to control the results, I kept this color drier than the red. I finished the eye, beak, and feet with watercolor pencils and stippling with a .005 Micron black pen.
Happy New Year! Why not start 2024 by learning something new? Although my January workshops are already full, there’s still room in 3 different series of classes. Practical Color Theory meets for 4 weeksfrom 1-3 pm at the Franklin Recreation Center and begins on Tuesday, January 9. Come join us for a temporary escape from the grays days as you discover how to mix the colors you want and avoid mud. All the details are here:
If you’re looking for a different kind of adventure, then join me for a 6-week painting series. You can choose from 2 different locations! Explore Painting in Water Media on Mondays from 10 am – 1 pm at the Gordon Jewish Community Center. The first class is January 22, and you can learn more here:
End your January with a relaxing and meditative Forest Bathing walk at beautiful Beaman Park! Join us from 1-2:30 pm on Saturday, January 27. You can register by emailing beamanpark@nashville.gov.
Curious about the techniques used here? You can learn more next month if you’ve signed up for email updates!
ANSWER TO MYSTERY TECHNIQUE #132:
First I created irregular branching shapes by applying diluted acrylic gloss medium with a pipette. I let these dry before painting the paper with a watercolor mixture, which only partially adhered to the acrylic. After this layer dried, I used a brush to spatter the surface with diluted acrylic gloss medium and white acrylic ink and also added a few lines with a white Posca pen. Once the spatters dried, I rewet the painting and blotted with paper towels to partially lift off the watercolor paint; this left soft halos around some of the spatters.
I then let the painting dry before adding more white Posca pen lines and finishing with a wet-in-wet mixture of French Ultramarine and Permanent Rose.
My last workshop of 2023 is this Sunday, so sign up soon if you’d like to join us! We’ll be painting Watercolor Landscapes from 1 – 5 pm at the Little Art House in Sylvan Park, and you can find the details here:
I’m excited to announce that I’ll be teaching at the Gordon Jewish Community Center in 2024! January 22 is the first day of a 6-week Water Mediaseries from 10 am-1 pm on Mondays. Interested in learning more? You’ll be able to sign up soon, so check here for updates: https://www.elizabethsanford.com/classes/
My other January classes and workshops are already open for registration and listed at the link above, including a 4-week Practical Color Theoryseries at the Franklin Recreation Center. You can register here:
Curious about the techniques used here? You can learn more next month if you’ve signed up for email updates!
ANSWER TO MYSTERY TECHNIQUE #131:
I started by wetting the paper and adding pale blue for the sky. While it was still wet, I wadded up a paper towel and lifted some irregular patches out of the blue before adding yellow. After this layer dried, I drew the split tree trunk, then painted several layers of foliage.
Next I added the trunk. To create the bark texture, I scratched the paper with the end of a metal paint tube to make dark lines in the wet paint and then quickly added kosher salt, which absorbed some of the color. After this layer dried, I brushed off the salt.
Happy Halloween! Treat yourself to something new in November by signing up for a workshop or Forest Bathing walk. There’s still time to join us for Natural Abstractionsthis weekend — and you have a choice of locations and times. Saturday’s workshop is at the Franklin Recreation Center from 10am-2pm, and you can find the details here:
Take the time to slow down and relax before the busy holiday season by coming on a meditative Forest Bathing walk at Beaman Park! We’ll meet on Saturday, November 18, from 1-2:30pm. Your $12 fee includes a donation to the park.
Curious about the techniques used here? You can learn more next month if you’ve signed up for email updates!
ANSWER TO MYSTERY TECHNIQUE #130:
Fun with Yupo continues! I wet the paper first, then added diluted acrylic ink. Next I dropped in isopropyl alcohol, which repelled the wet paint to create all sorts of mysterious effects. As the water evaporated, concentric dark edges formed around some of the shapes.
Happy Artober! To celebrate, I’m offering workshops at 3 different locations, as well as a 4-week series starting on October 17. Painting in Water Media – Late Fall Series meets on Tuesdays from 1-3 pm at the Franklin Recreation Center. A few spots are still available, and you can register here:
I’m delighted to be offering Watercolor Landscapes at 2 locations this month! While the workshop at the Franklin Recreation Center is already full, you can still join us at the Little Art House in Sylvan Park. We meet on Sunday, October 22, from 1-5 pm. For more details or to register, visit:
Enjoy the gorgeous colors of Fall by learning how to paint them! Painting Fall Foliage meets on Saturday, October 28, from 12:30-3:30pm at Beaman Park; your $20 fee includes all supplies and a donation to the park. Beginners are welcome! You can register by emailing: beamanpark@nashville.gov
And here’s a sneak preview of 3 upcoming opportunities the first week of November! A new session of the 6-week series Follow the Flow — Water Media Adventures starts on Wednesday, November 1, atArt & Soul; and Natural Abstractions is offered twice — on Saturday, November 4, at the Franklin Recreation Center or on Sunday, November5, at the Little Art House. You can learn more about all 3 on my website: https://www.elizabethsanford.com/classes/
Curious about the techniques used here? You can learn more next month if you’ve signed up for email updates!
ANSWER TO MYSTERY TECHNIQUE #129:
Intriguing effects happen when you paint with diluted acrylic inks on Yupo! It’s a synthetic paper, so the paint sits on the surface instead of soaking in. I started by painting the sheet with water and then dropped in the paint, tilting the paper to make the colors flow. When the blue was almost dry, I sprayed it with water to create a mottled texture in places. Darker outlines sometimes formed at the boundaries between wet and dry shapes; I imitated this effect by applying paint to the tip of my Angle Chisel Colour Shaper tool before dragging it across the surface in a twisting motion and using a sponge to partially blend it in.
Want to see Green Awakening in person? Then come to the Tennessee Watercolor Society’s Opening Reception from 6-8 pm on Wednesday, September 13, at the Gordon JCC! Over 30 artists are participating in Field of Vision, and you can meet some of them at the reception; hope to see you there!
September is a great time to learn something new, so why not sign up for a class or workshop? Painting in Water Media – Early Fall Series still has room for 2 more; this 4-week series meets on Tuesdays from 1-3 pm at the Franklin Recreation Center, and you can register here:
September brings 2 more opportunities to explore the magic of fluid paint on paper — Follow the Flow and Watercolor Weekend! Both meet at Art & Soul. Follow the Flow gives you 6 weeks of water media adventures starting on Wednesday, September 13, and Watercolor Weekend offers 2 fun-filled days of discovery on September 30 and October 1. You can learn more about both here:
Come celebrate the first day of Fall with a relaxing and meditative Forest Bathing walk at Beaman Park! We’ll meet on Saturday, September 23, at 1 pm at the Nature Center.Your $12 fee includes a donation to the park.
Curious about the techniques used here? You can learn more next month if you’ve signed up for email updates!
ANSWER TO MYSTERY TECHNIQUE #128:
You can get luminous watercolor mixtures by glazing! First I drew 3 lemons and painted them all with a graded wash of the same intense yellow, adding a little yellow-orange to the one on the bottom. After this layer dried, I created a shadow color for the lemon on the right by mixing Permanent Rose and Cobalt Blue. To avoid disturbing the yellow layer, I used a soft brush to gently rewet the lemon before adding the blue-violet shadow. I repeated the steps for the lemon on the bottom, substituting a mixture of Cobalt Blue and Viridian for the shadow.
Mixing colors with transparent glazes can create dramatically different results from palette mixtures, as you can see here.
Art & Soul is having an Open House, and you’re invited! It’ll be a festive occasion with live demos and a silent auction. Hope to see you there on Sunday, August 27 — I’ll be helping people paint watercolor leaves.
Discover the possibilities of fluid paint on paperduring my Intro to Water Mediaworkshop on Saturday, August 19, at the Franklin Recreation Center. You can learn more or register here:
If you’d like to take a deeper dive into water media, you’ll have lots of options in September! Weekly classes start again at the Franklin Recreation Center and Art & Soul, and I’ll also be offering something new — a Watercolor Weekend workshop. Find out more details next month!
Curious about the techniques used here? You can learn more next month if you’ve signed up for email updates!
ANSWER TO MYSTERY TECHNIQUE #127:
It’s fun to combine watercolor with ink, and if you use Micron pens, you can paint over the ink without any smearing! After drawing the trillium on tracing paper, I taped it to the back of 140 lb. watercolor paper, then put the paper on a light box to trace the outline with watercolor pencils on the front. Next I used a Micron.005 black pen to add dimension to the drawing. After the ink dried, I painted a pale green underpainting on the leaves and scratched in the veins with the end of a metal paint tube. I created the mottled look by applying a darker green with a wadded up piece of plastic and a ratty brush.
Join me on July 23 for a Natural Abstractions workshop at the Little Art House in Sylvan Park! Discover fun ways to use the natural world as your inspiration for painting abstractly. All skill levels are welcome, including beginners.
My July workshop at the Franklin Recreation Center is full, but you can still join us for Intro to Water Media on Saturday, August 19. We’ll meet from 10 AM- 2 PM. You can find the details here:
I’m delighted to announce that I’ll be guiding 2 Forest Bathing walks at Rotary Park in Clarksville on July 20th and 28th! We’ll meet at the Creekside pavilion. There’s no charge, and you can register here:
Curious about the techniques used here? You can learn more next month if you’ve signed up for email updates!
ANSWER TO MYSTERY TECHNIQUE #126:
This technique uses ice cream salt and requires a little patience! First I used a template to draw a circle before painting it with intense yellow watercolor paint. After the yellow dried, I glazed the circle with a layer of blue-green and placed some big crystals of ice cream salt into the wet paint. As the salt and the watery green slowly interacted, some of the yellow underpainting began to reappear. Interesting textures gradually developed around and underneath each crystal.
Dive into summer by learning something new! Join us as we explore the possibilities of painting with water media in Follow the Flow – Water Media Adventures atArt & Soul. This 6-week series starts on Wednesday, June 14. To learn more, visit:
My June workshop at the Franklin Recreation Center is already full, but there are still a few spots left in Watercolor Landscapes on Saturday, July 15. We’ll meet from 10 AM- 2 PM, and you can sign up here:
You can also find me at the Little Art House in Sylvan Park! I’ll be teaching 2 Sunday afternoon workshops this summer: Intro to Water Media on June 25 and Natural Abstractions on July 23. For more details or to register, visit:
Curious about the techniques used here? You can learn more next month if you’ve signed up for email updates!
ANSWER TO MYSTERY TECHNIQUE #125, PART 2:
Watercolor pencils are a big part of this technique! Intriguing edges can form as watery paint slowly evaporates:
Here’s another part of the same painting where less is happening, and some enhancement is needed:
Because watercolor pencils can make so many different kinds of marks, they can effectively mimic what happens during evaporation. It’s fun to experiment with working on both wet and dry paper, dipping the pencil tip in water, and drawing with the side of the tip. See if you can spot the differences in this final version, which also includes the background and another layer of paint for increased depth:
Now you can take Watercolor Landscapes at a new location! We’ll meet at the at the Little Art House in Sylvan Park on Sunday, May 7, from 1-5pm. For more details or to register, visit:
Curious about watercolor but unsure where to begin? Then join me for Watercolor Basics at the Franklin Recreation Centeron Saturday, June 24. This workshop is a great introduction for beginners, and supplies are included.
This painting mixes watercolor, acrylic, and ink! To learn more about my favorite techniques and explore the versatility of water-based paint, sign up for Follow the Flow – Water Media Adventures at Art & Soul! This 6-week class begins on Wednesday, June 14. You can learn more here:
Owl’s Hill Nature Sanctuary and Wild Ones are having a Native Plant Sale on Saturday, May 22, and you’re invited! You can preorder online for best selection or get expert advice on how to get started by coming on the day of the sale. Hope to see you there!
This one continues next month! Look for Part 2’s answer in May!
ANSWER TO MYSTERY TECHNIQUE #125, PART 1:
No masking is needed for this technique! Painting your subject before the background can be easy if you paint the shapes with acrylic and then switch to watercolor for the background.
First I used a brush loaded with water to draw a series of branching shapes on dry paper, modifying them by blotting parts away with a dry paper towel and using a pipette to selectively add more water. Next I dropped diluted acrylic ink into the watery branches, mixing the colors wet-in-wet. As the water slowly evaporated overnight, it left behind a record of its interactions with the paint and paper:
I painted the background with 2 layers of watercolor. First I wet the entire piece of paper, which had no effect on the acrylic; then I mixed Winsor Yellow and Permanent Rose over parts of the painting and wiped the watercolor paint off of the acrylic shapes with a damp brush and sponge. Since the watercolor didn’t want to stick to the acrylic, it was easy to remove:
After this layer dried, I rewet the entire painting again and added diluted Faience Blue (MaimeriBlu brand):
The branching shapes also have more than 1 layer. You can learn more next month in Part 2.
Spring Swish opens tomorrow at the Gallatin Public Library, and you’re invited! Feel free to stop by during the reception from 10am-1pm or visit anytime during regular library hours. The show closes on April 29.
Come celebrate Spring by joining us at the Franklin Recreation Center for Art Inspired by Nature on Saturday, April 15! After a relaxing walk in the park, we’ll move inside to explore expressive approaches to painting. To learn more, visit: https://anc.apm.activecommunities.com/wcpr/activity/search/detail/21657
Explore the possibilities of fluid paint on paper by joining me for Painting in Water Media at the Franklin Recreation Center! This 4-week series starts on Tuesday, April 18, and you can find all the details here: https://anc.apm.activecommunities.com/wcpr/activity/search/detail/21656
Come see what’s in bloom at Beaman Park on Friday, April 21, then learn how to paint wildflowers in watercolor! Painting Wildflowers is part of Wildflower Week, and your $20 fee includes a donation to the park. This workshop meets from 12-2pm. All supplies are included, and beginners are welcome. To sign up, email: beamanpark@nashville.gov
Curious about the techniques used in this painting? Here’s a preview of the first layer:
You can see the next steps in April if you’ve signed up for email updates!
ANSWER TO MYSTERY TECHNIQUE #124:
This is an example of Delcalcomania! It’s a transfer technique that makes intriguing textures; I first heard about it years ago in connection with the Surrealists. I started by using a palette knife to apply a mixture of acrylic white paint and gel medium on a green acrylic background. Next I stuck another piece of paper on top of the wet mixture, pressing them together before pulling the 2 surfaces apart at an angle, which created this texture:
After it dried, I glazed over it with diluted acrylic inks. To get back to white ridges in a few places, I used a piece of an Eraser Pad (up&up brand) to remove some of the dried ink.
You can learn more about this technique and see some examples from art history here:
Come celebrate Springtime with a workshop, walk, class, or combination! On March 18 and 19, I’ll be offering Inspired Wanders at Art & Soul. We’ll begin on Saturday morning with a fun and relaxing walk in the woods for inspiration before heading to the studio for personalized explorations of mark-making and imagery. To learn more, visit:
Discover the possibilities of fluid paint on paper by joining me for Painting in Water Media at the Franklin Recreation Center! This 4-week series starts on Tuesday, March 21, and you can find the details here:
If you’re tired of making mud and long to enhance your sense of color, join me for the 5-week Color Theory Basics at the Little Art House in Sylvan Park! Classes start on Thursday, March 23. For more details or to register, visit:
Hope you can join us on Friday, March 24, from 1-2:30 PM for a relaxing and meditative Forest Bathing walk at Beaman Park! Your $12 fee includes a donation to the park.
Interested in painting abstractly but unsure how to begin? Then join us on Saturday, March 25, at the Franklin Recreation Center for Natural Abstractions, and discover ways to abstract the natural world. All the details are here:
You can see this painting in person at the Monthaven Arts & Culture Center; it’s part of the Multiple Views exhibition, which ends on March 26. To experiment with these techniques yourself, why not sign up for Follow the Flow – Water Media Adventures at Art & Soul? This 6-week class begins on Wednesday, March 29. You can learn more here:
Curious about the techniques used here? You can learn more next month if you’ve signed up for email updates!
ANSWER TO MYSTERY TECHNIQUE #123:
Kurd Kutter is the mystery ingredient from last month! It’s an easy way to erase acrylic ink from Yupo; you can remove the paint selectively or erase the entire painting and start over. Here’s a demonstration:
First I used a brush to paint Krud Kutter in a linear shape. As you can see in this example, you can also spatter it on with a brush or a tool like this one from Kemper. Next I wiped the Yupo with a paper towel to remove the dissolved paint and excess cleaning solution. To be sure all the Krud Kutter was gone, I finished by wiping the surfacewith water. Special thanks to Lisa Cantrell Wood for introducing me to this great product, which also works well as a household cleaner.
The Tennessee Watercolor Society is having an exhibition, and you’re invited! Multiple Views opens on February 25 at Monthaven Arts & Culture Center with a reception from 2 – 4 pm; each of the 31 artists will have 2 paintings on display. For more information, visit:
Practical Color Theory at the Franklin Recreation Center starts on Tuesday, February 7, and it’s almost full, so sign up soon if you’d like to join us! You can learn more by visiting:
My other February classes are full, but there are still 2 places left in Watercolor Basics at the Franklin Recreation Center on Saturday, March 4. You can find all the details here:
And on March 18 and 19, I’ll be offering Inspired Wanders at Art & Soul! Come celebrate Springtime during these two days of artistic play within nature and your own wild interior! Explore painting, writing, and/or book-making; supplies are included, and all levels are welcome. To learn more, visit:
Join me on February 25 or March 24 from 1-2:30 PM for a relaxing and meditative Forest Bathing walk at Beaman Park! Your $12 fee includes a donation to the park. You can find more details here: https://www.elizabethsanford.com/forest-bathing/
Curious about the techniques used here? You can learn more next month if you’ve signed up for email updates!
ANSWER TO MYSTERY TECHNIQUE #122:
Glazing, gloss medium, plastic, and pipettes are combined for this Mystery Technique! First I used a brush to spatter the paper with acrylic gloss medium and let it dry. When I painted over the spatters with watercolor, they resisted the wet paint and created the sensation of light circular shapes floating in the color. Next I covered the wet paint with a piece of thin plastic, which stuck in places to form darker shapes. Working quickly, I manipulated the shapes with a palette knife and brush handle. After this layer dried, I removed the plastic, then repeated the process with a darker blue-green at the bottom. I used pipettes for the last layer to create an irregular network of linear shapes, drawing them with water before adding diluted blue-green and tilting the paper to encourage the paint to follow the water.
Happy New Year! Why not start 2023 by learning something new? My first workshop of the year is already full, and another only has 2 spaces left, so choose a class, and avoid disappointment by reserving your spot soon!
Enjoy a temporary escape from gray winter days by signing up for one of my popular Color Theory classes. Now you have a choice of locations — The Little Art House in Sylvan Park and the Franklin Recreation Center. The 5-week Color Theory Basics at the Little Art House begins on Thursday, January 19, from NOON – 2 PM. You can find the details and register here:
Practical Color Theory at the Franklin Recreation Center runs for 4 weeks, and the first class is Tuesday, February 7. It’s from 1 – 3 PM, and you can learn more by visiting:
I’m delighted to be returning to Art & Soul for another 6 weeks of Follow the Flow – Water Media Adventures! Classes are from 10 AM – 1 PM and start on Wednesday, February 1. This is almost full, so sign up soon if you’d like to join us. To check availability and find out about future offerings, visit:
I’ll be back at the Franklin Recreation Center on Saturday, February 11, for Watercolor Landscapes. We’ll meet from 10 AM- 2 PM, and you can learn more here:
Hope you can join us on January 28or February 25 from 1-2:30 PM for a relaxing and meditative Forest Bathing walk at Beaman Park! Your $12 fee includes a donation to the park. Email me with any questions, and find the details here: https://www.elizabethsanford.com/forest-bathing/
Curious about the techniques used here? You can learn more next month if you’ve signed up for email updates!
ANSWER TO MYSTERY TECHNIQUE #121:
The secret ingredient for this mystery technique is a white Posca pen! I started by painting layers of irregular linear shapes with diluted acrylic ink, using the dropper inside the bottle instead of a brush. After building up layered networks of lines, I scribbled on top of the dried paint with a white Posca pen. When the white lines were completely dry, I glazed over them in several places with blue-gray watercolor paint to create more depth.
Come join me to celebrate the Winter Solstice with a slow and relaxing saunter in Beaman Park! Take a break from the busy holiday season to experience the quiet beauty of the forest in winter. Explore open-ended invitations that stimulate curiosity and engage the senses, then make a simple journal to enjoy — or give as a special gift. We’ll meet a little before 1pm on Wednesday, December 21, and finish around 2:30.
I’m delighted to be offering my popular Watercolor Basics workshop again, this time at the Franklin Recreation Center! Saturday, January 21, is the date. This is a great introduction for beginners, and supplies are included. Join us for a fun exploration of paint, paper and brush options as we experiment with easy techniques to paint simple subjects.
Curious about the techniques used here? You can learn more next month if you’ve signed up for email updates!
ANSWER TO MYSTERY TECHNIQUE #120:
Every fall, I use the pages of an ancient phone book to flatten the fallen leaves that I collect on my walks. Since most of the colors quickly fade, I also look for interesting shapes:
Some of these leaves have inspired parts of paintings or sculptures; I’ve shared others with my students.
It’s a satisfying experience to get to know the contours of a particular leaf by tracing around it. For this demo, I wanted the outline to fade into the paint, so I drew it with watercolor pencils. Next I painted the leaf shape with water, then added some yellow and red. While the colors were still wet, I added a little green before scratching in dark veins with the end of a metal paint tube. I also sprinkled some kosher salt into the wet paint and added one small drop of rubbing alcohol for the bug hole. I waited until the paint was completely dry before brushing off the salt. To create the lighter and slightly thicker veins, I used a watercolor pencil to echo the angle and direction of some of the existing dark lines, leaving a slight gap.
Come explore The Secret Side of Books this Saturday, November 5, at the Franklin Recreation Center! We’ll make easy and fun structures with pages that change shape and disappear as if by magic. Personalize your creations to make unique gifts. Only a few spots are left, so sign up soon!
For more details or to register, visit the Williamson County Parks and Recreation website at:
Here’s a preview of the location for my next Forest Bathingwalk at Beaman Park! This guided practice reduces stress, promotes well-being, and deepens connections with the natural world. Come experience it for yourself on Thursday, November 17. We’ll meet a little before 10:30 a.m. and finish around noon.
It’s fun to paint fall leaves, especially sassafras ones! You can learn some of my favorite techniques next month if you’ve signed up for email updates!
ANSWER TO MYSTERY TECHNIQUE #119:
Negative painting is the key to this version of clouds! First I mixed water with some Winsor & Newton Cerulean Blue to make the basic sky color; then I partially wet the paper, using a spray bottle to make a transition zone between wet and dry in the approximate shape of the bigger, lower cloud. Next I “found” the clouds by painting around them with the blue. The paint followed the water in the sprayed transition zone, making it easier to mimic the irregular top edges of a cumulus cloud with my brush. Since Cerulean Blue tends to stay where you put it on wet paper, it was easy to create the softer edges of the higher clouds as I painted around them.
After this layer dried, I rewet the entire piece of paper to add some subtle yellow and the first layer of pink. Because I was using soft brushes and Arches paper, none of the first layer lifted. I darkened the blue of the sky in the next layer, using a damp piece of sponge to make transitions between wet and dry paper. The darker pink and violet shadows were added later and blended in with the damp sponge.
Artober is full of art opportunities, and you’re invited! Hope you can join me at the Opening Reception for Creativity Flows on October 19 from 6-8pm at the Gordon Jewish Community Center! Come see how versatile water media can be; 37 different members of the Tennessee Watercolor Society are represented. The show closes on October 29.
Painting in Water Media start on October 18! In this 4-week class, you’ll discover fun techniques to add texture and detail to your paintings by combining watercolor, acrylic, ink and more. The class meets on Tuesdays from 1-3pm. All levels are welcome.
Discover easy and playful ways to engage the senses and enjoy the beauty of Beaman Park on an Inspired Wander. Explore open-ended invitations that stimulate curiosity while encouraging creative connections with the natural world. Make a simple journal for expressive drawing, writing, and/or painting.
It’s Cloud Appreciation Day! These clouds required more layers and different techniques than the ones I demonstrate below. You can find out more next month if you’ve signed up for email updates!
ANSWER TO MYSTERY TECHNIQUE #118:
Painting clouds this way is a race against the clock! It’s a good idea to have a different brush preloaded with each color before you wet the watercolor paper. I used Arches 140 lb. Cold Press for this demo. First I mixed a gray for the cloud shadows by adding a little red and yellow to French Ultramarine. Next I loaded a different brush with just French Ultramarine and another one with just Cobalt Teal Blue. After placing paper towels underneath to absorb excess water and paint, I used the Hake brush to quickly wet the paper, then mixed the 2 blues wet-in-wet to create a gradation from lighter to darker. While the paint was still wet, I lifted out cumulus cloud shapes by firmly pressing a wadded up paper towel into it:
To avoid damaging the paper, I kept rotating the paper towel wad to find a clean, dry spot before pressing and lifting again. Next I added a hint of shadow to the clouds with the gray:
First I put down a little gray, then used a damp piece of sponge to blend it in before continuing. You can see how the gray adds dimension by comparing the middle cloud to the other 2.
If you’d like to modify the shape of your clouds or make them whiter, you can use a torn paper stencil. You’ll also need a wet piece of eraser pad (such as the up & up brand pictured below) and a brush or damp piece of sponge.
Gently rubbing the eraser piece next to the torn edges, I removed some of the paint to reveal more of the white of the paper. Moving the stencil around and sometimes reversing it allowed me to vary the edges. The little piece of sponge helped with blending. Here’s the result:
Mountains or trees could easily be added on top of the pale sky at the bottom.
September is a great time to try something new! If you’d like to learn how to mix the colors you want and avoid mud, join me on Tuesdays from 1-3pm for Practical Color Theory at the Franklin Recreation Center! We meet for 4 weeks of color fun starting on September 13. You can find all the details here:
And on Saturday, September 17, you can explore ways to use the natural world as your inspiration for abstract painting in my Natural Abstractions workshop! All levels are welcome, including beginners. We meet at the Franklin Recreation Center. Here’s a link with the details:
Take a break from your busy Fall schedule, and join me on Saturday, October 1, for a relaxing Inspired by Nature workshop! Explore fun and easy ways to make art inspired by nature. First we’ll stimulate creativity with a guided walk in the park, then move inside to explore expressive approaches to painting. Learn more here:
I’m excited to announce that I’ll be teaching at Art & Soul later this Fall! Hope to see you during their upcoming Open House on September 9-11! They’re having a poetry night, an art show, teacher & artist talks, and live demos. Find out more here:
I love to demo how to paint clouds! So in honor of Cloud Appreciation Day, I’ll post a step-by-step tutorial on September 16. You can see it next month if you’ve signed up for email updates!
ANSWER TO MYSTERY TECHNIQUE #117:
It’s handy to have several sizes of pipettes! First I sprayed the paper with water, then tilted it before adding irregular linear shapes with the large pipette. While it was still wet, I added various watercolors to the lines of water. Keeping the paper at an angle, I used different pipettes to drip Winsor & Newton Granulation Medium and more water into the lines. After the paper dried, I spattered assorted colors with my favorite spatter tools and added some yellow.
Join me on August 27 for Painting in Water Media at the Franklin Recreation Center! We’ll experiment with fun techniques to add texture and detail by combining watercolor, acrylic, ink and more. Tales of the Understory, Part 2 is an example. Can you guess which parts are acrylic, which parts are watercolor, and which parts are ink? You can find all the details about the workshop here: https://apm.activecommunities.com/wcpr/Activity_Search/painting-with-water-media/18712
Hope you’ll join us on September 13 for the first meeting of Practical Color Theory! In this 4-week class, you’ll discover how to see color more accurately, simplify your palette, and mix the colors you want more consistently. To register or learn more, visit:
You can still see Symbiosis III and the rest of the Tennessee Watercolor Society Traveling Exhibit at the Oak Ridge Art Center until August 17. The next stop is the West Tennessee Regional Art Center in Humboldt from August 22 – September 30. You can learn more about the WTRAC here:
Curious about the techniques used here? You can learn more next month if you’ve signed up for email updates!
ANSWER TO MYSTERY TECHNIQUE #116:
This is an example of Suminagashi, which is a Japanese marbling technique. The name means “floating ink,” and that’s a good description of the process. It was fun to experiment with marbling on different papers, and this is a closeup of my favorite one — it’s on Arches Cover.
Join me on July 23 for Practical Color Theory at the Franklin Recreation Center! Discover how to see color more accurately, and experience the rewards of working with a simplified palette.
I’m delighted to announce that Symbiosis III has been selected by juror Stan Miller for the Tennessee Watercolor Society Traveling Exhibit! 30 paintings from the original exhibition in Chattanooga have been chosen to travel across the state for the next 7 months. The first stop is the Oak Ridge Art Center from July 10 – August 17. Humboldt is next, then Columbia; Clarksville is the last city on the list. You can learn more about the Oak Ridge Art Center here:
Curious about the techniques used here? You can learn more next month if you’ve signed up for email updates!
ANSWER TO MYSTERY TECHNIQUE #115:
Bubble wrap is the secret to this technique! After mixing several colors wet-in-wet, I placed a piece of bubble wrap on top of the wet paint and added a little weight in places to increase the contact between the 2 surfaces. As the water slowly evaporated, the watercolor pigment became more concentrated around the the bubbles’ edges, which created the irregular shapes you now see. Popping some of the bubbles in advance gave me more variety.
Personal creative projects are my focus this summer, so this is your only workshop opportunity for June.
I’m so honored to announce that Symbiosis III has been awarded the $765 Hudson & Morse Memorial Award! If your summer plans include a visit to Chattanooga, you can see it at the Association for Visual Arts. It’s part of the Tennessee Watercolor Society 2022 Biennial Juried Exhibition, and the show runs until June 24th. Learn more here: https://www.avarts.org/
Come join me for a relaxing and playful wellness experience this summer! You can invite a group or customize a more personal Forest Bathing walk or Inspired Wander. Explore the natural world while being guided in ways that honor your personal interests. Contact me at elizabeth@elizabethsanford.com to schedule yours.
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Curious about the techniques used here? You can learn more next month if you’ve signed up for email updates!
ANSWER TO MYSTERY TECHNIQUE #114:
Acrylic gloss medium is the secret to this technique! While working wet-in-wet, I experimented with dropping diluted acrylic gloss medium into the wet paint. Because of the difference in viscosity, the medium pushed the more fluid paint away and left a series of irregular shapes that are lighter in value.
Come to Cheekwood on May 7, and learn how to make a watercolor tunnel book! This simple structure folds flat and then expands into a pop-up theater. For inspiration, we’ll view part of the new COLORSCAPES exhibition in the gardens before heading to the studio. Find more details and sign up here: https://cheekwood.org/learn/adult/
This is Symbiosis III, and you’ll have the opportunity to see it at the Association for Visual Arts in Chattanooga! It’s part of the Tennessee Watercolor Society 2022 Biennial Juried Exhibition; the show runs from May 18 – June 24th. Learn more here: https://www.avarts.org/
It’s an honor to be part of the Tennessee Arts Commission’s Creative Aging Teaching Artist Roster. You can see my profile here:
This program supports sequential arts learning opportunities for older adults, and grants are still available. The deadline is June 15, and you can find out the details on their website:
Curious about the techniques used here? You can learn more next month if you’ve signed up for email updates!
ANSWER TO MYSTERY TECHNIQUE #113:
Amazing things can happen if you use lots of water on unstretched paper! Instead of drawing the edges of shapes with pencil, I defined them with plain water, blotting with a dry paper towel to make corrections. Next I added a lot more water to make the paper buckle into hills and valleys before dropping in diluted acrylic ink. As the water slowly evaporated, it left behind a record of its interaction with pigment and paper, echoing the traces water leaves behind in the landscape. After this layer dried, I added more dark to increase depth and painted the background. Can you spot the places I used watercolor pencils to mimic the linear patterns that naturally occurred?
Signs of spring are popping out all over the woods, so it’s a great time for a Forest Bathing walk! Come join us this Saturday afternoon at 1pm to slow down and unwind while enjoying the peaceful beauty of Beaman Park. The weather looks great; just email beamanpark@nashville.gov to register.
Hope you can join me on April 9 for Art Inspired by Nature! First we’ll stimulate creativity on a slow and relaxing guided walk through Judge Fulton Greer Park; then we’ll move inside to the Franklin Recreation Center and explore open-ended approaches to painting. For more details or to register, visit: https://apm.activecommunities.com/wcpr/Activity_Search/art-inspired-by-nature/17492
This painting has a secret. Find out more next month if you’ve signed up for email updates!
ANSWER TO MYSTERY TECHNIQUE #112:
The secret ingredient in this painting is acrylic gloss medium. I painted branching shapes on the paper with water, then added diluted medium. After it started to dry, I added more water to the branching shapes, which pushed the remaining medium to their edges. When this layer dried completely, it acted as a partial resist to the watercolor I painted on top, creating ghostly shapes that fade in and out of the paper and add different degrees of depth. Here’s another closeup:
Here’s Symbiosis III, my latest natural abstraction! Can you guess the inspiration? I’m fascinated by the branching patterns and relational connections in nature, especially in the forest. If you’re unfamiliar with Suzanne Simard’s amazing research on the “wood-wide web,” this podcast episode is a great place to start: https://onbeing.org/programs/suzanne-simard-forests-are-wired-for-wisdom/
I’m delighted to be offering weekly classes again! Hope you can join us on Wednesdays starting March 23 from 10am – noon at the Franklin Recreation Center for Painting in Water Media. Watercolor, acrylic, and ink are some of the media we’ll be exploring, and Among the Trees combines all 3. Find the details here: https://apm.activecommunities.com/wcpr/Activity_Search/painting-in-water-media/17489
This is Tales of the Understory, Part 3; it’s a watercolor sculpture in a shadow box frame. On March 19, you’ll have the chance to create your own if you join me at Cheekwood for Watercolors in 3D: Layered Nature Scenes. All supplies are included, even the frame! Learn more about the workshop here: https://cheekwood.org/learn/adult/
Curious about the techniques used here? You can learn more next month if you’ve signed up for email updates!
ANSWER TO MYSTERY TECHNIQUE #111:
Vinyl is the key to this mystery! I started by getting the whole piece of paper wet, then mixed diluted watercolors on the surface before placing a sheet of clear vinyl on top. By partially lifting the vinyl several times, I was able to trap different sizes and shapes of air bubbles underneath. As the water slowly evaporated, watercolor pigment became more concentrated and darkened the edges of the bubbles.
Curious about how I create my watercolor sculptures? Then sign up for Watercolors in 3D: Layered Nature Scenes on March 19 at Cheekwood, and learn how to make your own! We’ll meet from 1-4pm, and all supplies are included. This is the first time I’ve offered this workshop, so reserve your spot soon before it sells out! You can find more information here: https://cheekwood.org/learn/adult/
Spending time surrounded by nature can reduce stress and promote well being, as you can discover for yourself by joining us for a relaxing Forest Bathing Walk at Beaman Park! The next walk is February 26 from 1-2:30pm, and your $12 payment includes a donation to the park. To register, call 615-862-8580 or email beamanpark@nashville.gov
Curious about the techniques used here? You can learn more next month if you’ve signed up for email updates!
ANSWER TO MYSTERY TECHNIQUE #110:
It’s amazing how many times acrylic ink can be layered on Yupo without losing its transparency! As you may have guessed, this is part of the same painting as Mystery Technique #109. It’s fun to apply the paint with pipettes; the smaller ones give you more control but have a tendency to clog up, so it’s important to keep them clean. To increase the sense of depth and texture in the first few layers, I waited until the edges of the shape dried and then removed most of the remaining paint.
I’m delighted to announce my selection by Metro Arts as a Thrive Mentor for the inaugural cohort of their Thrive Community Practice Artist Incubator! My own Thrive project was such a wonderful experience; there’s a closeup of my installation at the Richland Park Library Branch above. I’ll be sharing more details about this exciting opportunity in the coming months. You can read about the selected artists and their proposed projects here:
If you’re eager to explore new painting techniques in 2022, join me on January 22 for Painting in Water Media at the Franklin Recreation Center!Tales of the Understory, Part 3 is above, and Out to Lunch is below. Can you spot the different media in each image? You can find all the details about the workshop here: https://apm.activecommunities.com/wcpr/Activity_Search/painting-with-water-media/17083
And 2022 marks my return to teaching at Cheekwood! My workshop will be in March; I’ll have more details to share next month. Happy New Year!
Curious about the techniques used here? You can learn more next month if you’ve signed up for email updates!
ANSWER TO MYSTERY TECHNIQUE #109:
Amazing things can happen when you work on Yupo! Since it’s waterproof paper, I used a stiff brush to get it wet, then added diluted acrylic ink and Winsor & Newton’s Granulation Medium. As it started to dry, I dropped in stronger color, then sprayed it with water to manipulate the paint.
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Treat yourself to a new experience by signing up for a walk or workshop! Slow down and relax on a Forest Bathing Walk, or discover new techniques in a Painting Workshop. I’ll be guiding 2 winter walks at Beaman Park, first on January 15 and again on February 26. Come enjoy the park’s peaceful beauty while exploring easy and open-ended ways to engage the senses, connect with the natural world, and experience the present moment.
Both of these Saturday walks are from 1 – 2:30pm. Your $12 payment includes a donation to the park. Space is limited, so register soon by calling 615-862-8580 or emailing beamanpark@nashville.gov
Join us for Painting in Water Media on January 22, and discover fun ways to add texture and detail to any subject; or learn how to create abstract paintings inspired by the natural world in Natural Abstractions on February 19! Both of these Saturday workshops are from 10am – 2pm at the Franklin Recreation Center. To learn more, visit the Williamson County Parks and Recreation website here:
Curious about the techniques used here? You can learn more next month if you’ve signed up for email updates!
ANSWER TO MYSTERY TECHNIQUE #108:
Clear contact paper is great for masking! Be sure to press it down well to keep paint from running underneath, and use a pencil if you’re drawing shapes on the plastic side — marker lines tend to smear and stain the watercolor paper. Both the caterpillar and the leaf started with a very diluted layer of yellow acrylic ink; you can still see it in the eyespots. After that layer dried, I covered the shape of the caterpillar with clear contact paper to protect the yellow while painting the leaf. When the leaf was finished, I removed the contact paper and added 4 new pieces to preserve the yellow in the eyespots. To capture the intensity of the blue spots on top of the orange, I mixed the blue with white gouache. The last step was to add details with a black Micron pen.
I’m delighted to announce 2 upcoming workshops at the Franklin Recreation Center! As you can see in this closeup, watercolor, acrylic, and ink can work well together, and I’ll be sharing some of my favorite techniques for combining them on Saturday, January 22. This is Tales of the Understory, Part 2, and the workshop is called Painting in Water Media. You can find all the details here:
Nature inspires my art, including the more abstract pieces like Erythros. Do you recognize my subject? Here’s a hint — it’s a closeup of something small that’s a very common sight this time of year. Curious about my process? Then join me for Natural Abstractions on Saturday, February 19! Learn more here: https://apm.activecommunities.com/wcpr/Activity_Search/natural-abstractions/17084
I had a great time at Art on the West Side! This is a photo from opening night. Many thanks to everyone who helped make it a success, especially my friend Judy Klich!
Did you guess the inspiration for my natural abstraction? If not, there are multiple hints in this photo. Happy Halloween!
Curious about the techniques used to paint this caterpillar? You can learn more next month if you’ve signed up for email updates!
ANSWER TO MYSTERY TECHNIQUE #107:
It’s wonderful how much variety Granulation Medium can add! I started by making swirling strokes with water and a large modified brush, then dropped in diluted yellow, using acrylic ink to prevent the color from lifting. I used a liner brush to make a few thinner strokes. After that layer dried, I made more swirling strokes with a mix of diluted Hydrus watercolors and Winsor & Newton’s Granulation Medium. Tilting the paper from side to side increased the granulating effects. For the third layer, I added more yellow and a mixed yellow green for more variety and depth.
Art on the West Side opens on Saturday at the JCC, and here’s a sneak preview! A closeup of Melodies of Dusk, Part 1 is above, and this is Joining the Chorus:
October’s a wonderful time to enjoy a relaxing nature walk, and combining one with art-making doubles the pleasure! You’re invited to join me on October 16 for Forest Bathing and Art at the Franklin Recreation Center; class size is limited, so sign up soon! Check my website for details, or use this link: https://apm.activecommunities.com/wcpr/Activity_Search/16636
Curious about the techniques used here? You can learn more next month if you’ve signed up for email updates!
ANSWER TO MYSTERY TECHNIQUE #106:
Here’s a sample of some different ways to use watercolor pencils; since the marks tend to disappear into the paint, these are on unpainted watercolor paper. You can experiment with working on dry versus wet paper or wetting the tip of the pencil to deposit more pigment in an irregular way. The brush and damp piece of sponge help me blend the pencil into the surface. Prismacolor and Derwent are my favorite brands. In next image, I’ve used the pencils to sketch in the edges of some roots:
Now I’ve added another layer of paint in a few places:
See if you can spot where I added some pencil for a little more texture:
I’m delighted to announce that I’ll be teaching at the Franklin Recreation Center starting in October! They have big classrooms with plenty of room for everyone to spread out and have their own table. I’ll be offering a 4-week version of Practical Color Theory that starts on October 21 and a Forest Bathing and Art workshop on October 16. Since the Center is in a park, we’ll be able to do the Forest Bathing there, then head inside for the painting part of the workshop. Both classes should be listed on their website by the end of this week; then you’ll be able to register here by searching for either one by name:
For specific links, you can also visit the Workshops and Classes page on my website next week; and feel free to email me with any questions! Here’s a view of the park; it’s right by the Harpeth River:
If you’re interested in seeing some of my art in person, come visit me at the seventh annual Art on the West Side event at the Gordon JCC on October 2 and 3! You can learn more here: http://artonthewestside.org/
I’ll be showing several watercolor sculptures, including Tales of the Understory, Part 3. Here’s a closeup:
Watercolor pencils are great for making subtle changes! Next month you can learn more about how I use them if you’ve signed up for email updates!
ANSWER TO MYSTERY TECHNIQUE #105:
Here are the paints I used for the tree roots, a liner brush for details, and a piece of the same painted paper:
I started by wetting the paper, then dropped in a mix of several Dr. Ph. Martin’s Hydrus watercolors, Winsor & Newton’s Granulation Medium, and more water to make the paint flow. Tilting the paper in different directions increased the textural effects. After the paper dried, I cut out the tree shapes and added shadows and details. Here’s a work in progress with the same torn paper stencil and modified bristle brush I used last month:
The color is a mixture of Ultramarine and Daniel Smith’s Lunar Black. You can see a test of the dry brush technique on the stencil. By painting a dark value along the edge of the stencil, I created a greater sense of depth:
I’m happy to announce that I’ve found a new location to teach classes, starting in the fall! Since it’s near a park, we’re also discussing the possibility of offering a Forest Bathing workshop. We’re still working out the details, so more specific information will have to wait until next month. It’ll be great to be teaching again!
My latest tunnel book is called We Are Not Alone. It’s inspired by walks in the woods and stories of the kinds of interconnections found there. What you see depends on your point of view, and each panel tells part of the story. Notice how different it looks from the other side:
And here’s a trip back in time featuring just the panels without the accordion sides:
Painting these roots was fun! Next month you can find out what special techniques I used if you’ve signed up for email updates!
ANSWER TO MYSTERY TECHNIQUE #104:
Consistent measurements are so important when you’re making the hinges for a tunnel book, and this mini spring divider makes it easy to be precise! Once you set the distance between the 2 points, you can repeat it over and over again. I started by drawing a template for the hinges, using a scrap of blue card stock for visibility. After carefully lining it up on top of the selected fold, I used the points on the divider to punch through both layers of paper at once, making small holes. After removing the template, the holes served as a guide for my craft knife to cut 2 sides of a triangle for each hinge. When you look inside the tunnel, you can’t see the hinges; so the inner panels appear to float with no support. You need to reverse the template to make the hinges for the left side, as you can see below:
Lighting makes such a difference with my watercolor sculptures! This is Among the Trees, which I just delivered to the Curb Center at Vanderbilt University for the Art of Healing Show. Since I use natural light for photos, it takes some experimenting to find the right location and the right time of day to get the best image, especially since the light changes so much at different times of the year. You can compare the next 2 photos with the first one and pick your favorite:
It was exciting to hear about some of the many events they have planned in connection with this show, which will run for over a year. It opens on September 17, and you can learn more here: https://www.artofhealingexposition.com/
I had the pleasure of listening to a gifted storyteller this month. While she writes beautifully, and I’m happy to own a copy of Braiding Sweetgrass, the stories really come alive when you hear the author speak the words! The Nashville Public Library has an eAudiobook available, and it’s definitely worth waiting for your turn:
Recognize this tool? You can learn how I use it next month if you’ve signed up for email updates!
ANSWER TO MYSTERY TECHNIQUE #103:
It took lots of layers to create the feeling of leaves on the forest floor! I used the liner brushes to make networks of crisscrossing linear strokes. The first layer was a mix of yellow and yellow green; next came golds and oranges. Since I got carried away adding the various browns, I mixed a little white gouache with yellow and yellow green to add a few lighter leaves into an area that got too dark.
Here’s a sneak preview of my new tunnel book! Since I’ve been focusing on wall pieces for the past few years, I’m out of practice, especially with the tricky part of figuring out the placement and spacing of the tabs! They hold the panels in place and don’t show from the front. I’m also planning to add some text to the accordion sides. This is what they look like now:
I’m very excited to be one of the featured artists for The Art of Healing Exposition at Vanderbilt! The work will be be on display from September 2021 – December 2022, so there’ll be plenty of time to see it! It’ll also be online. I’ll have more details next month. And here’s a fascinating book that connects to the theme of this show:
Here’s another closeup of my Web of Interbeing. Curious about the techniques used here? You can learn more next month if you’ve signed up for email updates!
ANSWER TO MYSTERY TECHNIQUE #102:
The wrinkled plastic technique works so well as a first layer for textures! You can see that here:
I used the ends of these styrofoam pieces as stamping tools to vary the texture and add depth:
Exciting news! I’m now a Certified Guide with the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy! One of our last assignments was a Harvest Project. You can see a closeup of mine above. Our task was to demonstrate what we’ve “harvested” from the 6-month training in our own way. It was so inspiring to hear about all the projects during our final call! Some people created visual art or wrote poems or a song; others described more long-term projects, such as writing a children’s book or bringing the practice to marginalized groups like the blind or incarcerated. My piece is called Among the Trees:
The tiger swallowtail symbolizes the transformative nature of this training, which has deepened relationships that began in childhood. If you look closely, you can see some of the heart shapes I’ve hidden in the branches:
Some are easier to spot than others; it might take awhile to find them all.
Here’s a closeup of my Web of Interbeing. Curious about how I created the texture of the central tree? You can learn more about the special techniques next month if you’ve signed up for email updates!
ANSWER TO MYSTERY TECHNIQUE #101:
Painting on MDF (medium-density fiberboard) for the first time was a fun bonus of doing the bunny for Cheekwood’s Great Spring Art Hop! It was interesting to paint on such a smooth surface; I had to experiment with different tools to figure out a way to hide brushstrokes. After gessoing the surface and letting it dry, I added thin layers of acrylic inks and enough water to create a sense of flow and spontaneity. These pieces of thin styrofoam became my favorite tools to manipulate the paint:
Cutting shapes in some of the edges gave me another way to vary the marks.
Signs of Spring are all over Nashville, including at Cheekwood, where it’s almost time for the Great Spring Art Hunt! You can enjoy all the tulips while searching for the hidden bunnies on April 2nd and 3rd; some will be tricky to find. Here’s a closeup of the back of mine:
Here’s a closeup of the front of my bunny for Cheekwood’s Great Spring Art Hunt on April 2nd and 3rd! You’ll be able to see it in person then if you find its hiding place, although you’ll have a hard time getting this close to it. You can learn what special techniques I used next month if you’ve signed up for email updates!
ANSWER TO MYSTERY TECHNIQUE #100:
As you can see below, I cut the dead tree out of a piece of watercolor paper covered with another version of the wrinkled plastic technique; then I scratched in some additional lines and added some shading to create a sense of depth:
For the final step, I rubbed it with sandpaper to get the weathered look of a long-dead snag:
Here’s a sneak preview of part of my Web of Interbeing project! I’m in the midst of adding an illusion of depth here; you can see the contrast with the undeveloped parts as I choose shapes to push back and pull forward. Although the doe is in shadow, I added a hint of an eye. Here’s a before photo for comparison:
It’s exciting to be adding the final details! Since it’s a round piece of paper, bits of the underneath layers are showing in the lower right corner. I’ll trim those off once I decide on the final placement of each piece and add the spacers.
And this is a sneak preview of one side of my design for Cheekwood’s Great Spring Art Hunt! This is just the basic idea on paper; it’ll look different as a 4-foot tall painted piece of plywood. Instead of their usual Easter Egg Hunt, Cheekwood chose 9 artists to decorate plywood bunnies, which will be hidden in different spots on the grounds. The goal is to find all the rabbits! The Great Spring Art Hunt is April 2 and 3, and each family will receive goodies and a guide to locate all the bunnies. You can learn more here:
Although I enjoyed the snowy woods, I’m ready for spring and the inspirations for new art that it always brings. The ephemerals are creating their own sneak previews by popping out in greater numbers every day — some even poked their heads through the snow:
Here’s a closeup that shows part of my Web of Interbeing project. Curious about what techniques I used? You can find out next month if you’ve signed up for email updates!
ANSWER TO MYSTERY TECHNIQUE #99:
I’m pleasantly surprised by how much drawing is required as part of my ANFT Guide Training, and it’s deepening my connections to where I live in ways I didn’t anticipate. Some long-term projects, like keeping a nature journal, are due at the end of the course. Other assignments, like mapping our own watershed, are part of specific learning modules. It was intriguing to trace the path that water from my hill travels before it finally reaches the ocean and to learn the names of the connecting branches, creeks, and rivers that play a part in the story. Having to sketch various hazards that might be encountered here, like poison ivy, chiggers, and ticks, has helped me see them in new ways. Our Trainers have shared some wonderful resources, like this video with Ralph Ammer about how drawing helps you think:
I’m enjoying the novelty of working on Twinrocker’s circular watercolor paper for my Web of Interbeing project. Look how much the background changes with a slight rotation of the circle:
Right now these 2 panels are unfinished and waiting until I’ve put the final touches on the middle ones. It feels so different to work from the inside out and let the middle panels determine what needs to happen with the first and last ones. Not much of the last one will show in the finished piece, so here’s a chance to see all of it:
If you’re interested in exploring other versions of the Web of Interbeing, today’s Brainpickings by Maria Popova is a wonderful place to start! There’s an intriguing animated film by Kate Sweeney, which is based on Murmuration, a poem by Linda France. I recommend watching the animation first so you can experience the feeling of seeing and hearing the poem come to life line by line. Here’s a link: https://www.brainpickings.org/2021/01/29/murmuration-linda-france/
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Curious about why I’ve been drawing such surprising subject matter lately? You can find out why next month if you’ve signed up for email updates!
ANSWER TO MYSTERY TECHNIQUE #98:
Here’s the initial sketch for the Web of Interbeing project:
My watercolor sculptures start with drawings on tracing paper to make a template for the cuts. The first step was to mark the outer edge of the circle; then I began defining the main shapes with a gold PITT brush pen and added some adjustments in green before switching to erasable Prismacolor Art Stix in green, blue, and magenta. I emphasized the final boundaries with black. To experiment with the placement of the 2 main figures, I drew them on separate pieces of tracing paper with a MICRON .005 black pen.
In this closeup of the final drawing with cutting in progress, you can see some additional figures and a few more changes made by painting over the original lines with white acrylic, letting it dry, and then adding the new lines on top:
Here’s a closeup of the back; the Twinrocker watercolor paper is so thick, I often have to cut out delicate areas on both sides:
And here’s the paper right after I finished cutting out the design:
Because of my ANFT Training and the pandemic, I’ve been spending more time in the woods this December and noticing more subtle pleasures, like the profusion of fungi, mosses, and lichens:
And what happens to the dripping springs when the temperature drops:
But nothing compares to the wonder of bluebirds in flight, that striking flash of blue against all the grays and browns of the winter woods. It reminds me of a story by Isak Dinesen about someone searching for “the right blue” and of my own encounter with it years ago in Italy. I rounded a corner in the Vatican, and there it was — the most astonishing blue I’d ever seen! I don’t remember the subject or the title of that Fra Angelico painting, just that glorious color, which I’ve only seen a few times since. Maybe the rarity is part of its beauty.
And continuing the blue theme, here’s the latest version of Once in a Dream. Now the top layer has a new blue glaze:
Wishing you and those you love a new year full of good health and unexpected beauty!
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This is a closeup of the top layer of my Web of Interbeing project with a possible background underneath it. It’s the “rough draft” stage, so I haven’t added any shadows or details yet or cleaned up the edges. It took a lot of steps to get to this stage, and I’ll share them next month!
ANSWER TO MYSTERY TECHNIQUE #97:
Here’s another one of my Energy paintings. This one started with diluted Golden Gloss Medium as a resist. After it dried, I added multiple layers of diluted acrylic with the brushes pictured above. You might recognize the small white rectangle as a piece of a Kroger Extra Strength Erasing Pad. I like to cut them into small pieces and use them to partially remove thin acrylic glazes from the watercolor paper. It’s especially easy to lift the acrylic on top of the gloss medium. To increase the sense of depth, I used a painting knife to apply thicker strokes of acrylic in a few spots.
There was a little snow today, but it was much warmer last week when I had a close encounter with a bobcat! First a chipmunk darted onto the porch in front of me, then quickly jumped under a bush. Next I saw something else moving out of the corner of my eye; and when I turned my head, I was looking right into the eyes of a bobcat! The boxwood bushes hid us from each other until she/he was right in front of me — we were only about 4 feet apart. Although we were probably equally startled, the bobcat recovered first and took off running before I could get a picture. And the chipmunk had a narrow escape!
Here’s the latest version of Once in a Dream. In the actual dream, a young girl I’ve befriended is running through the trees towards me with an expression of joy as white translucent spheres mysteriously fall from the sky. Here she has the pose of another character from the dream, and these spheres are more opaque to increase their visibility.
This photo shows the back of the middle layer; you can see the combination of painted dowels and foam spacers I used to create different degrees of depth.
I’m so grateful to be doing Forest Therapy Guide Training during the challenges of the Pandemic! One of our long-term projects is to create our own Web of Interbeing. This kind of Web refers to all the underappreciated relationships and connections between different beings in the forest. It’s an expansion of concepts I’ve been exploring for years in pieces like Secret Sides of Soil:
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Want to know which techniques I used in this painting? You can find out next month if you’ve signed up for email updates!
ANSWER TO MYSTERY TECHNIQUE #96:
This is another one of my dream painting experiments using diluted acrylic inks, Winsor & Newton’sGranulation Medium, and my favorite modified brushes. To personalize the brushes, I used sharp scissors to cut uneven triangles out of the stiff hog bristles. I love the varied marks they make, from irregular strokes to dry brush textures to small dots! It all depends on how you hold them and how much water you’re using. After making some strokes with just water, I dropped in diluted Phthalocyanine Blue (green shade), Quinacridone Magenta, and Cadmium Yellow Light Hue. When the first layer dried, I repeated the process with darker versions of the same colors, sometimes using the droppers inside the bottles for thinner marks. The last layer is extremely diluted Titanium White with lots of Granulation Medium. I tilted the paper slightly to exaggerate the texture.
The ANFT Guide Training is such a rewarding experience, especially in these challenging times! We focus on connections and relationships — with each other, with ourselves, and with the More than Human World. Our motto is: “The Forest is the Therapist. The Guide Opens the Doors.”
And to give you a glimpse of the training process, I’m sharing my “Sit Spot” map below. It was fun trying to decide what to include and how to simplify it! Since wildflowers dominate this area in the spring, I wanted to include the time of year.
Capturing the feeling of a dream can be a challenge! The Dream piece I shared in a Sneak Peek last month keeps on resisting the idea of being finished. You can see what I mean here; the darker piece at the top used to look more like the little piece on the right:
Now I need to finish repainting everything else to go with it; hopefully this will be the final set of revisions! In the meantime, Happy Halloween!
Want to know which techniques I used in this painting? You can find out next month if you’ve signed up for email updates!
ANSWER TO MYSTERY TECHNIQUE #95:
The secret ingredient is rain! Laura Huff and I taught a Dream Energy Painting Workshop shortly before Nashville’s Pandemic lockdown. It was sprinkling when I left the workshop, and the raindrops reactivated the paint to create assorted light dots ringed with darker outlines. Sargent Art’s Watercolor Magic liquid paints are great for expressive painting workshops; since some participants fling the paint a little too wildly with unusual tools like the turkey feather shown above, it’s nice to supply washable paint!
Here’s the layer you saw as an underpainting last month! It’s on top of what will be the background for this watercolor sculpture, which is part of a series based on dreams. You can see the completed piece next month!
I had fun teaching my first virtual workshop! This rubber band journal is one of the books we made. I decided to paint the stick that’s part of the binding to go with the cover. It was great to transform invasive honeysuckle into part of a book!
I’m very excited to be starting my Forest Therapy Guide Training in October! My cohort is Alpine Ibex, which is full; but you can read about the Program here and check out the ones that still have space available:
Want to know the special ingredient for this technique? It’s not salt! You can find out the details next month if you’re signed up for email updates!
ANSWER TO MYSTERY TECHNIQUE #94:
Here are the materials I used to turn a painting on paper into a three-dimensional object:
After finishing the painting, I placed it facedown on a piece of wax paper. Working quickly, I used a brush to apply PVA adhesive in a starburst pattern, then spread it evenly. Next I positioned a Claybord panel on top and ran the brayer over the back of the panel. To be sure there weren’t any air bubbles, I turned it over, put a clean piece of waxed paper on top of the painting, and ran the brayer over it, pressing firmly. After the adhesive dried, I used a craft knife to cut off the excess paper on each side:
Next I painted the white cut edges with acrylic. To continue the painting on the sides and top, I repeated the process. I painted the bottom with a bluish black acrylic:
To varnish it, I started with 2 thin coats of a non-yellowing spray fixative. After that dried, I brushed on 3 thin coats of acrylic varnish.
Here’s one of my latest underpainting experiments! It looks different cut into tree shapes: This closeup shows part of the next layer in progress; working in sections makes it easier to suggest overlapping forms: I love the subtle ways underpaintings alter what’s painted on top; you can see the finished results next month!
I’ve been visited by Emperors! Thisone even posed on the screen! There were 6 Hackberry and Tawny Emperors at once yesterday, basking on the patio and the house. If you’d like to learn more about these and other butterflies in the Nashville region, Rita Venable is an excellent guide! You can see how many pages I’ve marked in her book:
Experience the understory of Cheekwood’s Carell Trail in a new way as part of a Shinrin-Yoku (Forest Bathing) workshop with Georgia Bromehead! The 2 August workshops I attended were wonderful and so relaxing! You can find out more on Georgia’s website: https://foresttherapynashville.com/
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Want to know how I turned this watercolor painting into a three-dimensional object? You can find out the special techniques I used next month if you’re signed up for email updates!
ANSWER TO MYSTERY TECHNIQUE #93:
Although paper is my favorite painting surface now, I painted large abstractions on canvas for years — most of them were over 6 feet tall! Here’s the closeup again:
I started with unprimed canvas and coated it with heavily diluted gesso to get a stained effect. To help direct the flow for each poured color, I used pushpins to attach the unstretched canvas to the wall at various angles and repeated the process many times to layer the colors. Each layer had to dry before the next could be added. My favorite tools were paper cups; after mixing a new color, I wet the next shape with water, then pinched the top of the cup to form a small applicator tip and poured fluid paint into the wet shape. I learned the hard way to position containers under all the pours; the first time I tried it, I accidentally created a colorful “river” that flowed off the canvas onto the plastic underneath and across the studio floor!
“All you have is what you are, and what you have to give.” Lately those words by Ursula K. Le Guin have been on my mind, thanks to Maria Popova’s Brain Pickings:
This month what I have to give continues to be dream images and energies. Figuring out how to translate those into paint leads in interesting directions. Many recent dreams seem to be about change — looking for a new entrance, painting in a different style, even traveling to an alternate reality and witnessing an event full of joy and wonder. Creating a version of that in this reality is the challenge, and things are still in the experimental phase.
My recovery from recent surgery continues with lots of physical therapy. Walking up and down my steep driveway is getting easier!
Wonder what special techniques I used in this painting? You’ll find out the details in August if you’ve signed up for email updates!
ANSWER TO MYSTERY TECHNIQUE #92:
Painting with your non-dominant hand is a fun way to shake things up! I started by choosing my favorite acrylic ink primaries and some unconventional tools, which you can see below:
Then I let my intuition and my left hand make decisions about colors and shapes. Since I was painting outside, most of it dried quickly, making it easier to add a second and third layer. The feather and the tips of the droppers that come inside these bottles are great for making thin lines, and these specially modified bristle brushes can take the place of multiple tools.
The “getting unstuck” technique I mentioned is from Lynda Barry’s What It Is, which has other creative writing and drawing exercises you might like to try. She suggests setting a timer for 2 minutes, then veryvery slowly drawing a spiral until the timer goes off. It does seem to help!
It feels so good to be back home! A freak accident fractured part of my hip, which led to a hospital stay, surgery, 2 weeks at a skilled nursing facility, and the start of physical and occupational therapy. Now my hip is part “goblin,” or cobalt chromium. As Victoria Finlay explains, “Calling it ‘cobalt’ is rather like calling it ‘goblin’: in German folk legend Kobald was the name of a vicious sprite, who lived in the earth and resented intruders.” You can find out more about the history of cobalt and other colors in Finlay’s wonderful book.
Although my scheduled Forest Therapy Guide Training has now morphed into an online program, I’m still looking forward to joining the River Otters cohort in July! I’ve been intrigued by Shinrin-yoku for years and plan to eventually combine “Forest Bathing” with art for a new kind of class offering. You can learn more about the practice here:
That’s a little sneak preview of The Tiger’s Cage, a demo accordion book I’m working on for a free online Library class. I’m excited to be teaching this Fairy Tale Dream Book class with Laura Huff. I’ll have the details to share next month! Find out more about Laura here:
Interested in trying Dream/Intuition paintings? Next month I’ll share my favorite tips to get you started, including a 2-minute technique to get “unstuck” in painting and writing!
ANSWER TO MYSTERY TECHNIQUE #91:
Old rock walls have amazing textures! Here are a couple of the photos that inspired my rock wall experiments:
After doing the plastic-on-wet paint technique for the first layer and letting it dry, I added some acrylic spattering and a few watercolor glazes. Next I used a craft knife on dry paper to scratch in different depths of linear marks. Here’s the result:
When I added some wet glazes, the scratched areas turned dark:
In this time of no alarm clocks, I’ve had the luxury of paying more attention to my dreams and the messages they have for me, including new directions to explore in painting. Dreams about transformation, being at a crossroads, and trusting my instincts have led me back to explorations of intuitive painting. I’m letting my left hand lead, making marks with unusual tools, and working with layers to capture the look of a painting in a recent dream. Here’s a closeup of the intense colors of the first layer as I start to add a layer of white:
After I finished adding the white, I came back with glazes of more intense color:
To echo the dream painting, I’m now in the process of adding dark linear marks:
As one of my favorite poems suggests, I’m trying to “leave the roots on” and see where the painting wants to go. Here’s the layout as it appears in the wonderful anthology Teaching with Fire:
And here’s the cover:
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Curious about how the special techniques I used to experiment with rock wall textures? You can find out the details next month if you’ve signed up for email updates; I’ll explain more about it in May!
ANSWER TO MYSTERY TECHNIQUE #90:
The treefrog is another example that started with the plastic-on-wet paint technique! Here’s what it looked like when I took off the plastic:
Cope’s Gray Treefrog is very common in the neighborhood woods; the calls of the males are a classic late spring/summer nighttime sound, especially after a good rain. I consulted multiple photos to help me to choose a section that best captured the look of the skin; then I taped a tracing of my drawing to the paper and cut through both layers:
These are the colors and tools I used:
Just like the real ones, my painted treefrog can vary in color if you change the background!
Since all my classes, workshops, and shows have been cancelled or postponed for the foreseeable future, I’m focusing on the present by experimenting in the studio and finding comfort and joy in simple pleasures like spending time in the woods and staying in touch with family and friends. Right now the woods are full of fresh new tree leaves, wildflowers, birdsongs, and the exuberance of Spring, all of which is a wonderful contrast to the news:
Twin Leaf
Just walking up the driveway is a joy when the Kerria is in bloom:
Here’s a closeup:
I’m also diving deep into dreamwork and enjoying Inner Work: Using Dreams and Active Imagination for Personal Growth by Robert A. Johnson. If you’re interested in exploring Jungian dreamwork, there are some good resources at Laura Huff’s website here: http://www.firebynight.net/resources.html
And she’ll have some free introductory videos up on her Facebook page soon!
Even in the midst of a pandemic, the insistence and persistence of Spring can be inspiring:
Take care!
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Curious about how the special techniques I used to paint this frog? You can find out the details next month if you’ve signed up for email updates; I’ll explain more about it in April!
ANSWER TO MYSTERY TECHNIQUE #89, PART 2:
A metal paint tube make a great tool! After wetting a section of this plastic-on-wet paint example, I used a corner of the crimped end to scratch out some random lines and added a little more paint to deepen them:
Next I used a craft knife to scratch out some deeper cracks:
I added a little paint to the scratched marks before I tore the section out. It varies the edge to alternate tearing up and tearing down:
Painting the torn edges was the last step. I’ll be using some of my bark pieces as a background for the frog!
Want to learn how to make any color you want? The first step is to sharpen your ability to really see color and color relationships. That’s why we focus on fun exercises to strengthen that skill as part of my COLOR THEORY BASICS Workshop. Join us on March 28 if you’re tired of accidentally making mud! You can sign up here: https://www.elizabethsanford.com/classes/
I love to experiment with new techniques and share them with my students — that’s why I’m excited to be starting a new 8-week MIXED MEDIA session on Thursday, March 12. Be sure to email me at elizabeth@elizabethsanford.com with any questions!
Here’s my “sit spot” in between 2 of my favorite trees — a Sassafras and a Buckeye. If you look closely, you can see the green man head off to the right in the leaves. This is a new home for him, although he’s been in the family for years. When we get out of this cold and rainy season, I’ll be spending a lot more time here, practicing the exercises in this book:
Tomorrow I’ll be interacting with nature in a very different way — you can find me on Sunday afternoon (March 1) at the Lawn & Garden Show! I’ll be in booth #238 representing the Middle Tennessee chapter of Wild Ones. You can learn more about their mission to promote the use of native plants here: https://middletennessee.wildones.org/
Hope to see you there!
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The Mystery Tree is a Yellow Buckeye! Here’s a step-by-step demo of one of my bark experiments. First I wet 140 lb. hot press watercolor paper, then applied a quick wet-in-wet mix of watercolors:
While the paper was still wet, I applied a piece of very thin plastic cut from a free “gift” bag from UPS; they gave to me when they left a large package by the door in the rain. Different weights of plastic create different effects, so it’s fun to experiment!
Manipulating the plastic with a palette knife added more variety to the wrinkling pattern. I also tilted the paper and touched the edges with a loaded brush to darken the colors in a few spots:
After about 5 hours, I took off the plastic. Here’s the result:
The granulating pigments I used increased the sense of texture. You can see my paint choices below:
The plastic-on-wet paint technique is just step one. Here are some actual pieces of bark mixed in with a few of my texture samples:
Can you pick out the painted ones? I’ll explain the rest of the process in March, or you can see the steps demonstrated in person if you sign up for the next Mixed Media session — we meet on Thursdays, and classes start on March 12!
What a nice surprise to open this invitation and find Tales of the Understory, Part 2 on the cover! You’ll be able to see 2 of my watercolor sculptures in the Marnie Sheridan Gallery as part of the 2020 Harpeth Hall Alumnae Exhibit. Hope you can join me for the Opening Reception on Sunday, February 9, from 5 – 7 pm — it’s always a fun show!
Interested in painting expressive landscapes with dramatic skies? Then join us on Saturday, February 15, for Watercolor Landscapes at Plaza Artist Materials! All skill levels are welcome, including beginners; be sure to email elizabeth@elizabethsanford.com with any questions.
This version of “the Green Man” lives in the woods behind my house. You’ll find out more about his story next month!
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Do you recognize this tree? I’m inspired by the intriguing textures in wet bark and leaves that catch my eye on winter walks in the woods — it’s fun painting texture experiments! The first photo is a snag, a dead yet still standing tree. And here’s a living example of the same kind:
You can find out what it is next month and see some of the texture experiments it inspired if you’ve signed up for email updates!
ANSWER TO MYSTERY TECHNIQUE #88:
It’s exciting to play with new colors! This Mystery Technique stars some of the Daniel Smith watercolors that I’ll be sharing with my classes this year. I started with a wet-in-wet layer of Hansa Yellow Medium and Quinacridone Rose and let that dry, then rewet the paper to paint the background sky with a mix of Cobalt Teal Blue, French Ultramarine, and Blue Apatite. After that layer dried, I wet both sides of the paper for more control while painting the darker clouds, which are a mix of Quinacridone Rose and Rose of Ultramarine.
I have some exciting news — Daniel Smith has agreed to sponsor my 2020 watercolor workshops at Plaza! You can see some of the supplies I’ll have to share in the photo. I can’t wait to see what people create with these wonderful colors! There’s still some room in the Watercolor Basics workshop on January 18; this one usually sells out, so sign up soon to reserve your spot!
And Thursday, January 16, is the date to remember if you’ve looking for a weekly class; that’s the first meeting of my 6-week Mixed Media class — hope you can join us! You can sign up or find more information here:
Curious about how this was done? You can find out the special techniques I used next month if you’ve signed up for email updates; I’ll explain more about it in January!
ANSWER TO MYSTERY TECHNIQUE #87:
It’s amazing how different the same 3 colors can look! MYSTERY TECHNIQUE #87 and MYSTERY TECHNIQUE #86 were both painted with the same restricted palette of Phthalocyanine Blue (Green Shade), Quinacridone Magenta, and Cadmium Yellow Light Hue acrylic ink. #86 is on Yupo and #87 is on Arches 140 lb. Cold Press watercolor paper. Both feature lots of layers and wet-in-wet mixing. In #86, I used more water and allowed all 3 inks to mix more freely to create a more subdued palette. For added depth, #87 also has a first layer of linear shapes in diluted white ink and an intermediate layer of gloss medium shapes.
Workshops and classes are over for the year, but it’s not too early to start thinking about 2020 — they make great gifts! I’m already looking forward to sharing new techniques in the Mixed Media Winter Session; classes start on Thursday, January 16, and run for 6 weeks. Email elizabeth@elizabethsanford.com with any questions! If you’re looking for a great introduction to watercolor painting, sign up for Watercolor Basics on January 18; all supplies are included! You can learn more here:
I’m also looking forward to diving deeper into Forest Bathing (Shinrin-Yoku) in 2020. I had a wonderful introduction to the practice during a session with Certified Guide Connie Keetle in September at Sewanee, and she has 2 Forest Bathing & Painting Response workshops scheduled in 2020 at St. Mary’s Sewanee! One is in May, and the other’s in September. You can learn more here:
Curious about how this was done? You can find out the special techniques I used next month if you’ve signed up for email updates; I’ll explain more about it in December!
ANSWER TO MYSTERY TECHNIQUE #86:
Exciting things happen when you combine acrylic ink, Yupo, and water! Here are my favorite 3 inks: Phthalocyanine Blue (Green Shade), Quinacridone Magenta, and Cadmium Yellow Light Hue. They’re too strong for me straight out of the bottle, so I typically work with a part ink/part water version that varies by color — half water/ half ink for Phthalo Blue, less water for the others. The piece of blue painter’s tape on each bottle is my signal that it’s a diluted mixture. I started by drawing looping root-like shapes with water, which tends to bead up on the plastic paper, so I used “custom” brushes to convince the water to adhere before adding the diluted ink. The brushes are just old hog bristle ones that I gave a haircut. Next, I created wet-in-wet mixtures by dropping in different amounts of the 3 inks. Because Yupo is nonabsorbent, intriguing textures happened as the water slowly evaporated. Repeating the process several times added more depth and richer color.
November’s a great time to explore new directions! My 4-week Mixed MediaMini-Session at Plaza starts on November 7, so look for the details on the Workshop & Classes page of my website!
November 16 is your last chance to take my Tunnel Book workshop for awhile — I won’t be offering it in 2020. These pop-up theaters make great gifts, so hope you can join us!
My last workshop of the year is on November 23. It’ll be an action-packed day of Mixed Media experiments; email me at elizabeth@elizabethsanford.com to reserve your spot!
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Curious about how this was done? You can find out the special techniques I used next month if you’ve signed up for email updates; I’ll explain more about it in November!
ANSWER TO MYSTERY TECHNIQUE #85
This is my favorite exercise from one of my favorite books about the creative process — notice all the marked pages! It’s full of wonderful writing exercises that are easy to turn into painting prompts. These are “word tickets,” which are great for generating ideas for poems, stories, titles, paintings, and more! It’s especially fun to use them to do a collaborative painting project. You can even use them when you’re “stuck” about what to do next in a painting. Hunting in old magazines for promising words to add to your collection is part of the fun! My word tickets live in a special box, which you can see a corner of the photo. You can learn more, including how the author used them at an Art Opening in Chapter 4, “the answer squash.”
Here’s a Sneak Preview of a piece soon to be on display in the Tennessee Watercolor Society Exhibitionat the Smith-Trahern Mansion in Clarksville; the Opening Reception is Thursday, October 3, from 5-7pm; hope to see you there!
Come explore the wet side of mixed media! There’s still room for you to join us for ADVENTURES IN MIXED MEDIA: PUDDLES AND POURS at Plaza if you act fast — the workshop starts this weekend, Saturday, September 28! Be sure to mail me at elizabeth@elizabethsanford.com with any questions!
Tired of accidentally making mud? Baffled by color theory? Then you need to sign up for Practical Color Theory on Saturday, October 12 at Plaza! All supplies are included, and you can contact me at elizabeth@elizabethsanford.com with any questions. Happy Painting!
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These tickets are one of my favorite creativity tools — I’ve been using them for years! Want to learn more? You can find out multiple ways to use them next month if you’ve signed up for email updates!
ANSWER TO MYSTERY TECHNIQUE #84:
This is a great example of how important paper choice can be — I’ve only been able to get this technique to work on Arches cold press. Here are my tools:
I started with an underpainting of white diluted acrylic ink, painting a few linear shapes to vary the surface. After these dried, I used large hake brushes to thoroughly wet the paper, then added diluted Hydrus watercolors, Winsor & Newton Granulation Medium, and more water to make the liquid paint flow across the surface. By tilting the paper, using pipettes to apply the paint, and minimizing the use of brushes, I was able to increase the granulated effects. When the surface started to dry, I sprayed it with a spray bottle to increase the texture and pressed a wadded-up dry paper towel into the damp paint, which partially lifted the paint and created more complex textures. The “paper towel texture” doesn’t seem to work as well on other brands of papers.
Fall’s a great time to take a class and learn something new! After a summer break, my Mixed Media class at Plaza starts up again on Thursday, September 12, for an 8-week session. If you’re looking for a workshop, you can join us for Natural Abstractions on September 14 or experiment with some of my favorite pouring and puddling techniques in a special 2-day workshop on September 28 & 29. Wonderful things can happen if you use lots of water and let the painting dry overnight, so come explore Adventures in Mixed Media!
And on Sunday afternoons in October, you can join my new 4-week Mixed Media session at Watkins College of Art! Registration closes 2 weeks before the first class on October 6, so sign up soon! You can find the details here:
Curious about how I created these textures? You can find out the special techniques I used next month if you’ve signed up for email updates; I’ll explain more about it in September!
ANSWER TO MYSTERY TECHNIQUE #83:
This caterpillar started as an ink drawing, which I traced with a graphite pencil onto clear contact paper. I found out the hard way not to use a marker for this — even if the contact paper tracing has been dry for days, the marker around the edges tends to leave dark smudges on the watercolor paper when you press it down. After I finished painting the leaves, I removed the contact paper caterpillar and put down contact paper eyes as temporary masks while I painted the oranges in the body with diluted acrylic ink. When that layer was dry, I removed the contact paper eyes and started adding detail with a .005 black Micron pen. The last step was to add the blue spots with a mix of white gouache and acrylic ink.
Hope you can join me for some Color Fun tomorrow in Hendersonville! I’ll be sharing a few fun facts about color with the Artist Collective @ Monthaven; we’ll even be playing some color games! The meeting is from 1:30-3pm, and guests are welcome. Find out more here:
Good news! If you missed the Teaching Artist Show at Watkins College, you’ve got another chance to see my work this summer. Hope to see you at the opening on August 7th! Here are the details:
Free and open to the public with Free easy parking and refreshments
The Tennessee Watercolor Society (TnWS) is proud to present the artistry of memories and experiences captured in watercolor and watermedia on paper.
Featuring a variety of works from 35 TnWS artists, this exhibit is a representation of the 100+ TnWS members in the greater Nashville Region.
Stretching its boundaries, while remaining true to its mission of promoting an appreciation of watercolor and watermedia, TnWS strives to bring exciting shows having versatility and innovation in both traditional and cutting-edge paintings in watermedia.
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This is a spicebush swallowtail caterpillar — it’s my favorite kind! You can find out the different steps in my caterpillar-painting process next month; I’ll share the details in August, so be sure to sign up for email updates!
ANSWER TO MYSTERY TECHNIQUE #82:
Part 1:
I began by using a brush loaded with lots of water to draw a loose network of looping shapes on hot press watercolor paper; then I dropped granulation medium, diluted yellow acrylic ink, and yellow and green liquid watercolor into the wet areas, leaving small patches of white paper.
Part 2:
After Part 1 dried, I taped a tracing paper drawing on top to act as a template, then cut out the basic leaf shapes with a craft knife. Next I painted the veins with Winsor & Newton’s Permanent Masking Fluid to preserve the underpainting — it’s so much easier to apply than other masking fluids, and you don’t have to remove it! I added additional layers of yellow, green, and blue to create more dimension. After the paint dried, I stippled with a black Micron .005 pen to increase the sense of depth; you have to look closely to see the little dots!
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