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!