This Week...

Well, this week has been a week of business. I spent the week painting my signage for the summer markets starting to happen in my community. The weather is warming up and I love being part of local economy. After having a big time break between Christmas Fairs and summer start up it will be fantastic to get in the air and get feedback from costumers. I know that may sound shallow but hey there is only so many times I can ask my husband "what do you think of this honey"? There are more events happening, classes and art festivals. I turn my porch into an outdoor studio and have more hours in the day to paint. What could be better?

Summer Daisies  by Melanie Spencer (watercolour negative space painting)

Quote of the Day

I found I could say things with color and shapes that I couldn't say any other way - things I had no words for.
Georgia O'Keeffe 
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/topics/topic_art.html#D93fjHDdYQPdR7wi.99 

Stargazer Lily by Melanie Spencer Watercolour inspired by Georgia O'Keefe's Biography

I encourage all artists to read as much as you can about Artists that you admire. 

Watercolour Lessons on the Internet

Artist are so fortunate to have the internet as a resource. I have been taught many tricks and been inspired by other artist that have shared their skills either through blogs or youtube. My only caution is that you can get overwhelmed and overstimulated by all the information. so sift through and take in the information that supports your style. Do not use as a way to put yourself down. Example: "They are so good at technique, I will never be that good". Try to remember that this is a journey and a process and that continuous learning is the goal. I am sharing a simple lesson that takes the mystery out of painting reflective glass. Enjoy!

http://www.paintdrawpaint.com/2010/12/watercolor-basics-how-to-paint-glass.html

Quote of the Day

"The job of the artist is always to deepen the mystery"

                                                                                                 ----Francis Bacon

Snowy Owl with Blossoms by Melanie Spencer
Watercolor

Magazine reveiw

I had the joy of being in two book stores in the last two days and was able to find the April and June edition of "Watercolor artist". I am always encouraged and inspired by others approach to  painting. I particularly enjoyed an untitled abstract painting in watercolor by Carl Palazzolo. I loved the dream like playfulness and the simplicity of his style. This magazine has it all, book reviews, featured artists, and several artists sharing their tips. It has become my little treat to read this magazine, I always feel inspired and encouraged after I pour through each page.

Untitled by Carl Palazzolo ( watercolor)

Quote of the Day

House Where Dreams are Made by Melanie Spencer

"To make good art you have to be willing to make bad art"

Book Review

As an artist and avid reader often when I take a break from painting I am poking my nose in a book about painting. I always take away a tidbit of wisdom that keeps me to growing as an artist. Why not reap the benefits of others through reading about their teachings and approaches to art. Currently I am reading the book "Life, Paint and Passion, Reclaiming the magic of spontaneous expression" written by Michele Cassou and Stewart Cubley. They teach artists to paint what they are feeling in the current moment, to paint authentically. They encourage an artist to become more instinctual with painting. To let go of preconceptions and notions of what we think we should paint or what a brush stroke should look like. Basically to stop "shoulding on ourselves" and be open to explore without concern of the outcome. This book really promotes having fun with the process. I am enjoying the read and recommend it as a resource in your library.

When is a painting done?

How do you know when a painting is done or even worse to be put in a scrap pile. Everyone is different but I judge it by how I feel when I look at it. If there is something that just does not feel right then often I paint another one. I have painted up to five versions of the same painting until it feels right to me. I think of it as a way too teach myself. It might seem a little extreme to some of you but I enjoy the process and love the results of the finished painting.

First Version of the landscape seemed to bright and over exposed the colours did not feel quite what I wanted. " A Bay in Scotland, watercolour by Melanie Spencer

Second Version is much more subtle, it has the quiet muted feel that I wanted.Kilorean Bay Watercolor by Melanie Spencer

Name the Painting "What is the Mystery Object"?

Can you guess what the object is that I painted? For anyone that guesses the right object I will send 3 of my art cards. BIG HINT " it is an object" the brain gets tricked because it almost looks like a landscape but is an object we use often.

Object Abstract Watercolour By Melanie Spencer
6"by 11"
Can you guess what it is?