Thursday 29 May 2014

Sweet Temptation - Figs on a Branch

I already mentioned in my previous post that I was going for this larger painting of figs. Due to other projects running in parallel it took me quite a few days to finish it, but I like it very much. The freshness of the figs on the branch, against the blue sky that filters between the big green leaves is very inviting! And these are indeed a very sweet temptation during summer in Greece (and in all Mediterranean countries I believe), but you have to think seriously about the risks before having too many of them! As summer is going to start in just a few days, I wish you a sweet time! The painting is about 10x7 inches, and it is done with Winsor & Newton and Daniel Smith watercolors on Waterford 140 lb CP paper.

Monday 19 May 2014

Figs - the summer Greek temptation, but what after?

The fig tree has been cultivated since ancient times and it is a common encounter in the Mediterranean area, and Greece make no exception. Due to the sweetness of the fruits, birds love them and spread the seeds all over the place, and it can easily grow-up with no care even in urban areas (not much desired, due to the aggressive roots).
One of my friends (client too) living in US had a vacation in Greece a couple of years ago, and when she saw a tree full of figs while taking a walk outdoor she couldn't resist the temptation to pick a few of them. She didn't take into account that figs have a strong laxative effect, and you can imagine what followed after enjoying the delicious fruits!!! Thus, take care when you see the fresh figs in front of you, as you must seriously consider the consequences!
I have done two small ACEO paintings of figs, and I think I will go for a larger painting too very soon. These are both about 2.5x3.5 inches in size, and are done with W&N and Daniel Smith watercolor on Arches White 140 lb CP paper.


Friday 16 May 2014

Elderly Women In Patras Learn Watercolor Painting

I believe that either you are 5 or you are 50, your life and mental health will highly benefit by having access or the opportunity to take part in arts.  I am born in Romania, but currently living in Greece, having now my own family here. When my mother got retired I understood the value of a supportive community and opportunities that older woman could have if we all help a bit. This was the trigger for my decision to volunteer to teach a 30 weeks workshop (1 session of 2 hours per week, ) in watercolor painting to retired women (aged over 60 years old) at one of the community centers in my city (Patras, Greece). The workshop is foreseen as 1 session of 2 hours per week, it will start in September 2014 and will end in June 2015. The number of ladies expected to attend in the first group is about 15 (10 already confirmed).

The community center has space and infrastructure (room to host the workshop, furniture, etc) to support the project, but there are no any funds to support with the necessary materials, like watercolor paper, paints, brushes, sketch blocks, pencils, etc. Due to the crisis, it is almost impossible to find any governmental support for this workshop. Also, I cannot afford to pay these by myself, thus I am trying to find alternative ways to raise the necessary funds.
One of the first things that came to my mind is crowdfunding, and in order to make it worth and rewarding for people around the world to help with this project I am offering some of my Open Edition prints and my free time and painting abilities to create custom floral watercolors (subject choice and directions of the contributors to the fund raising campaign) as rewards. If you would like to find out more, please check my project titled Elderly Women in Patras Learn Watercolor Painting on Indiegogo. Even if you cannot contribute yourself, I would really appreciate any pins and noise you can make about it!

Sunday 11 May 2014

Calla lilies - the painting following the ACEOs little studies

This painting is based on the same reference photo as the two little ACEOs I did a few days ago. Thank you once more Li Newton (aka lisilk on wetcanvas) for sharing it with us! I was trying to get even more of the interesting calla shapes into this one, and push the colors further. It is done with my usual watercolor paints (W&N and Daniel Smith) on Waterford 140 lb CP paper, and it measures approximately 7x10 inches.

Thursday 8 May 2014

Calla Lilies - beautiful shapes!

The reference photo for these two ACEOs was shared with us by our WDE host on wetcanvas, Li Newton (aka lisilk), a great photographer. I always enjoy the collections she shares with us. Thank you Li!
I am considering going for a bigger size painting, and decided to do first some line and value sketches and then some small size color studies, and thus I painted these 2 ACEOs. Both are done with Winsor & Newton and Daniel Smith watercolors on Saunders Waterford 140 lb CP paper. I wish you a colorful day!