Wednesday, August 31, 2016





It's Labor Day Weekend. The last weekend of vacation season. Many schools have already begun, but here in Michigan-the vacation state, most schools are back in session next week Tuesday. We are often considered the 'vacation state' because of the many lakes and fresh water streams throughout the state. Above are just a few paintings created from my personal Michigan experiences. All three of these paintings are watercolors.

The top one is POND LIFE. In it I wanted to capture the infinite microcosm life existing on the surface of ponds. So much happening there! This little pond is just below a very busy highway...beauty is everywhere, we just have to stop and look.

The middle painting is ARROWHEADS. Very close to our cabin is a stream that feeds into the Grand River, which flows into Lake Michigan.  Along the banks of these fresh water streams you will find arrowhead plants growing near the cattails. These are in the 'plantain' family of aquatic plants.

The bottom painting is BUSH BAY BOULDERS. Michigan is surrounded by three of the Great Lakes (another reason to be called the vacation state!)
Bush Bay is a few miles East of Cedarville, MI, located along the Straits of Mackinac between Lake Michigan and Lake Huron. Its a beautiful, unspoiled section, where rocks and boulders dance along the edges of Lake Huron. the shoreline is covered with moss, wildflowers, and pines. This is in God's country.

Enjoy your Labor Day Weekend! Be safe and have fun.
Colorfully,
Sandy









Thursday, August 25, 2016

BLUEBERRIES AND BUTTERFLY, WATERCOLOR 18" X 18"
It's finished, Blueberries and Butterfly. 

Tuesday, August 23, 2016

Sunday, August 21, 2016

Another progress image.
I had someone ask why I didn't wait until the painting was almost done before adding the darks. She said that she was taught to always go from light to dark. I do work light to dark, however, I need to know how dark the middle values need to be as I progress. By adding the strongest darks early in the painting process, I then can determine just how dark those in-between values need to be.

If you like following this blog, pass it on to others.
Colorfully,
Sandy

Monday, August 15, 2016

Wednesday, August 3, 2016

new painting progress

Last week I started a new wetland painting...here is a photo... Watercolor in progress.
Colorfully yours,
Sandy

Tuesday, August 2, 2016

The challenge today is how to capture that sunlight sparkle on water, into watercolor on paper!

Monday, August 1, 2016

Today I am starting a Blog!
I hope to share with you the many things that influence my art, from the garden to the waters and wetlands around my home. Keep watching as I improve with this new method of communication..for me!
Colorfully,
Sandy