Sunday, October 7, 2012

Demos!

I'm lucky to live near the National Watercolor Society headquarters in San Pedro, CA.  Their headquarters is in a wonderful building which is taken up mostly by a large gallery.  There is a spacious back room and patio where they feature prominent watercolor artists teaching workshops and giving demonstrations.

In conjunction with the 2012 Annual Exhibition they offered three demonstrations.  I signed up for two of them given by Thomas Schaller and Frank Eber.  They are two of my favorite watercolor artists.  What a great opportunity to watch them paint, and answer questions.  And, they also bring in paintings that I've only seen online.  It's enlightening to see the pieces in person.

Thomas Schaller also demonstrated last year and I enjoyed it so much that I wanted to see him again.  I have to share a photo I took of Tom while he was painting.  I think it's very exciting to watch him paint.  With his background of years of painting detailed architectural watercolors, his brush handling is amazing.  Just a flick of the brush.  Tom also has a great sense of humor and offers many painting tips.  He painted on a full sheet of watercolor paper, 22" x 30" taped to a wood board, so he didn't hold the painting up very much and I didn't get a good photo, but here he is.      


Today was the demo given by Frank Eber.  Besides painting amazing watercolors, Frank is such a generous and fun person.  It was really a treat to watch him paint and see how he goes about getting his gorgeous effects.  All of our questions answered as well.  Frank painted two pieces, an involved harbor scene, and later a quick lesson on earth and sky.  It helps me so much to see the way Frank proceeds and plans his watercolors.  It was invaluable to see him painting water, skies and clouds.  Now to put all my new knowledge into my own artwork!




12 comments:

  1. You are so lucky to get to see all these painters in action Sherry.... nothing like seeing them work in the flesh bit like going to a live concert, nothing like it!!

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    1. Hi Judith! I knew my watercolor painting friends would understand my excitement! :-)

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  2. What fun! They look like really great demos.

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    1. Really wonderful and generous artists. And it's also fun to meet fellow artists there to watch.

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  3. Oh you are lucky in deed Sherry! To see all these happening in front of your eyes is a great experience and I believe that increases the itchiness for more painting...
    Warm regards.

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    1. You're so right Konstantina! I couldn't wait to get back to painting.

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  4. Thomas Schaller is one of my favorite. You lucky girl!!

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    1. Thomas does such gorgeous artwork, PLUS he's very entertaining! :-)

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  5. Hello Sherry:) Lucky you! I wish I could see them alive. Thomas Schaller is such a good painter. I thought he was younger though:) Sight...

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    1. Hi Renate! It was so much fun to see them and I learned a lot.

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  6. I missed this post for some reason Sherry sorry. Lucky you. It is fabulous when we get to see these people painting in person.

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    1. Its really wonderful to get to see them in action and ask questions.

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