tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82415602505000606412024-03-05T02:49:48.055-08:00Starr Weems Art BlogStarr Weemshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12986501553583728044noreply@blogger.comBlogger46125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8241560250500060641.post-31285444412130525452017-11-02T18:35:00.004-07:002017-11-02T18:35:46.823-07:00Jewcy FeatureWell, it's official. My spring show, "Ancient Illuminations," will be at Lowe Mill Arts & Entertainment in late April. I was interviewed for Jewcy about the project. See the article <a href="http://jewcy.com/jewish-arts-and-culture/the-parashot-in-watercolor" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
<br />
<br />
Below are a few samples of the series. Prints of the completed pieces can be purchased <a href="https://starr-weems.pixels.com/collections/ancient+illuminations" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fOnCxiECn0o/WfvHDHYKy9I/AAAAAAAAEmI/DOWgb1yQ9A85iFva8wBQ5fa2BoD-RF84gCLcBGAs/s1600/Bereishit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1575" height="200" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fOnCxiECn0o/WfvHDHYKy9I/AAAAAAAAEmI/DOWgb1yQ9A85iFva8wBQ5fa2BoD-RF84gCLcBGAs/s200/Bereishit.jpg" width="196" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOL4Foob_nS5EuTfwnET67z26YnxJvOD1A5vGhiHITwOty7ZHBlSUnXBgmshydpeLm0foiO2Zt-DlMm6YWqXzw5Y4PhwPwsOAhkuxSp9GUN6t7IZidDXTdGmvlBib6LdNKrX4GqO_R-xY/s1600/Chayei+Sarah.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1586" data-original-width="1600" height="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOL4Foob_nS5EuTfwnET67z26YnxJvOD1A5vGhiHITwOty7ZHBlSUnXBgmshydpeLm0foiO2Zt-DlMm6YWqXzw5Y4PhwPwsOAhkuxSp9GUN6t7IZidDXTdGmvlBib6LdNKrX4GqO_R-xY/s200/Chayei+Sarah.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5gtSpGO-066JXhyRIcHzAIJniQvAfQ9ZK_I60cFDVgik5Bj_DODy4tAWUHf9_x49dyzxJgP0Cpr3ii-iDIK9H4l8TmZaE8lidfs9fR_wlDgqQlt57rhvD317nE1urf6GEaaaBtQIzj_M/s1600/Lech+Lecha.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1561" data-original-width="1600" height="195" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5gtSpGO-066JXhyRIcHzAIJniQvAfQ9ZK_I60cFDVgik5Bj_DODy4tAWUHf9_x49dyzxJgP0Cpr3ii-iDIK9H4l8TmZaE8lidfs9fR_wlDgqQlt57rhvD317nE1urf6GEaaaBtQIzj_M/s200/Lech+Lecha.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J67L8eMzADA/WfvHBmKWkJI/AAAAAAAAEl8/MhFcLF-MdboHAz-8O0YvSxlG4JHdtwcEACLcBGAs/s1600/Noach.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1566" height="200" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J67L8eMzADA/WfvHBmKWkJI/AAAAAAAAEl8/MhFcLF-MdboHAz-8O0YvSxlG4JHdtwcEACLcBGAs/s200/Noach.jpg" width="195" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-M8GS3agwiEk/WfvHC8E5uPI/AAAAAAAAEmE/Jbnz-ECnTYQzxLuZ5lMyZy326ONVU9IKgCLcBGAs/s1600/Toldot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1593" height="200" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-M8GS3agwiEk/WfvHC8E5uPI/AAAAAAAAEmE/Jbnz-ECnTYQzxLuZ5lMyZy326ONVU9IKgCLcBGAs/s200/Toldot.jpg" width="198" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fLSHsg4vo8o/WfvHEvMqMII/AAAAAAAAEmQ/c53IdE_IoKYcvVYXadF2lzpT-m4UGexhQCLcBGAs/s1600/Vayeira.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1597" height="200" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fLSHsg4vo8o/WfvHEvMqMII/AAAAAAAAEmQ/c53IdE_IoKYcvVYXadF2lzpT-m4UGexhQCLcBGAs/s200/Vayeira.jpg" width="199" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRCO_lcMMbvSNX07GhD_5vNaedppsLrwGYTG6EJPD2xEBLgeJkLLHcYb76NYGIhhzO0V6AElxWYqvZOTh8fqrymXCQQNQRIYmI8YOjE3358KF6Go-HkS0iBrg7xZ2AXyCvUmzdnuR3UXQ/s1600/Vayeschev.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1557" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRCO_lcMMbvSNX07GhD_5vNaedppsLrwGYTG6EJPD2xEBLgeJkLLHcYb76NYGIhhzO0V6AElxWYqvZOTh8fqrymXCQQNQRIYmI8YOjE3358KF6Go-HkS0iBrg7xZ2AXyCvUmzdnuR3UXQ/s200/Vayeschev.jpg" width="194" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lAgr8Sj3SB0/WfvHGMsWCjI/AAAAAAAAEmY/tH5E9niyS5EEYDoqw-B8YM9IbU9yJUmMwCLcBGAs/s1600/Vayetze.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1538" height="200" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lAgr8Sj3SB0/WfvHGMsWCjI/AAAAAAAAEmY/tH5E9niyS5EEYDoqw-B8YM9IbU9yJUmMwCLcBGAs/s200/Vayetze.jpg" width="191" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZyKQjvb9dJU/WfvHFZo3_PI/AAAAAAAAEmU/kExAJhsCyNgabGt6e5PSPE6bEGCdwJMQQCLcBGAs/s1600/Vayigash.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZyKQjvb9dJU/WfvHFZo3_PI/AAAAAAAAEmU/kExAJhsCyNgabGt6e5PSPE6bEGCdwJMQQCLcBGAs/s200/Vayigash.jpg" width="199" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gPGt2qa53Ow/WfvHGTyGkZI/AAAAAAAAEmc/J2Zm75sz3C8MJd24eoPQongJLT16wxU_gCLcBGAs/s1600/Vayishlach.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1586" data-original-width="1600" height="198" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gPGt2qa53Ow/WfvHGTyGkZI/AAAAAAAAEmc/J2Zm75sz3C8MJd24eoPQongJLT16wxU_gCLcBGAs/s200/Vayishlach.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />Starr Weemshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12986501553583728044noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8241560250500060641.post-11269969086393998492017-10-09T11:36:00.001-07:002017-10-09T11:36:43.948-07:00Lowe Mill Show <p>I’ve been working on a new series that you’ll be able to see this spring at Lowe Mill. More details to come! <p></p></p><p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0OF1waT7gUI/WdvBqNa1N3I/AAAAAAAAEh4/6qvwnlN5HOc9cwQD3y8-uKXHZHslzIYyACHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""><br></p><p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wq10jB8DI3w/WdvBP3Dk3-I/AAAAAAAAEho/3JrcBElat7kKRFaNQq8L5Qd9KTrtAB0vQCHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--XVbtYjQG84/WdvBTDpe2zI/AAAAAAAAEhw/XyiGWI1ev84Ywz809YHYiEUdnZuIdOnpACHMYCw/%255BUNSET%255D" alt=""><br></p>Starr Weemshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12986501553583728044noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8241560250500060641.post-88990157067665124542016-01-18T08:46:00.001-08:002016-01-18T08:46:49.404-08:00Valley Planet, January EditionCheck out my painting on the cover of this month's <i>Valley Planet</i>!<div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NW2dXk5egos/Vp0W-BZr-9I/AAAAAAAACtg/1i5c6DULb0A/s640/blogger-image-1770757341.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NW2dXk5egos/Vp0W-BZr-9I/AAAAAAAACtg/1i5c6DULb0A/s640/blogger-image-1770757341.jpg"></a></div></div>Starr Weemshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12986501553583728044noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8241560250500060641.post-51322241327888007362015-03-02T15:35:00.001-08:002015-03-02T15:35:12.243-08:00Dr. Seuss Class Art ProjectThis week, my students will re-imagine classic paintings in the style of Dr. Seuss. Here is my example, based on Picasso's "The Old Guitarist."<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-28YoUIJPmm4/VPTzrnkvfZI/AAAAAAAABpw/GcHkIDr1OA4/s640/blogger-image--1538432593.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-28YoUIJPmm4/VPTzrnkvfZI/AAAAAAAABpw/GcHkIDr1OA4/s640/blogger-image--1538432593.jpg"></a></div><br></div>Starr Weemshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12986501553583728044noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8241560250500060641.post-48762093624530564972014-12-26T08:04:00.000-08:002014-12-26T08:26:22.188-08:00Alabama Flying Machine<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
When you were a kid, did you ever try to build a flying machine? </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Did you want to? </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Almost everyone I know has a story that involves falling from a tree, tall rock or rooftop during a failed flying experiment... But what if it had worked? If it had happened in Alabama, I suspect it would have looked something like this: </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuQezEIkkIu_Uf6kKOUgA0XgYQZSERO3WbKMSiqowGYunEhVpvycbR4aHWqq52aZLphq0VYpdTi3Bh4ofQX9ErYvcnTpa2iE-u9tO_nz_VY9pKSRc-fv0IAp4fjQ3kUOonoDkAxV9c-yA/s640/blogger-image--1567266891.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuQezEIkkIu_Uf6kKOUgA0XgYQZSERO3WbKMSiqowGYunEhVpvycbR4aHWqq52aZLphq0VYpdTi3Bh4ofQX9ErYvcnTpa2iE-u9tO_nz_VY9pKSRc-fv0IAp4fjQ3kUOonoDkAxV9c-yA/s320/blogger-image--1567266891.jpg" width="208" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Alabama Flying Machine" 15x22, Watercolor on 140 lb. Arches</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Remember <i>James and the Giant Peach?</i> Roald Dahl describes the characters being carried through the sky by birds as the glow worm provides light. If Roald Dahl had grown up in the Deep South, the birds would have been june bugs and the glow worm would have been fireflies in a Mason jar. Oops, I mean "lightning bugs." Oh, and the travelers would never leave the ground without the supplies to make sweet, iced tea to celebrate a successful flight.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Here is the process for creating "Alabama Flying Machine."</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Tvc8IQfC1k0/VJ2FShoVxOI/AAAAAAAABm4/EYEtBmJDB9I/s1600/sketchbook%2Bpage%2Bflying%2Bmachine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Tvc8IQfC1k0/VJ2FShoVxOI/AAAAAAAABm4/EYEtBmJDB9I/s1600/sketchbook%2Bpage%2Bflying%2Bmachine.jpg" height="195" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
First, I organize my ideas with quick sketches in my sketchbook. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Rs-NK0QiKXY/VJ2FXYJOKMI/AAAAAAAABnA/Mv1OlktGrLg/s1600/progress%2Bflying%2Bmachine%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Rs-NK0QiKXY/VJ2FXYJOKMI/AAAAAAAABnA/Mv1OlktGrLg/s1600/progress%2Bflying%2Bmachine%2B1.jpg" height="320" width="207" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Now I draw my design on some 140 lb. Arches watercolor paper. I actually want some of these pencil lines to show, so I don't bother to draw lightly. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzSiSd2lsrewOfXvV2uFp_chZkpTtlPHYeft0fWbF6DMo15okxiWUaRolVTCsYwbsM-x2WjTIZuvvUiqY_MDvdlAYgWnwOPQ0vu7Hn0DhWESEPh8nH-d0_DWAPSjQMobjw3qXMlBVyMFo/s1600/progress+flying+machine+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzSiSd2lsrewOfXvV2uFp_chZkpTtlPHYeft0fWbF6DMo15okxiWUaRolVTCsYwbsM-x2WjTIZuvvUiqY_MDvdlAYgWnwOPQ0vu7Hn0DhWESEPh8nH-d0_DWAPSjQMobjw3qXMlBVyMFo/s1600/progress+flying+machine+2.jpg" height="320" width="208" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This is different from my other watercolor paintings. This time, I only want to pour the background. I mask out the bugs and the flying machine and pour the paint.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lE_nWhNKh5E/VJ2FXcnIK1I/AAAAAAAABnE/ym3x6svVC-A/s1600/progress%2Bflying%2Bmachine%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lE_nWhNKh5E/VJ2FXcnIK1I/AAAAAAAABnE/ym3x6svVC-A/s1600/progress%2Bflying%2Bmachine%2B3.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
After removing the drawing gum, I'm ready to use paints and watercolor pencils to fill in the images. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-53fcEhJFTKE/VJ2FYEmpnzI/AAAAAAAABnQ/jp5_UYKvPTs/s1600/progress%2Bflying%2Bmachine%2B4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-53fcEhJFTKE/VJ2FYEmpnzI/AAAAAAAABnQ/jp5_UYKvPTs/s1600/progress%2Bflying%2Bmachine%2B4.jpg" height="295" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Painting the june bugs is my favorite part. I have lots of childhood memories involving these critters.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uCJaCMenR6o/VJ2FYcohWYI/AAAAAAAABnU/nfPEFLarblE/s1600/progress%2Bflying%2Bmachine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uCJaCMenR6o/VJ2FYcohWYI/AAAAAAAABnU/nfPEFLarblE/s1600/progress%2Bflying%2Bmachine.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I continue to add details...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mqUKKSQVWh4/VJ2GeGLyLiI/AAAAAAAABns/16LCI4egolY/s1600/Alabama%2Bflying%2Bmachine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mqUKKSQVWh4/VJ2GeGLyLiI/AAAAAAAABns/16LCI4egolY/s1600/Alabama%2Bflying%2Bmachine.jpg" height="320" width="208" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And now I'm ready to fly! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The original of this painting is currently available for sale. Contact me at starrwd@gmail.com to discuss your purchase or <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/starrweems/works/13466557-alabama-flying-machine" target="_blank">order this image</a> on laptop skins, shirts, travel mugs, totes or phone cases from <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/starrweems/works/13466557-alabama-flying-machine" target="_blank">Redbubble</a>. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br />
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Starr Weemshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12986501553583728044noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8241560250500060641.post-8075327458625482932014-10-28T08:40:00.001-07:002014-10-28T08:49:36.060-07:00Commissioned Work SpecialTo encourage early orders for the upcoming holiday season, through November 14, commissioned art will be 20% off the standard $1.60 per square inch. Sizes from 5x7 to 22x30 available. Email starrwd@gmail.com for details. <div><br></div><div><br></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-8c5SisfX4Fc/VE-48zSeJ8I/AAAAAAAABkY/wvDvezSxG08/s640/blogger-image-884251483.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-8c5SisfX4Fc/VE-48zSeJ8I/AAAAAAAABkY/wvDvezSxG08/s640/blogger-image-884251483.jpg"></a></div>Starr Weemshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12986501553583728044noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8241560250500060641.post-24584150020681946312014-07-06T13:44:00.001-07:002014-07-06T13:44:27.974-07:00Watercolor. 22x30<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL8KDJ-YAZXjZ3cByurmvoALJfpaeseQ4SNBZnoQ5ndQaKe-w6eqZC5QddQENMrAQd9pb7cK8FM5kqeKZv783PgXIyryw3TWh8-PXlT_Q90Q45EkPJg7aOIgJNuPirRLOHdOcgARi8zZA/s640/blogger-image--463204453.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL8KDJ-YAZXjZ3cByurmvoALJfpaeseQ4SNBZnoQ5ndQaKe-w6eqZC5QddQENMrAQd9pb7cK8FM5kqeKZv783PgXIyryw3TWh8-PXlT_Q90Q45EkPJg7aOIgJNuPirRLOHdOcgARi8zZA/s640/blogger-image--463204453.jpg"></a></div>Starr Weemshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12986501553583728044noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8241560250500060641.post-11221523889619667912014-01-28T17:59:00.001-08:002014-01-28T17:59:33.124-08:00U.S. Space and Rocket Center Winter Masquerade Ball<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
Earlier this month, I was selected as one of ten artists to create a mask for the <a href="http://www.spacecampstore.com/Masquerade-Ball-Ticket-TIEVMASQ14/" target="_blank">U.S. Space and Rocket Center's Winter Masquerade Ball</a>. The masks are being auctioned off to support STEM education programs and projects such as refurbishing the A-12 Blackbird stealth aircraft at the center.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
For this creation, my signature <a href="http://starrweems.blogspot.com/2012/03/start-to-finish-pouring-watercolor.html" target="_blank">poured color technique</a> takes on a slight steampunk feel with gears, eye loupes and watch parts. It's reminiscent of the work I did for <a href="http://starrweems.blogspot.com/2012/06/creating-album-art.html" target="_blank">Mary Crowell's Acolytes of the Machine cover</a>.</div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-EweKXDnl97Q/UuhancPb9-I/AAAAAAAABeE/0uC5T6j3zPs/s640/blogger-image--1403828475.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="361" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-EweKXDnl97Q/UuhancPb9-I/AAAAAAAABeE/0uC5T6j3zPs/s400/blogger-image--1403828475.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Vl3e1pGmUrY/Uuhamk2I1-I/AAAAAAAABd8/dwK4-j7yIk8/s640/blogger-image--1445601193.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="292" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Vl3e1pGmUrY/Uuhamk2I1-I/AAAAAAAABd8/dwK4-j7yIk8/s400/blogger-image--1445601193.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-S7yCEFuWjUg/Uuhald_Al9I/AAAAAAAABd0/KJO-ylp5ra0/s640/blogger-image-744836744.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="339" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-S7yCEFuWjUg/Uuhald_Al9I/AAAAAAAABd0/KJO-ylp5ra0/s400/blogger-image-744836744.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-t0_daU9lzio/Uuhaoequ0pI/AAAAAAAABeM/3pVndw2i7Cc/s640/blogger-image-138736819.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-t0_daU9lzio/Uuhaoequ0pI/AAAAAAAABeM/3pVndw2i7Cc/s640/blogger-image-138736819.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Your winning bid buys the mask and admission to the ball (tickets are $100).</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"> <a href="http://www.ebay.com/itm/USSRC-Mask-10-Starr-Weems-/251436243714?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3a8ac49b02" target="_blank">Place your bid!</a></span></div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Curious about what the <a href="http://rocketcenter.com/masquerade/" target="_blank">other masks</a> look like? </span></div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Starr Weemshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12986501553583728044noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8241560250500060641.post-25927493102134637042014-01-23T18:35:00.003-08:002014-01-23T18:35:51.845-08:00<div style="text-align: center;">
Illuminations in Poured Color: Paintings by Starr Weems</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
February 27 - April 11, 2014</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Birmingham Public Library 4th Floor Gallery</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Opening reception, March 2, 2014 3:00-5:00</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Free watercolor pouring class on March 30. Space is limited.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
starrwd@gmail.com</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
www.facebook.com/starrweems</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mJTSReEd6yg/UuHRUxLte4I/AAAAAAAABdk/k9ww79cf-3Y/s1600/Pieces.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mJTSReEd6yg/UuHRUxLte4I/AAAAAAAABdk/k9ww79cf-3Y/s1600/Pieces.jpg" height="320" width="241" /></a></div>
<br />Starr Weemshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12986501553583728044noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8241560250500060641.post-1889972777603194952013-07-23T21:21:00.000-07:002013-07-23T21:22:18.308-07:00Bless You and Keep You<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTG9AYbm21Tc_QFAcLVlVXw-BodSI39CDfXApmqlxvsWFftB8LvDCXE4aNAkT5l50k2L5JN8gD2ep675QE050tHliGmHZT7uwcVPMVZuhtuoCxG8imA5FTzY0MHjRguJItPGodl2K6Pas/s1600/Bless+You+and+Keep+You.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTG9AYbm21Tc_QFAcLVlVXw-BodSI39CDfXApmqlxvsWFftB8LvDCXE4aNAkT5l50k2L5JN8gD2ep675QE050tHliGmHZT7uwcVPMVZuhtuoCxG8imA5FTzY0MHjRguJItPGodl2K6Pas/s320/Bless+You+and+Keep+You.jpg" width="233" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
"Bless You and Keep You" 22x30 Watercolor on 140 lb. paper. Sold</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
For more information, contact starrwd@gmail.com</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1st Step: </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kXxnKvNreMg/Ue9VEJ2oykI/AAAAAAAABX8/pTDln4ZpaN8/s1600/Bless+You+and+Keep+You+Pour+One.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kXxnKvNreMg/Ue9VEJ2oykI/AAAAAAAABX8/pTDln4ZpaN8/s320/Bless+You+and+Keep+You+Pour+One.jpg" width="227" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
First pour: </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-C6ijYJWJB5o/Ue9VN5-oVdI/AAAAAAAABYE/3nWaGSnEcC0/s1600/Bless+You+and+Keep+You+Pour+Two.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-C6ijYJWJB5o/Ue9VN5-oVdI/AAAAAAAABYE/3nWaGSnEcC0/s320/Bless+You+and+Keep+You+Pour+Two.jpg" width="222" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Second pour:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-P9BcgHWbsPo/Ue9VYfb6BkI/AAAAAAAABYM/jQm43Z3aT8k/s1600/Bless+You+and+Keep+You+Pouring+Three.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-P9BcgHWbsPo/Ue9VYfb6BkI/AAAAAAAABYM/jQm43Z3aT8k/s320/Bless+You+and+Keep+You+Pouring+Three.jpg" width="230" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Third pour:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1rIMzxoGVNM/Ue9VlWpJL7I/AAAAAAAABYU/qJTeGULLm7A/s1600/Bless+You+and+Keep+You+covered+in+masking.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1rIMzxoGVNM/Ue9VlWpJL7I/AAAAAAAABYU/qJTeGULLm7A/s320/Bless+You+and+Keep+You+covered+in+masking.jpg" width="237" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Removing masking:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mpbT9TrvUc4/Ue9VuH87JAI/AAAAAAAABYc/uHtTLKPL6hU/s1600/Bless+You+and+Keep+You+removing+masking.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mpbT9TrvUc4/Ue9VuH87JAI/AAAAAAAABYc/uHtTLKPL6hU/s320/Bless+You+and+Keep+You+removing+masking.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
With masking gone:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-s88QoBWdCDI/Ue9V48DNJbI/AAAAAAAABYo/1NkqrCeWRHU/s1600/IMG_6782.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-s88QoBWdCDI/Ue9V48DNJbI/AAAAAAAABYo/1NkqrCeWRHU/s320/IMG_6782.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
After touch ups:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0qHVbjRkmav39GK1zfRfxuVgrS1LkDs0KR1hWD1Tt0zH0R0tHNzZuZsLih1LVCMUCyVhbekTQHj4dRzvoG2f9zHjl-Xn228d7s1KwYlJkDJh7Ozs_zmCszLgHJAu1G1jVnHhZlZLJx6s/s1600/Bless+You+and+Keep+You.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0qHVbjRkmav39GK1zfRfxuVgrS1LkDs0KR1hWD1Tt0zH0R0tHNzZuZsLih1LVCMUCyVhbekTQHj4dRzvoG2f9zHjl-Xn228d7s1KwYlJkDJh7Ozs_zmCszLgHJAu1G1jVnHhZlZLJx6s/s320/Bless+You+and+Keep+You.jpg" width="233" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Starr Weemshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12986501553583728044noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8241560250500060641.post-20363806984309353982013-03-31T07:10:00.004-07:002013-03-31T07:12:36.754-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9clTecbCavVTQmk9Ovtah7bxb-0BerPM_ZbXUfZs8RXoJBT5ReixqYZLJRmQ8KPOTBH24Mu6a7SbCPLJtBvF_cm5tjRbHj2ICvrTmnS2XEomn__njLd8u1Z5hvUyy8EZSEBX1Y-W0Z-Y/s1600/Separation.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9clTecbCavVTQmk9Ovtah7bxb-0BerPM_ZbXUfZs8RXoJBT5ReixqYZLJRmQ8KPOTBH24Mu6a7SbCPLJtBvF_cm5tjRbHj2ICvrTmnS2XEomn__njLd8u1Z5hvUyy8EZSEBX1Y-W0Z-Y/s320/Separation.jpg" width="224" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
"Separation" Watercolor on 140 lb. European-milled, cotton rag paper. 11x16</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />Starr Weemshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12986501553583728044noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8241560250500060641.post-30166771846951192712013-03-28T17:50:00.003-07:002013-03-28T17:50:41.026-07:00Autism in Art<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-utyc5SEK8tc/UVTjBO904DI/AAAAAAAABCM/zesdJPSADgM/s1600/autism.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-utyc5SEK8tc/UVTjBO904DI/AAAAAAAABCM/zesdJPSADgM/s320/autism.jpg" width="244" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
"Pieces" Transparent watercolor on 140 lb. European-milled, cotton rag paper. 11x14</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Original currently available. $246 Prints can be purchased through <a href="http://fineartamerica.com/featured/pieces-starr-weems.html" target="_blank">Fine Art America</a>. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Contact starrwd@gmail.com for inquiries or connect with me on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/starrweems" target="_blank">Facebook</a>. </div>
<br />Starr Weemshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12986501553583728044noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8241560250500060641.post-47275036363799233922013-03-17T11:27:00.000-07:002013-03-17T11:30:20.021-07:00Commissioning Art <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HBYN_kGyS0U/UUYGNHr1MdI/AAAAAAAABBc/BCF4mD9Zwmc/s1600/Janet+commission.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="245" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HBYN_kGyS0U/UUYGNHr1MdI/AAAAAAAABBc/BCF4mD9Zwmc/s320/Janet+commission.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Happy client Janet Stubblefield holding a portrait of her granddaughter. "Samantha Grace" 14x18</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nxUW-Fqa2HQ/UUYJrWqnVTI/AAAAAAAABBs/uuFd9bKQ9MY/s1600/Unspent+Wishes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="161" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nxUW-Fqa2HQ/UUYJrWqnVTI/AAAAAAAABBs/uuFd9bKQ9MY/s200/Unspent+Wishes.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aLtGJodBYSM/UUYJ10bSadI/AAAAAAAABB0/UTseHzJt6s4/s1600/Iris+Starr+Weems+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="157" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aLtGJodBYSM/UUYJ10bSadI/AAAAAAAABB0/UTseHzJt6s4/s200/Iris+Starr+Weems+2.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5STN9c40S4k/UUYKCJRHFOI/AAAAAAAABB8/PrXvVhTvRYQ/s1600/Samantha+Grace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5STN9c40S4k/UUYKCJRHFOI/AAAAAAAABB8/PrXvVhTvRYQ/s200/Samantha+Grace.jpg" width="148" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Mothers Day, graduations, weddings and baby showers... spring is a popular time to commission paintings for gifts and keepsakes. An artist's schedule fills up quickly during this season! Each year, I find myself having to turn people away, so don't wait until the last minute to look for a super special gift. Now is the time to think about commissioning a piece of art for spring or summer, so contact me at starrwd@gmail.com to reserve your painting. Information below.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Value based on $1.60 per square inch, plus tax (if applicable) and shipping. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
5x7 $56</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
8x10 $128</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
11x15 $264</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
16x20 $512</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
15x22 $528</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
20x26 $832</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
22x30 $1056</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
To see more work, visit my website at www.StarrWeems.com or connect with me on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/starrweems" target="_blank">Facebook</a> or <a href="http://instagram.com/starrweemsart" target="_blank">Instagram</a>. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />Starr Weemshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12986501553583728044noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8241560250500060641.post-30730616421635896092013-03-13T18:46:00.000-07:002013-03-13T20:16:30.084-07:00Painting Memories: Ball, Kerr, Atlas and Mason Jars<br />
<h1 style="border: 0px; clear: both; font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0px 0px 20px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 60px; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-size: small;">My childhood memories are full of colorful jars. </span></h1>
<h1 style="border: 0px; clear: both; font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0px 0px 20px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 60px; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><span style="font-size: small; line-height: 1.5em;">Vibrant jars of produce cooled on my great-grandmother's kitchen shelves. Jars brimming with colored water cast red, blue and yellow shadows on our butcher block. My </span><a href="http://starrweems.blogspot.com/2012/11/honoring-memory.html" style="font-size: medium; line-height: 1.5em;" target="_blank">grandmother's button collection</a><span style="font-size: small; line-height: 1.5em;"> sparkled at me through a jar on her dresser. Sometimes </span><span style="font-size: small; line-height: 1.5em;">on warm summer evenings, I fell asleep by the light of a Mason jar shimmering with fireflies.</span></span></h1>
<h1 style="border: 0px; clear: both; font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0px 0px 20px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 60px; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="background-color: black; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5em;"><span style="color: white;">I guess you could say that I like to paint jars because it gives me something to store my memories in. Below are some of my watercolor paintings that depict the colorful jars of my childhood. </span></span></h1>
<div>
<span style="font-size: small; line-height: 1.5em;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ES53iRHiXPE/UUEi_h3Ge0I/AAAAAAAAA_8/v-cCb28TGPI/s1600/StarrWeems_July'sHarvest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ES53iRHiXPE/UUEi_h3Ge0I/AAAAAAAAA_8/v-cCb28TGPI/s320/StarrWeems_July'sHarvest.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
"July's Harvest" 22x15 </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFDJre2CcdhpZyd-5sTRQ1ZuI0O2efXK9yg2k039RfCIJkGsJYnPDExSd1JiB02reW5VagofBjRb8krjpJt_SuPsvAwTBjqLqgv564e3y7u7PhZLOButTjXtErRYwKpaTDHSmQp6iQpUY/s1600/HPIM4819.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFDJre2CcdhpZyd-5sTRQ1ZuI0O2efXK9yg2k039RfCIJkGsJYnPDExSd1JiB02reW5VagofBjRb8krjpJt_SuPsvAwTBjqLqgv564e3y7u7PhZLOButTjXtErRYwKpaTDHSmQp6iQpUY/s320/HPIM4819.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
"Alabama Summer Day" 8x10 Collection of Alexandra Ragland.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pt9sL69MxCA/UUEjBAN0KvI/AAAAAAAABAE/DXvzgiwqsDo/s1600/StarrWeems_Labyrinth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pt9sL69MxCA/UUEjBAN0KvI/AAAAAAAABAE/DXvzgiwqsDo/s320/StarrWeems_Labyrinth.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
"Labyrinth" 12x15</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pvgPAsO-TLg/UUEjCoIiliI/AAAAAAAABAM/IChbEjCD0GE/s1600/StarrWeems_NightLights.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pvgPAsO-TLg/UUEjCoIiliI/AAAAAAAABAM/IChbEjCD0GE/s320/StarrWeems_NightLights.jpg" width="233" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
"Night Lights" 22x30</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dUgxDq9MfgY/UUEjDwHFQ9I/AAAAAAAABAU/ttlg2s_5pas/s1600/StarrWeems_PlansforPancakes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dUgxDq9MfgY/UUEjDwHFQ9I/AAAAAAAABAU/ttlg2s_5pas/s320/StarrWeems_PlansforPancakes.jpg" width="235" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
"Plans for Pancakes" 22x30</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CC1vOSsTRig/UUEjFoGpiJI/AAAAAAAABAc/-V044T19N0M/s1600/StarrWeems_SummerMagic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CC1vOSsTRig/UUEjFoGpiJI/AAAAAAAABAc/-V044T19N0M/s320/StarrWeems_SummerMagic.jpg" width="248" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
"Summer Magic" 20x26</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6sA9KntaKhA/UUEjG0Ov1qI/AAAAAAAABAk/-yii_YnGa7g/s1600/StarrWeems_SummerSparkle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6sA9KntaKhA/UUEjG0Ov1qI/AAAAAAAABAk/-yii_YnGa7g/s320/StarrWeems_SummerSparkle.jpg" width="248" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
"Summer Sparkles" 20x26</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aMlkkVzWFdk/UUEqfgvSCkI/AAAAAAAABA0/DYfdQEGnHqw/s1600/Little+July's+Harvest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aMlkkVzWFdk/UUEqfgvSCkI/AAAAAAAABA0/DYfdQEGnHqw/s200/Little+July's+Harvest.jpg" width="135" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
"Small Harvest" 5x7</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yKBZBMrO7fU/UUEqf1aIMfI/AAAAAAAABA8/Wdh7f__WxRc/s1600/Little+Night+Lights.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yKBZBMrO7fU/UUEqf1aIMfI/AAAAAAAABA8/Wdh7f__WxRc/s200/Little+Night+Lights.jpg" width="136" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
"Little Night Lights" 5x7</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_CaUZWV4SUw/UUEqgC56ueI/AAAAAAAABBE/gPEvQhDm8dw/s1600/Mint+Julep.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_CaUZWV4SUw/UUEqgC56ueI/AAAAAAAABBE/gPEvQhDm8dw/s200/Mint+Julep.jpg" width="138" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
"Mint Julep" 5x7</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
For information on purchasing prints, originals or to commission a work, contact me at starrwd@gmail.com or connect with me on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/starrweems.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: small; line-height: 1.5em;"><br /></span></div>
Starr Weemshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12986501553583728044noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8241560250500060641.post-70794927777367458832013-03-08T04:38:00.002-08:002013-03-08T04:38:18.992-08:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eEm_iYWzYsI/UTnbHTklsXI/AAAAAAAAA_s/qh1AeDZiFV0/s1600/IMG_4801%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eEm_iYWzYsI/UTnbHTklsXI/AAAAAAAAA_s/qh1AeDZiFV0/s320/IMG_4801%5B1%5D.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This is a sampling of my watercolor paintings available at Red Door Gallery in Hartselle, Alabama. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
From the top left corner, clockwise:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
"Sweetgum Prickles" 15x22 </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
"July's Harvest" 15x22</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
"Night Lights" 22x30</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
"Acorns" 15x22</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I8LupUvyCkw/UTnbCN0JwcI/AAAAAAAAA_o/WciRfxkqvlo/s1600/IMG_4799%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I8LupUvyCkw/UTnbCN0JwcI/AAAAAAAAA_o/WciRfxkqvlo/s320/IMG_4799%255B1%255D.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Starr Weemshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12986501553583728044noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8241560250500060641.post-32610758189437387042013-02-25T13:10:00.000-08:002013-02-25T13:10:41.705-08:00Steps to Creating a Poured Watercolor Portrait<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VW6kYV6n_zo/UStsY19WXdI/AAAAAAAAAjc/bpp0lyufmJA/s1600/samantha+grace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VW6kYV6n_zo/UStsY19WXdI/AAAAAAAAAjc/bpp0lyufmJA/s320/samantha+grace.jpg" width="237" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
"Samantha Grace" Transparent watercolor on 140. lb European-milled, cotton rag paper. 12x18</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This beautiful baby portrait was commissioned by the little girl's grandmother. The following photographs show the watercolor pouring process that I used to complete the work. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HAylL47fT2A/UStsfrHyl4I/AAAAAAAAAjk/okKdp5-xKA4/s1600/1+Samantha+grace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="306" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HAylL47fT2A/UStsfrHyl4I/AAAAAAAAAjk/okKdp5-xKA4/s320/1+Samantha+grace.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
First, I sketch my image in graphite and then use drawing gum to mask out the parts that I want to leave white. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ayJRIhVxUoU/UStsjdSufJI/AAAAAAAAAks/3CLhDdV1Db8/s1600/2+samantha+grace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ayJRIhVxUoU/UStsjdSufJI/AAAAAAAAAks/3CLhDdV1Db8/s320/2+samantha+grace.jpg" width="242" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Next, I mix up paint, wet the paper, pipe the paint on to the paper with a pipette and let the excess paint run off the bottom left corner. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y6-rnIQf90g/UStsjoCQ_fI/AAAAAAAAAkw/ENzAULmIqjk/s1600/3+samantha+grace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y6-rnIQf90g/UStsjoCQ_fI/AAAAAAAAAkw/ENzAULmIqjk/s320/3+samantha+grace.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Once completely dry, I brush on another layer of drawing gum in the areas that I want to keep light. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-N-2hbq9hR00/UStsl-C_F7I/AAAAAAAAAlQ/i-uboGu6fvs/s1600/8+samantha+grace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-N-2hbq9hR00/UStsl-C_F7I/AAAAAAAAAlQ/i-uboGu6fvs/s320/8+samantha+grace.jpg" width="237" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Then I pipe on another layer of paint. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AD-TJoMgKeM/UStslEn4dUI/AAAAAAAAAlE/j8aDOhYlQIY/s1600/5+samantha+grace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AD-TJoMgKeM/UStslEn4dUI/AAAAAAAAAlE/j8aDOhYlQIY/s320/5+samantha+grace.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Once that layer is totally dry, then I add more drawing gum to the areas I want to maintain. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-atDpKEkACr4/UStsluj8z0I/AAAAAAAAAlM/g-T3PbCovWw/s1600/6+samantha+grace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-atDpKEkACr4/UStsluj8z0I/AAAAAAAAAlM/g-T3PbCovWw/s320/6+samantha+grace.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Then I pipe on another layer of paint...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yJ2wzoTvQ9o/UStsmc-tW1I/AAAAAAAAAlc/XqJbvkLEI1U/s1600/9+samantha+grace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yJ2wzoTvQ9o/UStsmc-tW1I/AAAAAAAAAlc/XqJbvkLEI1U/s320/9+samantha+grace.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Next, I add even more drawing gum and pipe on another layer of paint. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AmVQc1haV1A/UStsf37p7nI/AAAAAAAAAjo/NyGqNxH80pM/s1600/10+samantha+grace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AmVQc1haV1A/UStsf37p7nI/AAAAAAAAAjo/NyGqNxH80pM/s320/10+samantha+grace.jpg" width="237" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This is what it looks like when all layers have been poured and the drawing gum is ready to be peeled off to reveal the painting underneath. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PWC-zZ_FBkE/UStsgPubczI/AAAAAAAAAjw/09gOXdz_YMg/s1600/11+samantha+grace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PWC-zZ_FBkE/UStsgPubczI/AAAAAAAAAjw/09gOXdz_YMg/s320/11+samantha+grace.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I use a rubber cement pick up to remove the drawing gum</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mbjrZOpgTM4/UStsg_viTvI/AAAAAAAAAj8/ROgrkShrY2Y/s1600/12+samantha+grace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mbjrZOpgTM4/UStsg_viTvI/AAAAAAAAAj8/ROgrkShrY2Y/s320/12+samantha+grace.jpg" width="235" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The layers underneath are revealed and now I know what I'm working with. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n8vu-G_gDr8/UStshOQxDBI/AAAAAAAAAkA/OR2TYTx6mMw/s1600/13+samantha+grace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="234" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n8vu-G_gDr8/UStshOQxDBI/AAAAAAAAAkA/OR2TYTx6mMw/s320/13+samantha+grace.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I use my scrubber brush to soften lines and move paint around.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZRZ6-Xz3GWs/UStshZK68EI/AAAAAAAAAkI/qIfWEzbBLxE/s1600/14+samantha+grace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZRZ6-Xz3GWs/UStshZK68EI/AAAAAAAAAkI/qIfWEzbBLxE/s320/14+samantha+grace.jpg" width="259" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I used staining paint this time, so the scrubber isn't cutting it. I have to pull out the big gun: a Mr. Clean Eraser. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rOYWTpA82_w/UStsiUsMzsI/AAAAAAAAAkU/rBM5TN-3924/s1600/15+samantha+grace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rOYWTpA82_w/UStsiUsMzsI/AAAAAAAAAkU/rBM5TN-3924/s320/15+samantha+grace.jpg" width="230" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Now I'm getting somewhere with the scrubbing. Time to start adding details.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwHg2k6d0qTc1LB8qWSn4tBBvLyeg9hiprBeuumxUVovTvWzhcxZ60hhCFEVQLDcufP0erxq8JWW03uDuvsAKWoZrrfzb4tnWKctrRcI7cragapp0K2izNjc2yQUizMC61qyDt-KkBN4M/s1600/16+samantha+grace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwHg2k6d0qTc1LB8qWSn4tBBvLyeg9hiprBeuumxUVovTvWzhcxZ60hhCFEVQLDcufP0erxq8JWW03uDuvsAKWoZrrfzb4tnWKctrRcI7cragapp0K2izNjc2yQUizMC61qyDt-KkBN4M/s320/16+samantha+grace.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Sometimes instead of mixing up paint, I use a scrubber to activate the paint that is already on the paper and then use that as a well to pull from. I dip a brush into the activated paint and use that to create details on other parts of the image. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghvqF7sPCDDTj34DiihlidtXO_Mjc6Ax-ZmzRwHXWIaqA7rndr6L27qDkngghBhwryWFFA4Ab8WFDWId_opfJoP7YoVBxcTG0rXQuTMAHo6YP8GjT8urnvu520jqNYQhCsmyxsU57qTCE/s1600/17+samantha+grace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghvqF7sPCDDTj34DiihlidtXO_Mjc6Ax-ZmzRwHXWIaqA7rndr6L27qDkngghBhwryWFFA4Ab8WFDWId_opfJoP7YoVBxcTG0rXQuTMAHo6YP8GjT8urnvu520jqNYQhCsmyxsU57qTCE/s320/17+samantha+grace.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I continue to add details until I am satisfied.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VW6kYV6n_zo/UStsY19WXdI/AAAAAAAAAjc/bpp0lyufmJA/s1600/samantha+grace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VW6kYV6n_zo/UStsY19WXdI/AAAAAAAAAjc/bpp0lyufmJA/s640/samantha+grace.jpg" width="474" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Finally, the finished product! Meet Samantha Grace. Leave a comment and tell me what you think. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Do you want to own a poured watercolor of your own? <a href="mailto:starrwd@gmail.com" target="_blank">Contact me</a>. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Questions on how much a watercolor like this is worth? <a href="http://www.starrweems.blogspot.com/2012/04/how-to-price-your-art.html" target="_blank">See here</a>. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Wondering how long it takes to create one of these pieces? <a href="http://www.starrweems.blogspot.com/2012/03/how-long-does-it-take-to-create.html" target="_blank">This post explains</a>. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Would you like to see more step by step examples? Check out these posts:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.starrweems.blogspot.com/2013/02/ten-and-not-nine-step-by-step.html" target="_blank">Ten and Not Nine</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.starrweems.blogspot.com/2012/05/start-to-finish-how-ultrasound-art-is.html" target="_blank">Start to finish: How Ultrasound Art is Made</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.starrweems.blogspot.com/2012/03/start-to-finish-pouring-watercolor.html" target="_blank">Start to Finish: Pouring Watercolor</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />Starr Weemshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12986501553583728044noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8241560250500060641.post-82348661787223357342013-02-21T20:39:00.002-08:002013-02-21T20:43:22.018-08:00Ten and Not Nine: Step-by-Step Watercolor Pouring<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QIW12Efs1rY/USbwIZXQeVI/AAAAAAAAAgE/G7Z5CbmUrI0/s1600/ten+and+not+nine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="216" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QIW12Efs1rY/USbwIZXQeVI/AAAAAAAAAgE/G7Z5CbmUrI0/s320/ten+and+not+nine.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
"Ten and Not Nine" Watercolor on 140 lb. paper. 15x22</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
To create "Ten and Not Nine," I first sketched out my design on 140 lb. Kilamanjaro paper and used drawing gum to mask out the areas that I wanted to leave white. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-stGSAlrV2x4/USbwPA4NOuI/AAAAAAAAAgM/yDYvret7SRw/s1600/Ten+and+Not+Nine+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-stGSAlrV2x4/USbwPA4NOuI/AAAAAAAAAgM/yDYvret7SRw/s320/Ten+and+Not+Nine+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Next, I mix up some paint. I pour with primaries only. I usually try to stick with transparent watercolors that are made with a single pigment. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzYRHytnjaD0FAtO97-tRAIBxYGrcQXxSyZfCiGDA2YoJ1QFK3o6Yjo7LVslniyP5EmLbAoSthy2UmM5mJ00XVV17qrCdSq3HBO5rHg4lTYrz1pksXJz2rJjjd9beUt85zu_8LTWkECbU/s1600/Ten+and+Not+Nine+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzYRHytnjaD0FAtO97-tRAIBxYGrcQXxSyZfCiGDA2YoJ1QFK3o6Yjo7LVslniyP5EmLbAoSthy2UmM5mJ00XVV17qrCdSq3HBO5rHg4lTYrz1pksXJz2rJjjd9beUt85zu_8LTWkECbU/s320/Ten+and+Not+Nine+2.jpg" width="289" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I wet my paper and squirt paint on with a pipette. This is my first pour. The drawing gum protects the paper from the paint and makes sure that those parts remain white. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XIGBWrKIvx4/USbwPqNWbyI/AAAAAAAAAgU/H7S9l6X3noA/s1600/Ten+and+Not+Nine+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XIGBWrKIvx4/USbwPqNWbyI/AAAAAAAAAgU/H7S9l6X3noA/s320/Ten+and+Not+Nine+3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I decide that I want a little bit of texture in this piece to give the light an energetic feel. Yeah, that is holiday tinsel I'm using for the texture. Don't judge. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--7TgZqsZCBA/USbwQVvJHiI/AAAAAAAAAgk/vxUjh_oQxg4/s1600/Ten+and+Not+Nine+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="198" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--7TgZqsZCBA/USbwQVvJHiI/AAAAAAAAAgk/vxUjh_oQxg4/s320/Ten+and+Not+Nine+4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I pile some books on top of the tinsel to hold it down while the paint dries. That will help it texture the image a little bit more. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N9-m0FReUMU/USbwRXtx79I/AAAAAAAAAgs/oKZ5i-iuxF0/s1600/Ten+and+not+nine+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N9-m0FReUMU/USbwRXtx79I/AAAAAAAAAgs/oKZ5i-iuxF0/s320/Ten+and+not+nine+6.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Once dry, I remove the books. This is what it looks like.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-52gFn1FCNbs/USbwRVkrsfI/AAAAAAAAAgo/nMXgw62Xzno/s1600/Ten+and+Not+Nine+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-52gFn1FCNbs/USbwRVkrsfI/AAAAAAAAAgo/nMXgw62Xzno/s320/Ten+and+Not+Nine+5.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The tinsel leaves a pattern that reminds me slightly of something you might see under a microscope. That inspires me to try out some more texture methods with my students. Ooh! Side project:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-F0tzbtRU-Ms/USbycz8lThI/AAAAAAAAAig/WBfM8Je81IA/s1600/watercolor+textures.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-F0tzbtRU-Ms/USbycz8lThI/AAAAAAAAAig/WBfM8Je81IA/s320/watercolor+textures.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Now that the side project is finished, it's back to work on "Ten and Not Nine." I add more drawing gum. This time, I am masking out the second to lightest value. Remember, the first layer protected the parts that I wanted to remain white. These parts are light, but not white. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Bhgj1kra0ho/USbwZdbBNxI/AAAAAAAAAiA/V3NM-Lddmrg/s1600/ten+and+not+nine+8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="235" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Bhgj1kra0ho/USbwZdbBNxI/AAAAAAAAAiA/V3NM-Lddmrg/s320/ten+and+not+nine+8.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I didn't show the part where I pipe on another layer of paint and put tinsel on top of it, but I did it. This is what the second layer looks like once dried. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bKBj68exIPY/USbwZFBxjzI/AAAAAAAAAh4/E8v7lizMszI/s1600/ten+and+not+nine+7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="217" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bKBj68exIPY/USbwZFBxjzI/AAAAAAAAAh4/E8v7lizMszI/s320/ten+and+not+nine+7.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And the third layer...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EICQxCcCOkY/USbwZ9THYoI/AAAAAAAAAiE/ktc2FA9tn0E/s1600/ten+and+not+nine+9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="231" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EICQxCcCOkY/USbwZ9THYoI/AAAAAAAAAiE/ktc2FA9tn0E/s320/ten+and+not+nine+9.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And the fourth layer...</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E9VQVwAa0Hw/USbwU7Y1jjI/AAAAAAAAAg8/G_rk8n6Q7BE/s1600/ten+and+not+nine+10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="218" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E9VQVwAa0Hw/USbwU7Y1jjI/AAAAAAAAAg8/G_rk8n6Q7BE/s320/ten+and+not+nine+10.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
All of the masking and pouring is finished at this point! This is where I start to wonder what my painting looks like underneath all of that drawing gum. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jQZu1-t4Yg4/USbwVtp_-LI/AAAAAAAAAhA/rNVJAmdW5rw/s1600/ten+and+not+nine+11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jQZu1-t4Yg4/USbwVtp_-LI/AAAAAAAAAhA/rNVJAmdW5rw/s320/ten+and+not+nine+11.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
So I use a rubber cement pick up to start taking the drawing gum off...</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZPULlE6cE2BH7jGITXXomYLWMMf1WoNHXojwFh9yOIF5JRHVTgiM-W9Mu9tokO1oNpaomH5yQVM821q6aNl8jC2ZUL2Eu_lPxvIAu8EhXxlJrBkvYn0t_3t-dccUyotkZ49xWm6R4SSE/s1600/ten+and+not+nine+12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZPULlE6cE2BH7jGITXXomYLWMMf1WoNHXojwFh9yOIF5JRHVTgiM-W9Mu9tokO1oNpaomH5yQVM821q6aNl8jC2ZUL2Eu_lPxvIAu8EhXxlJrBkvYn0t_3t-dccUyotkZ49xWm6R4SSE/s320/ten+and+not+nine+12.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And I get to see how the layers underneath the drawing gum look...</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BqZaWSgzolk/USbwWGtMgFI/AAAAAAAAAhQ/nvx3iRMy1eY/s1600/ten+and+not+nine+13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BqZaWSgzolk/USbwWGtMgFI/AAAAAAAAAhQ/nvx3iRMy1eY/s320/ten+and+not+nine+13.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Once I remove the drawing gum, I assess the situation. In general, I'm happy with it, but I definitely want to soften some lines and unify the color a bit. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhncewH7fKhFEGI060bRpPsVcYwnspPQlTV5iRMyl5yz6E2laQTp8p-UNYWVdoac6SZt7L8O4c1opMIv0xQsw9-bB48857SYerhxezfrNw_eLrTP28uAKXEM2om6Bqa7ndR3H-9YlY3cEg/s1600/ten+and+not+nine+14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhncewH7fKhFEGI060bRpPsVcYwnspPQlTV5iRMyl5yz6E2laQTp8p-UNYWVdoac6SZt7L8O4c1opMIv0xQsw9-bB48857SYerhxezfrNw_eLrTP28uAKXEM2om6Bqa7ndR3H-9YlY3cEg/s320/ten+and+not+nine+14.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I wet a scrubber brush and start moving paint around. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Zk6SSWxkj8M/USbwW9L6axI/AAAAAAAAAhc/vXxHBMwHfDE/s1600/ten+and+not+nine+15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="311" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Zk6SSWxkj8M/USbwW9L6axI/AAAAAAAAAhc/vXxHBMwHfDE/s320/ten+and+not+nine+15.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Getting closer...</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FZJTAOdCmLU/USbwX2QaHsI/AAAAAAAAAho/Lx0SNVXSO-o/s1600/ten+and+not+nine+17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="229" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FZJTAOdCmLU/USbwX2QaHsI/AAAAAAAAAho/Lx0SNVXSO-o/s320/ten+and+not+nine+17.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I continue to scrub, but it becomes apparent that I am not going to get the color unity that I want just from scrubbing. I must do something more drastic. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I0rNRKjsUtI/USbwXjrL09I/AAAAAAAAAhs/VcXHJDUZijY/s1600/ten+and+not+nine+16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="235" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I0rNRKjsUtI/USbwXjrL09I/AAAAAAAAAhs/VcXHJDUZijY/s320/ten+and+not+nine+16.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I wet down the hair with my sprayer and pour a layer of yellow paint over the hair. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh__g_aqYz0ZBOmqnIdgfzLyN7CPK721nNtPwOGnZdmtUjfWBIFQfwOAVRit4upDhAcgsjLEJQGDGDHP8rKHs35BAHHNOYlaNeFTnhrxgw2j6LiUHehHVlaaH2LuhumvwcxTxLdMk_5JNY/s1600/ten+and+not+nine+18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh__g_aqYz0ZBOmqnIdgfzLyN7CPK721nNtPwOGnZdmtUjfWBIFQfwOAVRit4upDhAcgsjLEJQGDGDHP8rKHs35BAHHNOYlaNeFTnhrxgw2j6LiUHehHVlaaH2LuhumvwcxTxLdMk_5JNY/s320/ten+and+not+nine+18.jpg" width="292" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Yep, that's better! My work here is finished. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QIW12Efs1rY/USbwIZXQeVI/AAAAAAAAAgE/G7Z5CbmUrI0/s1600/ten+and+not+nine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="216" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QIW12Efs1rY/USbwIZXQeVI/AAAAAAAAAgE/G7Z5CbmUrI0/s320/ten+and+not+nine.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Are you wondering how long a painting like this takes? See <i style="color: #bbbbbb; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://starrweems.blogspot.com/2012/03/how-long-does-it-take-to-create.html" style="color: #b87209; text-decoration: initial;">How Long Does it Take to Create a Watercolor Painting?</a></i> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Want to see more about how the pouring method works? See <i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://starrweems.blogspot.com/2012/03/start-to-finish-pouring-watercolor.html" style="color: #b87209; text-decoration: initial;">Start to Finish: Pouring Watercolor</a>.</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><i>If you want to commission a painting, contact me by email at starrwd@gmail.com or visit my website at www.StarrWeems.com. Be sure to </i></span></span><a href="http://www.facebook.com/starrweems" style="color: #b87209; text-decoration: initial;">connect with me on Facebook</a>.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Starr Weemshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12986501553583728044noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8241560250500060641.post-70871693058387459742013-02-19T19:54:00.002-08:002013-02-19T19:54:50.645-08:00Anamorphic Art: Sevilla Nights<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ryp5s0QoDl0/USRGhvSxxXI/AAAAAAAAAek/q-E3iLRk_U8/s1600/Sevilla+Nights+Anamorphics.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ryp5s0QoDl0/USRGhvSxxXI/AAAAAAAAAek/q-E3iLRk_U8/s400/Sevilla+Nights+Anamorphics.jpg" width="298" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5pvMmhqHuwM/USRGSW0zSoI/AAAAAAAAAec/neJsohASvOU/s1600/Valley+Planet+Cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5pvMmhqHuwM/USRGSW0zSoI/AAAAAAAAAec/neJsohASvOU/s200/Valley+Planet+Cover.jpg" width="151" /></a></div>
<br />
The first time I ever saw an anamorphic design was as a teenager. I had wandered into Espace Dali in Montmartre where I saw a huddle of people chattering in a language I didn't understand, looking down at a painting lying flat on the table. Someone set a cylindrical mirror down on top of the image and suddenly the picture completely changed. It made my brain hurt a little, but I was intrigued.<br />
<br />
While anamorphic images seem like something Dali would have invented, they have a history in art that goes back waaaay farther than that. Folks like Holbein and even da Vinci were known to incorporate anamorphic images in their art. <br />
<br />
Today, when I was putting a lesson together for my students, I decided to try my hand at creating an anamorphic image of my own. Being without a cylindrical mirror, I used my Thermos cup as a reflective surface. The image that I used was based on "Sevilla Nights," a painting of mine that was used last spring as the <a href="http://starrweems.blogspot.com/2012/03/valley-planet-cover.html" target="_blank">cover art for <i>Valley Planet</i></a>.<br />
<br />
First, I spent some time just playing around with looking at the reflection in the cup while drawing.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3wZQra8fp1OpybPbGoqD9ZTGjeoVfjPAkYnVg1_WSD_e-p4aQqy74pVj5r6npFQjYfi9HL0sE6GUc8JDZqIMTe1j0GyJ9XU93dqJ02wVrSPdaSo9TIectE62VFztwfhQrB-hy5ISATFI/s1600/1SevillaAnamorph.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3wZQra8fp1OpybPbGoqD9ZTGjeoVfjPAkYnVg1_WSD_e-p4aQqy74pVj5r6npFQjYfi9HL0sE6GUc8JDZqIMTe1j0GyJ9XU93dqJ02wVrSPdaSo9TIectE62VFztwfhQrB-hy5ISATFI/s320/1SevillaAnamorph.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbljT4zdKbPashJ8gtzkFdHZ_yFbG_bfJPXEmVO3QmGS79KF5aCwivGTQ38MIEOSrVvuXyJUCkcAVi-Xd8hg7EsBPtYHDWkodK0djhWlHqYQ5vLXovOAKrJmc7iFtoI7E5u8tvH0oSuz0/s1600/1SevillaAnamorphsketch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbljT4zdKbPashJ8gtzkFdHZ_yFbG_bfJPXEmVO3QmGS79KF5aCwivGTQ38MIEOSrVvuXyJUCkcAVi-Xd8hg7EsBPtYHDWkodK0djhWlHqYQ5vLXovOAKrJmc7iFtoI7E5u8tvH0oSuz0/s320/1SevillaAnamorphsketch.jpg" width="246" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEislfZAWoD7zm0ATKZlix-c0VHP7n3DeGM0LT7EYcTgvKpSDctXgdpVGo3ziGeLNAFLjnR6zX4wq8XahDkVlqlnkWNfTO974BpRAN_iHXCqAmoa2xQhH3ZUwjQiHv1H29Pb6wObAJoK9aY/s1600/4SevilllaAnamorphPainting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEislfZAWoD7zm0ATKZlix-c0VHP7n3DeGM0LT7EYcTgvKpSDctXgdpVGo3ziGeLNAFLjnR6zX4wq8XahDkVlqlnkWNfTO974BpRAN_iHXCqAmoa2xQhH3ZUwjQiHv1H29Pb6wObAJoK9aY/s320/4SevilllaAnamorphPainting.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iuNL2TvczqY/USRHnrARNpI/AAAAAAAAAfE/0DZUv5fUDo0/s1600/5Sevillaanamorphpaintcircle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iuNL2TvczqY/USRHnrARNpI/AAAAAAAAAfE/0DZUv5fUDo0/s320/5Sevillaanamorphpaintcircle.jpg" width="276" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjouaFmmwV8uCLBqI15rJdejsgBbGulRbzeIG3LNeJOfFfY0mTtYUUJw7ZINx-Za360QBwCQ3qO_kGnNc6dD7Bus1MdY8A7A7bUOxfSehHoMKYAtTu-gn5vYhjViGN_F7j0CutIZF9Z7O4/s1600/6sevillaanamporphpainting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjouaFmmwV8uCLBqI15rJdejsgBbGulRbzeIG3LNeJOfFfY0mTtYUUJw7ZINx-Za360QBwCQ3qO_kGnNc6dD7Bus1MdY8A7A7bUOxfSehHoMKYAtTu-gn5vYhjViGN_F7j0CutIZF9Z7O4/s320/6sevillaanamporphpainting.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-42G_Odl4x3w/USRHxl_BHYI/AAAAAAAAAfU/FCDI1lUrs9g/s1600/6sevillaanamporphpainting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-42G_Odl4x3w/USRHxl_BHYI/AAAAAAAAAfU/FCDI1lUrs9g/s320/6sevillaanamporphpainting.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SmqWIeZnCsk/USRH1V9q9fI/AAAAAAAAAfc/TJRxkCKqtc8/s1600/7sevillaanamorphfin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SmqWIeZnCsk/USRH1V9q9fI/AAAAAAAAAfc/TJRxkCKqtc8/s320/7sevillaanamorphfin.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg6triVzkwbq1ZHx8rBVpWNeY9kUe1R79cCdX_s4tQDGsuSUC9A6d_gfZIdAUowRXDWCYKBEM4shobU57SzkA172eTZO65mbQxV1hvPh0iaxA0yf4iuvwj9T-VIWC6OBVDPSuGz1s8p4k/s1600/Sevilla+Nights+Anamorphics.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg6triVzkwbq1ZHx8rBVpWNeY9kUe1R79cCdX_s4tQDGsuSUC9A6d_gfZIdAUowRXDWCYKBEM4shobU57SzkA172eTZO65mbQxV1hvPh0iaxA0yf4iuvwj9T-VIWC6OBVDPSuGz1s8p4k/s320/Sevilla+Nights+Anamorphics.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
To see more of my work, <a href="http://www.facebook.com/starrweems" target="_blank">connect with me on Facebook</a> or visit my website at www.StarrWeems.com. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />Starr Weemshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12986501553583728044noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8241560250500060641.post-29500249255462373092013-02-13T12:02:00.000-08:002013-02-13T12:02:44.289-08:00Inspired by the Classics: Monoprint Layering in Watercolor <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wj9MujpEAqs/URvXnoWY3TI/AAAAAAAAAcM/CSMKzCK00VA/s1600/Turner+composition+First+Hike+of+Spring.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="270" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wj9MujpEAqs/URvXnoWY3TI/AAAAAAAAAcM/CSMKzCK00VA/s400/Turner+composition+First+Hike+of+Spring.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
"Early Spring" by <a href="http://www.starrweems.com/" target="_blank">Starr Weems</a>. Transparent watercolor on 140 lb. Kilamanjaro paper. 22x15</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-czgAEifXVc8/URvXrxv0FFI/AAAAAAAAAcU/phAUoilItWA/s1600/Turner+composition.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-czgAEifXVc8/URvXrxv0FFI/AAAAAAAAAcU/phAUoilItWA/s400/Turner+composition.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
"Sun Storm" by <a href="http://www.starrweems.com/" target="_blank">Starr Weems</a>. Transparent watercolor on 140 lb. Kilamanjaro paper. 22x15</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
As I was creating some art history lesson plans for my students last week, I came back across the work of Joseph Mallord William Turner. I love the shapes and value patterns in his paintings, but I don't particularly identify with the subject matter or enjoy the color. I began to ponder what might happen if I created a series based on the intriguing shapes that underlie Turner's seascapes. I would use colors, textures and topics that feel more accessible to me. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Inspired by a bag of leaves, seed pods and moss that my children and I collected on a hike during an unseasonably warm winter day, I decided that I would experiment with a technique which combines my standard<a href="http://starrweems.blogspot.com/2012/03/start-to-finish-pouring-watercolor.html" target="_blank"> layering of transparent colors</a> with a monoprinting process. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
First, I chose two paintings by J.M.W. Turner that had movement that I liked.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-o7eAaPsazv8/URvg9ztYNzI/AAAAAAAAAcw/a5nnWPasJTE/s1600/Joseph_Mallord_William_Turner_081+Snow+Storm_Hannibal+Crossing+the+Alps.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="120" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-o7eAaPsazv8/URvg9ztYNzI/AAAAAAAAAcw/a5nnWPasJTE/s200/Joseph_Mallord_William_Turner_081+Snow+Storm_Hannibal+Crossing+the+Alps.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
This one is "Snow Storm: Hannibal Crossing the Alps." I like the swooshing feel of the storm on this one.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Bkzc1pB8sQ4/URvhAjtawiI/AAAAAAAAAc4/BI8QwZbZ1JM/s1600/William+Turner+-+Snow+Storm+-+Steam-Boat+off+a+Harbour+s+Mouth+.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Bkzc1pB8sQ4/URvhAjtawiI/AAAAAAAAAc4/BI8QwZbZ1JM/s200/William+Turner+-+Snow+Storm+-+Steam-Boat+off+a+Harbour+s+Mouth+.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This one is called, "Snow Storm: Steam Boat off a Harbor's Mouth Making Signals in Shallow Water." Whew. That's a long title. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Once I settled on these two paintings as inspiration, I looked at them for a long time and decided which shapes I'd like to keep and which parts I would need to change in order to fit my vision. I made value sketches to help me plan out how many pours I might need to get the value range that I wanted. I decided on about 6. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1w5epZKmSG4/URvi-4W07nI/AAAAAAAAAdA/xKeAOqpEUmk/s1600/value+sketches.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1w5epZKmSG4/URvi-4W07nI/AAAAAAAAAdA/xKeAOqpEUmk/s320/value+sketches.jpg" width="246" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
These were my value sketches. You can already see that I changed the design quite a bit, but the overall shape of the paintings is still there. I did the color planning in my head. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2hPEAW9zW0SFlHrm1pttKCiyd2OcTYROdFqMNxU-WBg_VtomqS9s1gE44ucPJtOVZSIaFXep7X3lwzZ6H0mMXqus1l6T-6CSEM7bjte2a6IN1WT0lv4kYhcCDkbDTaNKvdkJ9oH5ol2g/s1600/first+pour+turner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="130" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2hPEAW9zW0SFlHrm1pttKCiyd2OcTYROdFqMNxU-WBg_VtomqS9s1gE44ucPJtOVZSIaFXep7X3lwzZ6H0mMXqus1l6T-6CSEM7bjte2a6IN1WT0lv4kYhcCDkbDTaNKvdkJ9oH5ol2g/s200/first+pour+turner.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Now that I have a plan, I add a layer of drawing gum to the places that I want to leave white, wet my watercolor paper with a spray bottle and pipe on paint. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNwyFxB5GsrxLD7XqCaUcM7BKBMyw717aB9AGlcwJMdpXhiCYFup1rIxBcSO4Z2hBYhro32opA5rLzA2PjYcEL8G6yo1c9t_Q24k2HWSJR3tDJwkZAmZCzgUhfj1unlMN1c7w-D5LX_GE/s1600/layer+leaves+one.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNwyFxB5GsrxLD7XqCaUcM7BKBMyw717aB9AGlcwJMdpXhiCYFup1rIxBcSO4Z2hBYhro32opA5rLzA2PjYcEL8G6yo1c9t_Q24k2HWSJR3tDJwkZAmZCzgUhfj1unlMN1c7w-D5LX_GE/s320/layer+leaves+one.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
While the paint is still wet, it's time to experiment with the printing techniques! I am not quite sure what to expect, so I try lots of different things. I lay out moss, leaves, seed pods and grasses on top of the wet paint and I weight them with geodes that we collected from the creek. I leave them like that for about 12 hours. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3Db0DB315Bw/URvrrm9FlqI/AAAAAAAAAds/RKwWNUk6idA/s1600/second+layer+prints.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="209" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3Db0DB315Bw/URvrrm9FlqI/AAAAAAAAAds/RKwWNUk6idA/s320/second+layer+prints.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
After 12 hours, I remove the leaves and examine the textures. The seed pods and leaves worked great, but the moss didn't texture my paper as much as I wanted. I toyed with the idea of simulating the texture with terrycloth, but I just could not stand the thought of deviating from my plan to use only items from nature for the texture. I masked out my second value layer with drawing gum, poured paint and arranged the leaves and rocks again.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RrdmV3Wgt_0/URvsg_ZsCqI/AAAAAAAAAd0/VByZ6Kt4XXQ/s1600/rocks+holding+down+the+goodies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="219" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RrdmV3Wgt_0/URvsg_ZsCqI/AAAAAAAAAd0/VByZ6Kt4XXQ/s320/rocks+holding+down+the+goodies.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I repeated this process 4 or 5 times. Each time, I would follow my value sketch and mask out another layer with the drawing gum before carefully planning where to place each texture piece for the printing stage. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-geCyeipTkas/URvs-3kLf_I/AAAAAAAAAd8/5nNh9lpnxZ4/s1600/final+reveal+of+rock+textures.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="216" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-geCyeipTkas/URvs-3kLf_I/AAAAAAAAAd8/5nNh9lpnxZ4/s320/final+reveal+of+rock+textures.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Woohoo! The watercolor paintings are now all ready for the drawing gum to be peeled away with a rubber cement pick up eraser! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wj9MujpEAqs/URvXnoWY3TI/AAAAAAAAAcM/CSMKzCK00VA/s1600/Turner+composition+First+Hike+of+Spring.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="135" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wj9MujpEAqs/URvXnoWY3TI/AAAAAAAAAcM/CSMKzCK00VA/s200/Turner+composition+First+Hike+of+Spring.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Bkzc1pB8sQ4/URvhAjtawiI/AAAAAAAAAc4/BI8QwZbZ1JM/s1600/William+Turner+-+Snow+Storm+-+Steam-Boat+off+a+Harbour+s+Mouth+.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Bkzc1pB8sQ4/URvhAjtawiI/AAAAAAAAAc4/BI8QwZbZ1JM/s200/William+Turner+-+Snow+Storm+-+Steam-Boat+off+a+Harbour+s+Mouth+.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
After removing the drawing gum, I take a look at each picture next to its inspiration piece. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-czgAEifXVc8/URvXrxv0FFI/AAAAAAAAAcU/phAUoilItWA/s1600/Turner+composition.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-czgAEifXVc8/URvXrxv0FFI/AAAAAAAAAcU/phAUoilItWA/s200/Turner+composition.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-o7eAaPsazv8/URvg9ztYNzI/AAAAAAAAAcw/a5nnWPasJTE/s1600/Joseph_Mallord_William_Turner_081+Snow+Storm_Hannibal+Crossing+the+Alps.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="120" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-o7eAaPsazv8/URvg9ztYNzI/AAAAAAAAAcw/a5nnWPasJTE/s200/Joseph_Mallord_William_Turner_081+Snow+Storm_Hannibal+Crossing+the+Alps.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I feel like I accomplished my goal of reinterpreting the pieces to fit my own ideas. Normally, I would take a scrubber brush and start smoothing out hard lines and adding additional details, but I decide to leave these alone for now. When I come back to them in a few days, I can see if there is something I'd like to change.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
If you are interested in commissioning a piece of art, <a href="mailto:starrwd@gmail.com" target="_blank">contact me</a>. Visit my website at <a href="http://www.starrweems.com/" target="_blank">www.StarrWeems.com </a>or <a href="http://www.facebook.com/starrweems" target="_blank">find me on Facebook</a> to see more work. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />Starr Weemshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12986501553583728044noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8241560250500060641.post-43237870205763680142013-01-27T13:18:00.001-08:002013-01-27T13:30:53.856-08:00Deep<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N0iyL1vzNpg/UQWZMJgMS1I/AAAAAAAAAbw/JiHbosPh8W4/s1600/Deep.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N0iyL1vzNpg/UQWZMJgMS1I/AAAAAAAAAbw/JiHbosPh8W4/s320/Deep.jpg" width="214" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
"Deep" Watercolor on 140 lb. Paper. 15x22</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
$528</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
www.StarrWeems.com</div>
<br />Starr Weemshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12986501553583728044noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8241560250500060641.post-72160687765546593962012-11-19T19:15:00.001-08:002012-11-19T19:16:42.501-08:00Honoring a Memory<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nCVZ_x5u49U/UKrsz-AY_TI/AAAAAAAAAak/btMdJPHDgy8/s1600/Channukah+craft+menorah+hannukia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="254" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nCVZ_x5u49U/UKrsz-AY_TI/AAAAAAAAAak/btMdJPHDgy8/s320/Channukah+craft+menorah+hannukia.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div>
As a child, I spent many hours fascinated by my grandmother's button collection. I would sort the buttons by color and make separate piles for the prettiest, sparkliest ones. I wondered who had worn them and how they had come to rest with the others in the clear Mason jar on my grandmother's shelf. I never got satisfactory answers to these questions, so I made up my own stories. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div>
When my grandmother passed away last year, her button collection became mine. Though I am normally not very crafty, I was inspired by the <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/Moondiamonds?ref=seller_info" target="_blank">Moondiamonds shop on Etsy</a> to make something from my grandmother's buttons and jewelry scraps. I collected some supplies from around the house:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
A few shadow boxes/ display frames that I had picked up at a thrift store for $1.50 each</div>
<div>
Some adhesive-backed black felt</div>
<div>
Hot glue gun</div>
<div>
Bag of jewelry scraps and buttons</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
First, I cut the felt to fit into the shadow box. Then I started going through the buttons just like I did when I was a kid, picking out my favorites. It's funny how I still remembered them. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-l07dqPRcXOs/UKrs6Mkmi7I/AAAAAAAAAa8/7rhmlySvsLc/s1600/Hanukkiah+in+progress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-l07dqPRcXOs/UKrs6Mkmi7I/AAAAAAAAAa8/7rhmlySvsLc/s320/Hanukkiah+in+progress.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Once I had the design laid out like I wanted, I set to gluing the buttons and beads to the felt. </div>
<div>
Next, I did the same for a second design. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-B2iNZp86GgU/UKrs3qvSgVI/AAAAAAAAAa0/TzzavElThgk/s1600/Hannukah+craft+menora+Chanukkiah+two.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="253" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-B2iNZp86GgU/UKrs3qvSgVI/AAAAAAAAAa0/TzzavElThgk/s320/Hannukah+craft+menora+Chanukkiah+two.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Once everything was dry, I removed the adhesive from the felt pieces and placed them inside of the shadow boxes. It is a pretty way to enjoy my grandmother's buttons and to honor a memory during the holidays. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYARJTmhtUUvf4SwCAFJD2zbI805nqlTvBvy23LF3EY48A5jsgQFoJc58lgQ8PusxRY92QZhgLTIKabWFuD1Tcc4jWDE7sxX88gygjCK9xkLrsJGvVG0VtA4YiPe01YJQ0jweNRxy_aN0/s1600/Hanukkiah+Chanukkah+craft.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYARJTmhtUUvf4SwCAFJD2zbI805nqlTvBvy23LF3EY48A5jsgQFoJc58lgQ8PusxRY92QZhgLTIKabWFuD1Tcc4jWDE7sxX88gygjCK9xkLrsJGvVG0VtA4YiPe01YJQ0jweNRxy_aN0/s320/Hanukkiah+Chanukkah+craft.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
To see another artistic tribute to my grandmother, check out <a href="http://starrweems.blogspot.com/2012/03/start-to-finish-pouring-watercolor.html" target="_blank">Start to Finish: Pouring Watercolor</a> for step-by-step photos of how I created this painting:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JvRjcuO8Sa4/UKrs1uO-asI/AAAAAAAAAas/XJeOvbZz68o/s1600/Eighty+Starr+Weems.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JvRjcuO8Sa4/UKrs1uO-asI/AAAAAAAAAas/XJeOvbZz68o/s320/Eighty+Starr+Weems.jpg" width="259" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Starr Weemshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12986501553583728044noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8241560250500060641.post-78273663855622932462012-07-11T15:11:00.000-07:002012-07-11T15:11:14.280-07:00Reclaiming the Sparks<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aOf-8nuGzBs/T_35a5u1WLI/AAAAAAAAAZ8/fL2sN3KMqnI/s1600/yoga+painting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aOf-8nuGzBs/T_35a5u1WLI/AAAAAAAAAZ8/fL2sN3KMqnI/s320/yoga+painting.jpg" width="257" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
"Reclaiming the Sparks" by Starr Weems. 11x14 Transparent watercolor on 140 lb. European-milled, cotton rag watercolor paper. $246</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b id="internal-source-marker_0.9769882094115019" style="font-weight: normal; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Questions? <a href="http://www.facebook.com/starrweems" target="_blank">Facebook me</a>, contact me by <a href="mailto:starrwd@gmail.com" target="_blank">email</a> or comment below. </span></b>
</div>
<br />Starr Weemshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12986501553583728044noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8241560250500060641.post-76646727733074819722012-06-29T15:32:00.000-07:002012-06-29T15:32:26.040-07:00What watercolor paint should you use for pouring?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lB2lW-2Q_D4/T-4n3qz7esI/AAAAAAAAAYs/no-elYXbGRs/s1600/StarWeems_MagnoliaScepters.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lB2lW-2Q_D4/T-4n3qz7esI/AAAAAAAAAYs/no-elYXbGRs/s320/StarWeems_MagnoliaScepters.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
"Magnolia Scepters" by Starr Weems. 15x22</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The layers in a poured painting are both unified and complex, like the flavors in a fine wine. This effect is due to transparent glazes.</div>
<b id="internal-source-marker_0.9769882094115019" style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><br /><span style="font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Ok, so you want to start pouring. What kind of paint do you need? That’s what everyone asks me. </span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Well, you want to have at least three tubes: the primary colors. Which primaries you should choose is a whole ‘nother post, because there are really more than just the three that you were taught about as a kid. (I know, I know. First the brontosaurus and now this. Your childhood was a lie.) </span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Let’s assume you have the color thing under control. What </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">kind</span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> of paint do you need? There are lots of factors to consider and I will get to those. What I’d like to focus on today is transparency. </span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">In general, I'm not a watercolor snob. I don't sniff condescendingly when I see a tube of china white in another artist's paint box or (gasp!) ivory black. Someone uses gouache to "cheat" on highlights. So what? If the final product is nice, then who cares? But... When it comes to pouring layers, paint type is very, very important. It’s gotta be transparent. </span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Why is transparency so crucial for pouring? Because your colors are mixing right there on the paper, not on a palette. Think of it like this: </span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">You are stacking sheets of colored glass on white paper. You lay down a sheet of yellow and then a sheet of blue on top of that. The light travels through the layers of transparent glass, bounces off of the white paper and delivers a vibrant green color to your eye. </span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">What if you replace the transparent blue sheet of glass with translucent, milky glass? Or what if one of the glass sheets is dirty? How does that change what you see? You still might get green, but there is no brilliant clarity. </span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">If you pour 6 layers of paint, but one of those paints is even just semi-transparent instead of totally transparent, then with each pour, the light is hindered just a little as it travels through the layers. You don’t want that! You want deep, clear, shining color, not a murky puddle. </span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">So how do you know if the paint is transparent? Most manufacturers have a chart. Sometimes it is marked right on the tube, which is nice. </span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">If you have a tube of paint that you are not sure about, you can test the transparency yourself by drawing a line with a Sharpie. Paint over the line with different colors. If it really is a transparent color, the black line will look the same as it did before you put paint on it. If the color covers the line at all, it's more opaque. You will see that there are varying degrees of transparency.</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">So, when you are choosing paint for pouring, make sure that each color is transparent. We will look at some of the other paint considerations later. </span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">In the meantime, if you have questions, <a href="http://www.facebook.com/starrweems" target="_blank">Facebook me</a>, contact me by <a href="mailto:starrwd@gmail.com" target="_blank">email</a> or comment below. </span></b>Starr Weemshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12986501553583728044noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8241560250500060641.post-55421401779229024142012-06-27T10:25:00.001-07:002012-06-27T10:25:47.718-07:00Dreams<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgovxHWcUwq2gAxuu8fQzHqn-BmTY2bt7aGtVP3NTUWpbvZCFYs5tJAZw-wRgpcRQ0h-OKzqF9803v7Guy9v6Z_y3y4TKRgxS4QnTKv1yyJ5MzU28mgWGwRsln9AUaMJ8y0gBJCUfZuyvU/s1600/In+the+Forest+of+the+Night.tif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgovxHWcUwq2gAxuu8fQzHqn-BmTY2bt7aGtVP3NTUWpbvZCFYs5tJAZw-wRgpcRQ0h-OKzqF9803v7Guy9v6Z_y3y4TKRgxS4QnTKv1yyJ5MzU28mgWGwRsln9AUaMJ8y0gBJCUfZuyvU/s320/In+the+Forest+of+the+Night.tif" width="229" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
"In the Forest of the Night" by Starr Weems. 10x13.5. Watercolor on 140 pound paper. </div>
<br />
My art is often described as "dreamlike," so it seems appropriate that dream translator Meredith Smith, author of the forthcoming book "Dreamworkers" (release date August 2012) has asked me to work with her on some upcoming illustration projects. Check out Meredith's<a href="http://ispeakindreams.wordpress.com/2012/06/26/collaborating-with-artist-starr-weems/"> blog post </a>on our collaboration. To learn more about Meredith, visit her site at ispeakindreams.com.<br />
<br />
To see more of my work, visit my website at www.StarrWeems.com, <a href="http://www.facebook.com/starrweems" target="_blank">connect with me on Facebook</a> or <a href="mailto:starrwd@gmail.com" target="_blank">email me</a>.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Starr Weemshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12986501553583728044noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8241560250500060641.post-10107572163046375382012-06-21T16:14:00.001-07:002012-06-21T16:20:02.532-07:00Album Art Part Two<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: black;">Last week, I showed you the process of creating the cover for Mary Crowell's new album (<a href="http://www.starrweems.blogspot.com/2012/06/creating-album-art.html">see it here</a>). The project was a success! Read her<a href="http://magnusretail.com/blog/2012/06/17/acolytes-of-the-machine-album-art-link/#comment-50"> blog post about our collaboration here</a>. This week, I have been working on the art for the back cover. </span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OhNj0XC5Rjc/T-Odm7foStI/AAAAAAAAAWo/ch9WrglYTkY/s1600/a15+Rupus+Fugue.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OhNj0XC5Rjc/T-Odm7foStI/AAAAAAAAAWo/ch9WrglYTkY/s320/a15+Rupus+Fugue.jpg" width="318" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
"Rupus Fugue" by Starr Weems. 15x15 Watercolor on 140 lb .paper. </div>
<div>
<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The image is based on one of Mary's songs and portrays Rupus Fugue, a crazy seer. My mission: To create a man with ragged clothing and a green cape swinging an electric guitar like a golf club to hit a giant D20 that is being upheld by a kobold on a misty mountain top. A serpentine dragon is visible in the distance. A purple dice bag and a crow are bonus items. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Step one: Research and Sketch Ideas</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v7M-Zb2zGFQ/T-OeG194IxI/AAAAAAAAAWw/BopH4eqCr8I/s1600/a+2+rupus+thumbnails.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="235" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v7M-Zb2zGFQ/T-OeG194IxI/AAAAAAAAAWw/BopH4eqCr8I/s320/a+2+rupus+thumbnails.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I looked at lots of pictures of dice, capes, guitars and golf swings. A former student of mine was nice enough to video himself swinging an electric guitar like a golf club. I want to know what his neighbors thought. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>Step two: Choose a Thumbnail to Develop</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oUJg55-vAd4/T-OelxVpS9I/AAAAAAAAAW4/XG8CVWIFTmo/s1600/A+2+rupus+sketch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oUJg55-vAd4/T-OelxVpS9I/AAAAAAAAAW4/XG8CVWIFTmo/s320/A+2+rupus+sketch.jpg" width="311" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I start with this guy... </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DL1QViXUeYM/T-Oe1v2jOUI/AAAAAAAAAXA/TFSdo4QmXZ4/s1600/A+3+rupus+sketch+revised.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DL1QViXUeYM/T-Oe1v2jOUI/AAAAAAAAAXA/TFSdo4QmXZ4/s320/A+3+rupus+sketch+revised.jpg" width="298" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And revise...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9B6BkIDmFMU/T-OfE2ZCn1I/AAAAAAAAAXI/nqZtj0_zJp8/s1600/a5+Rupus+value+sketch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9B6BkIDmFMU/T-OfE2ZCn1I/AAAAAAAAAXI/nqZtj0_zJp8/s320/a5+Rupus+value+sketch.jpg" width="316" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And revise more...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>Step Three: Enlarge and Transfer</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rsgVm71rNxc/T-OfQ3Fjf-I/AAAAAAAAAXQ/7Af1hGpxvQI/s1600/a6+rupus+trace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rsgVm71rNxc/T-OfQ3Fjf-I/AAAAAAAAAXQ/7Af1hGpxvQI/s320/a6+rupus+trace.jpg" width="237" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I transfer the image to my paper. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>Step Four: Apply Drawing Gum and Pour the Layers</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj7Zi9oEcjgeL0bQ1nM5iZl7I948_QxF_QV5oBGy6UtRBJoPAM-xazm1KHWZbHmT4bOaGrAEBjh-vzNlBUDUWypT_z38DlBhu9-NIPNF7McXrTNlOQ-d7Wq0vJMv5J2CseXVMK0zm71TQ/s1600/a7+rupus+mask+one.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="193" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj7Zi9oEcjgeL0bQ1nM5iZl7I948_QxF_QV5oBGy6UtRBJoPAM-xazm1KHWZbHmT4bOaGrAEBjh-vzNlBUDUWypT_z38DlBhu9-NIPNF7McXrTNlOQ-d7Wq0vJMv5J2CseXVMK0zm71TQ/s320/a7+rupus+mask+one.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I Mask out the brightest lights with the drawing gum. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aIgC4DyUb1s/T-OfjKggs7I/AAAAAAAAAXg/u4qeWgV-HU8/s1600/a8+rupus+pour+and+lift+one.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aIgC4DyUb1s/T-OfjKggs7I/AAAAAAAAAXg/u4qeWgV-HU8/s320/a8+rupus+pour+and+lift+one.jpg" width="276" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Pour and lift layer one..</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gnJmsucR7TE/T-Ofp48ZWXI/AAAAAAAAAXo/VVl54v3v254/s1600/a9+rupus+pour+two+and+lift.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gnJmsucR7TE/T-Ofp48ZWXI/AAAAAAAAAXo/VVl54v3v254/s320/a9+rupus+pour+two+and+lift.jpg" width="247" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Pour and lift layer two...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--JUoNxoAkrc/T-OfxoTPH7I/AAAAAAAAAXw/PkqUTpUZ_TM/s1600/a10+rupus+pour+three.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="316" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--JUoNxoAkrc/T-OfxoTPH7I/AAAAAAAAAXw/PkqUTpUZ_TM/s320/a10+rupus+pour+three.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Pour and lift layer three...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kVvH1TMSdo4/T-Of4pIIz-I/AAAAAAAAAX4/w_G32hggVBg/s1600/a11+rupus+lifting+pour+three.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: white; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kVvH1TMSdo4/T-Of4pIIz-I/AAAAAAAAAX4/w_G32hggVBg/s320/a11+rupus+lifting+pour+three.jpg" width="278" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>Step Five: Start all Over Again</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Yep, really. Start all over. I decided that Rupus and the sky were too close in value. It just wasn't working. Getting the values right when pouring is the most important thing. You can't fix it with color. That's like trying to fix a problem with the proportions of a pencil drawing with some really great shading. Back to the drawing board. I do everything I just did all over again, changing a few things. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>Step Six: Remove Drawing Gum and Scrub</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cb9yCb91tmE/T-Oh2qkLgzI/AAAAAAAAAYA/y_PxzxzzdCE/s1600/remove+masking.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cb9yCb91tmE/T-Oh2qkLgzI/AAAAAAAAAYA/y_PxzxzzdCE/s320/remove+masking.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I remove the masking with a special tool and then lift paint out with a scrubber and a sponge. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>Step Seven: Direct Paint</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yrOUTjRVb3g/T-OiCK_i5cI/AAAAAAAAAYI/4mZygQjtyoA/s1600/direct+paint.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yrOUTjRVb3g/T-OiCK_i5cI/AAAAAAAAAYI/4mZygQjtyoA/s320/direct+paint.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I add details with direct paint. I'm finished! Mary's son said I rolled a natural 20 on my art check. Making geeky art is fun work. :) </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Questions? <a href="http://www.starrweems.com/contact.html">Contact me</a> or leave a comment below. To see more step-by-step photos of how paintings like this one are created, see <a href="http://starrweems.blogspot.com/2012/03/start-to-finish-pouring-watercolor.html">Start to Finish: Pouring Watercolor</a>. You can also <a href="http://www.facebook.com/starrweems">connect with me on Facebook</a> to see my latest work.
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>Starr Weemshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12986501553583728044noreply@blogger.com0