First Attempt at Pouring

Water Lily Poured Painting resulting from

a workshop by Linda Baker

Put he finishing touches on a poured watercolor from a recent  Linda Baker workshop.  Using 300 lb. CP paper, the intention was to do only three pours because of workshop time constraints...light, medium and dark.  Therefore, I poured the paint rather heavily using quinacridone gold, red and indigo blue.  The gold disappeared, the red became overpowering, and the blue turned gray on the paper.  I found that the heavy paper retains moisture for a long time.  The texture in the lower left was the result of putting the masking on paper that was still damp.

I like the pouring technique, the subtle variations of color it can create, as well as the textured effects created by using a water spray bottle to move the paint.  When the frisket is taken off, the result will always be a surprise, and the painting will need some finishing with a brush.  Pouring is still a labor intensive process, but it is fun to have a piece almost paint itself.

When trying this technique again, I would do many more pours with much thinner paint using different primaries.  In between pours, I would mask out fewer areas at a time to create more layers.

Even though this turned out looking like a “block print,” I think it has some merits.  Although it is not a “show” piece, there is something about it that appeals to me. 

Total Experience

My painting, "Peony Perfection" (bottom), with Arena Shawn's painting, "Spring Breeze" (above),

in the International Watermedia 2013 "Legacy" Exhibition at the Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum

at the Opening Reception on June 7 and hanging through September 7, 2013

As the juror, Linda Baker, said, even if one does not receive an award, being accepted into the PPWS International Watermedia 2013 “Legacy” exhibition should be considered an award in itself.  Yes, I’m always happy to receive an acceptance.  I enjoyed the opening reception on June 7, attended the very informative gallery talk the following day, and took Linda’s three-day workshop, which was the best workshop ever attended.  I learned so much from what was for me a “total experience.”

Finally Accepted

Recently, I received notice that my painting, “Peony Perfection”, was selected for inclusion in International Watermedia 2013, which is the open, juried biennial exhibition of the Pikes Peak Watercolor Society.  "Legacy" is the theme of the 2013 exhibition, which will be held at the Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum, June 7 through September 7, 2013.  It will open with an Awards Reception on Friday June 7 from 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM.

“Peony Perfection”, Watercolor, 10.75 x 14 ©Johanna Cellucci

Although this painting had been shown in local juried shows, this is the first time it has been accepted in a major exhibition.  I had submitted my three most recent works and, to my surprise, this one was chosen by our juror, Linda Baker.

Always painting wet-in-wet, I wanted to challenge myself by not pre-wetting the paper, but working the numerous petals, with all of its shadows, by simply glazing one color over another without the use of frisket to preserve the light.  I used multiple layers of yellow, pink, red and magenta, and feel I have succeeded in capturing this flower’s beauty and depth.

Exciting News

It was a very pleasant surprise to have gotten my last painting accepted into the 22nd Annual Colorado Watercolor Society 2013 State Watercolor Exhibit.  It will be held from March 2 to March 24, at the Foothills Art Center in Golden, Colorado, with an Opening Reception on March 1, from 6:30 to 8:30 PM.

Detail, Coneflowers on Parade, 18 x 10, Watercolor, ©J. Cellucci

I was away at the time notifications went out and was expecting notice by email.  When no such message was in my inbox, I thought surely this painting wasn’t accepted.  But, there it was in the held mail when I returned.  What a relief!

Haven’t picked up a brush yet this year, but at least, I’m starting with an acceptance into a juried exhibition.  Even though I’m not painting, I’m always thinking of art through magazines, video demonstrations, online, and by attending meetings and volunteering in my local Pikes Peak Watercolor Society.

I wish to share with you information regarding PPWS’ biennial International Watermedia Exhibition, which has a deadline of March 20.  Information, the prospectus, online entry form and payment can be found on the International Watermedia tab on the PPWS website.  International Watermedia receives submissions from around the world, and I invite you to enter.  Here is the link:  http://www.pikespeakwatercolorsociety.org

I have also been inactive on blogger, but I promise to catch up.  My sincere thanks to all of you for continuing to share; to those who have become followers even through my absence; and for the many who have stopped by to visit.

The Big Reveal

I’m finally finished a painting started in May, and finally have a new piece to post.

Coneflowers on Parade, 18” x 10”, Watercolor, ©J. Cellucci

I have worked on this on and off, and would put it aside for a few days, or weeks, at a time.  In between came the fire here in the Springs, and it was thrown into a suitcase when we had to evacuate.  Didn’t take any supplies, nor framed paintings off the walls, just this unfinished work.

I liked the composition, the way one flower followed another.  Thought the background leaves would be easier to accomplish than they actually were.  The cones were quite a challenge too.  Must learn to simplify!

Taking pictures of a finished piece is another challenge.  In afternoon light, the flowers look too warm, in morning light the leaves look cooler than they are.  This photo is as close to the actual colors as can be gotten.  I am never completely satisfied with any painting, but accept each one for what it is, and usually learn to appreciate it more as the areas of struggle are forgotten.  As for its merits, only time and jurors will tell.

Two Regional Shows

I have entered two local, all-media shows.  Both of these were juried from original work.

The first is the annual Colorado Springs Art Guild Regional Autumn Art Show, which I have participated in for the last three years.  I entered my small watercolor, “Monarch on Marigold”, and it was accepted.  The show opened with a reception last Friday, September 7, and will hang at the Woodmen Valley Chapel in Colorado Springs until October 10, 2012.  Turnout this year was down, most likely because of timing conflicts with the following exhibit.

Peony Perfection, 10 ¾” x 14”, Watercolor, ©J. Cellucci

The second is the Sunny Vista 9th Annual Regional Art Show.  I haven’t entered this show for the past two years, but did so this year.  Yesterday, I received a call that my one entry, “Peony Perfection”, has been accepted.  Participation in this event seemed to have exceeded expectations with many wonderful local artists and works.  This show will open with a reception tomorrow, Friday, September 14, and will hang through the end of the month at the Sunny Vista Living Center here in Colorado Springs.  The reception is expected to be well attended as it will also be the grand opening celebration of their new facility.

I am happy to be part of these shows, especially after a slow summer.

A Good Reason to Post

I was thrilled to receive notice that my still life, “Classic Limoges”, has been accepted into the Aquarius National Watercolor Exhibition 2012.  This biennial exhibit is sponsored by the Southern Colorado Watercolor Society and is held at the Sangre de Cristo Arts and Conference Center in Pueblo, Colorado.

Classic Limoges, 18 x 14.5, Watercolor, ©J. Cellucci

It has not been the most productive year for me, neither for entering shows nor for painting.  This was only the second juried exhibition I entered, both of which produced an acceptance.  This painting was done on Fabriano Artistico, 300 lb., soft-pressed watercolor paper, which I found to be a challenge to work on.  As for painting, I have been sporadically working on a piece, which is not yet finished.

I am going to apply to two local, juried regional shows.  Hopefully, it will be a busier and more productive rest of the year for me.

I have continued to follow a few artists’ blogs and admire their energy, tips and work.  Thanks to all of you for sharing.  Also, I appreciate the interest in my blog shown by other artists, some of whom have become followers.  The amount of global traffic has also amazed me.

Promise to post again soon.