Friday, January 23, 2015

Keiko Tanabe Workshop!



Last month I had the opportunity to get a spot in a 3-day workshop given by Keiko Tanabe at the NWS headquarters in San Pedro.  Keiko is one of my favorite plein air watercolor painters.  I was really looking forward to being able to watch her paint again and absorb some of her expertise.  I took a workshop taught by Keiko two years ago when I was first starting plein air painting and enjoyed it so much.  She is so generous and such a lovely person.  

Our first day was in the studio and we all tried painting from Keiko's photos.  She did morning and afternoon demos and we tried the same scenes of Italy and San Clemente, CA.  The next day we met at the harbor for some outdoor painting.  We had a fun morning watching Keiko paint and then trying the working harbor scene ourselves.  I've mentioned my painting of water and boats needs more practice...still does!  In the afternoon we painted in another area at the harbor and I found something without boats and water to try, a more "industrial" scene that I enjoy.  On the final morning we met at Averill Park which is a beautiful place.  There is a stream with ducks, trees, and dappled light creating a wonderful mood.  In the afternoon we went back to the studio to watch Keiko paint another demo.  She's just so quick and amazing.  Very inspiring! 

9 x 13" Watercolor


Keiko Tanabe


8 x 10" Watercolor


Keiko Tanabe

A diver doing repairs who was surprised to see us .

8 x 10" Watercolor

Averill Park


12 comments:

  1. Can see your trade mark colours in the park scenes Sherry, and even though the boat scene was different for you it has turned out well how great to do her workshop not once but twice!

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    1. Thanks Lorraine! Hard to get a proper photo of the harbor scene.

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  2. Yes, Sherry, your beautiful colors come through. She looks like a great teacher and has a lovely style. These are really great!

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  3. Dear Sherry - this was a wonderful sharing. I so enjoyed seeing the photos and also your plein aire pieces. Keiko looks like she is a great teacher. Have a super week.

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  4. Good work! love the harbor scene; pier and boats. Complicated but you pulled it off.

    What does NWS stand for? that would be pretty intense (3 days all day)

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    1. Thanks Liz...these look like I should try "fixing" some things. NWS = National Watercolor Society.

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  5. Lucky you! Twice with Keiko. Looks like you really had a great workshop, Sherry. I am enjoying seeing your inspired work, and love to follow your stuff, as always.

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  6. How lucky you are, I'm a great fan of Keiko Kanabe! Happy painting

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