Woven Flowers of Passion

15x22 work is actually two identically painted scenes of pink roses in front of a house. The original was ho-hum boring so a few years later did another exactly like it as I'd saved the drawing. I got the idea of weaving them together after seeing the work of Nancy Maas, which is much looser and not as tightly woven. One painting you cut wavy strips horizontally, and the other cut vertical strips, then weave in and out. When done I vacuum mounted onto acid free matboard to frame it. Now it looks much more interesting! COPYRIGHT Kay Smith 2024

Flowers of Passion - woven watercolor

15x22 work is actually two identically painted scenes of pink roses in front of a house. The original was ho-hum boring (I'll post it soon for comparison) so a few years later did another exactly like it as I'd saved the drawing. I got the idea of weaving them together after seeing the work of Nancy Maas, which is much looser and not as tightly woven. One painting you cut wavy strips horizontally, and the other cut vertical strips, then weave in and out. When done I vacuum mounted onto acid free matboard to frame it. Now it looks much more interesting!

Roses Still Life Demo-Trevena Style Class

Here's my 15x15 demo from today's class in the Shirley Trevena style. Of course my work can never compare to her masterpieces but was fun reading her 2 books, setting up still life, and having several artists come to paint all day. These roses were my own, posed in clear glass vases in front of my black lacquer French settee, on a little black coffee table with movie stars photos in it.

Drawn in colored pencil, a white candle was also used for making resist marks, while watercolor was put on dry paper partially coated with texture medium. The Indian pillows with their sequined patchwork help frame the roses and zinnias. Ignoring perspective is Shirley's hallmark style along with very vibrant hues. Colored pencils were sanded into wet paint for texture, and oil pastels added at the end for highlights and additional accents. The coffee table is upright while one vase comes off the page. My favorite part is the photo of Clark Gable upper right of the coffee table.

It was a difficult technique for most of us who are so accustomed to realism to paint a bit looser and not worry so much about the outcome.

Gingham Pitcher of Roses

22x15 watercolor done two days ago using ceramic pitcher (a gift from my brother), plastic tablecloth as a stenciled doily effect, and roses from Bonnie's photo. Paper is Fabriano 140 lb hot press.

Divas

Copyright 2010 Kay Smith

Image two antique ceramic ladies head vases having a conversation, all dressed to the nines, primping, gossiping, checking out their false eyelashes and latest admirers. Size: 15x22 watercolor completed today.

Antique Roses

6.25 x 9.5 watercolor commission finished up today for my friend Barbara who has excellent taste and who is now my #1 collector!