Alstroemeria Pink Flower Watercolor Painting in Progress

 

I just can't help myself! I've put it off for as long as I can, but I can no longer delay painting these fabulous flowers!

 

When I first saw Alstroemeria, I thought that they were "fake" silk flowers. It wasn't until I actually touched them that I realized they were indeed real! I have been buying fresh cut Alstroemeria for quite some time now because not only are they beautiful, but they last weeks!

 

Here is the beginning of my painting of a bouquet of salmon-pink flowers. After I penciled them in, I started to lay in the colors to get the general shapes and experiment with the background.

 



After weeks, it's finally starting to look like something. I'm trying to get that luminous quality that these flowers are known for.

 

 

I still have a long way to go, but I will keep working at it. It's the tiny details that make all the difference! I hope that you enjoy getting a glimpse at my painting in progress. When I finish, I'll post the completed Alstroemeria!

 

Linked to Watercolors by Barbara Etsy Shop, Watercolors By Barbara Website, Fine Art America, Make it Pretty Monday, IShouldBeMoppingTheFloor, BoogieboardCottage, Alphabe-Thursday, Join the Party {Linky}  Fall into Fall, and Pink Saturday, Five Days Five Ways, Friday Favs, Fancy These Friday’s, Friday Link Party, Saturday Show & Tell, The DIY'ers, Anything Blue & Pink Friday

Season of Giving ART

SAVE THE DATES – December 3 and 4, 2014!

It's that time of year again – Main Street Boutique is back! Please join me for one of the most highly anticipated shopping events of the season to support Abington Health and the healthcare of our local community.  

This is a great day out at the lovely Huntingdon Valley Country Club for ONE STOP HOLIDAY SHOPPING! (2295 Country Club Drive, Huntingdon Valley, PA 19006)  

I’ll be exhibiting my Original Watercolors and affordable Matted Fine Art Prints, along with more than 35 others showing their jewelry, clothing, art, skin care products, and much more! Visit my website here to get a preview of my work. I’m looking forward to seeing you at this very special event.

• Stop by my exhibit to enter my free raffle for a Fine Art Print. 
• Can’t make the event? Order online directly from my Etsy Shop.

Please forward and share this with your family and friends to help spread the word about this unique opportunity to benefit our community and have a wonderful holiday shopping experience, too!

Tickets can be purchased at http://give.abingtonhealth.org/MSB

"Poinsettia"

Linked to Watercolors by Barbara Etsy Shop, Watercolors By Barbara Website, Fine Art America, Make it Pretty Monday, IShouldBeMoppingTheFloor, BoogieboardCottage, Alphabe-Thursday, Join the Party {Linky}  Fall into Fall, and Pink Saturday, Five Days Five Ways, Friday Favs, Fancy These Friday’s, Friday Link Party, Saturday Show & Tell, The DIY'ers, Anything Blue & Pink Friday

Beach Girl with Red Shovel and White Hat Watercolor Painting in Progress

"Beach Girl with Red Shovel and White Hat"

 

As soon as I saw this little girl on the beach, I knew that I wanted to paint her! I was struck by the child's activity, methodically and purposefully digging the sand, plopping it into piles, and gazing periodically at the ocean.

 

She was wearing a yellow striped bathing suit and surrounded by nothing but sand from my vantage point. I started to paint her that way, but quickly wanted a more vibrant bathing suit and a rich cobalt blue sky. I love painting shadows on something white. As you may know from my earlier blog posts, I'm using the mingling technique for her hat with mingled permanent rose, verditer blue, and mineral violet watercolor paints.

 

 

Once finished the bathing suit, I worked on the flesh tones, facial features, clouds, richer sky colors, along with texture and color to the sand.

 

 

At first, I was going to leave the ocean as a distant shore, planning on having the painting focus mainly on the child. But the more I looked at it, the more it seemed like she was sitting in a desert! I really missed showing the ocean, especially with lots of waves!

 

"Beach Girl with Red Shovel and White Hat"

 

Once the ocean was painted, I concentrated on refining the rest of the painting, lightening the sand piles where the sun hits them, toning down the sand a bit, and deepening the color of the water at the horizon to give it added depth.

 

I haven't shown all of the steps that it took to get to the finished painting which took me three weeks to complete. I just wanted to give you a bit of insight into my watercolor painting process.

 

I hope that you enjoyed this little taste of my decision-making process with this painting!

 

Linked to Watercolors by Barbara Etsy Shop, Watercolors By Barbara Website, Fine Art America, Make it Pretty Monday, IShouldBeMoppingTheFloor, BoogieboardCottage, Alphabe-Thursday, Join the Party {Linky}  Fall into Fall, and Pink Saturday, Five Days Five Ways, Friday Favs, Fancy These Friday’s, Friday Link Party, Saturday Show & Tell, The DIY'ers, Anything Blue & Pink Friday

 

 

Nursery Art Beach Children Paintings

 

  "Boy into the Surf"         

 

  

                                                            "Beach Girl with Big Hat"

My paintings "Boy into the Surf" and "Beach Girl with Big Hat" (unofficially, I call her "Beach Girl with Cheeks of Tan!") fine art matted prints, have gone to a new home in California!

Recently, I have found that many of my paintings of children have been used to decorate the nursery or used in a seashore-themed home. Since I do love the beach, I find myself noticing children anywhere I travel and then painting them in a beach setting.

That's how I did the painting below. This adorable little boy was at a festival with lots of booths, fun, grass, and trees. After getting permission from his mom, I painted them at the beach instead!

"Beach Boy & Mom"

 

I hope that you enjoy these paintings! Please let me know what you think.

Linked to Watercolors by Barbara Etsy Shop, Watercolors By Barbara Website, Fine Art America, Make it Pretty Monday, IShouldBeMoppingTheFloor, BoogieboardCottage, Alphabe-Thursday, Join the Party {Linky}  Fall into Fall, and Pink Saturday, Five Days Five Ways, Friday Favs, Fancy These Friday’s, Friday Link Party, Saturday Show & Tell, The DIY'ers, Anything Blue & Pink Friday

Beach Child Holding Red Ball Seashore Watercolor Painting

"Beach Boy Holding Red Ball"

 

 

It looks like I just can't get enough of this adorable little boy! I saw him on the beach with his father and grandfather and, of course, asked if I could photograph him for some new paintings. No problem! Although the pictures that I took showed only sand as a backdrop, I wanted to create a beautiful sunny day with waves and clouds.

 

Colorful shadows are always important to me in creating an interesting painting; after all, this is art and not a photograph! I used the mingling technique of letting one color delicately run into the next, careful not to get mud!

 

My painting is of a child clutching his big red ball enjoying the day with his family. He seems to be in his own happy world of perfect peace, soaking up the sunshine, surf, and warm sand!

 

I created this watercolor for all of you who enjoy family beach vacations. For me it brings back warm memories of my now-grown children, for you it might remind you your own children or even grandchildren playing on the beach! Enjoy!

 

Linked to Watercolors by Barbara Etsy Shop, Watercolors By Barbara Website, Fine Art America, Make it Pretty Monday, IShouldBeMoppingTheFloor, BoogieboardCottage, Alphabe-Thursday, Join the Party {Linky}  Fall into Fall, and Pink Saturday, Five Days Five Ways, Friday Favs, Fancy These Friday’s, Friday Link Party, Saturday Show & Tell, The DIY'ers, Anything Blue & Pink Friday

Beach Boy with Red Ball Watercolor Painting

Beach Boy with Red Ball

 

HAPPY 4TH OF JULY! Here's my modern little Yankee Doodle Dandy to help celebrate the holiday! As soon as I saw him on the beach, I knew that he'd be the perfect subject for my Independence Day tribute! "Freedom" is what my newest painting is all about!

 

You may be surprised to see that this time I didn't paint the sand and sea. I felt that with the shadows, the painting said everything that I wanted to express - childhood, freedom, joy, motion.

 

What does this watercolor painting say to you?

 

Linked to Watercolors by Barbara Etsy Shop, Watercolors By Barbara Website, Fine Art America, Make it Pretty Monday, IShouldBeMoppingTheFloor, BoogieboardCottage, Alphabe-Thursday, Join the Party {Linky}  Fall into Fall, and Pink Saturday, Five Days Five Ways, Friday Favs, Fancy These Friday’s, Friday Link Party, Saturday Show & Tell, The DIY'ers, Anything Blue & Pink Friday

 

 

Blue Butterfly Watercolor Painting Art

"Blue Mountain Swallowtail Butterfly"

 

When I first saw this gorgeous butterfly, my jaw dropped! Not only is turquoise my favorite color, but the luminous quality of this blue and the brilliant contrast of its black edges just blew me away!

I love painting butterflies, especially the Monarch, but this one was a special challenge. The scales on the wings are reflective and seem to shine. I tried to convey that in this painting. Unlike the Monarch Butterfly painting, which feeds on bright yellow-orange flowers of the milkweed Asclepius, I wanted to make the background out of focus, just giving hints through color of the leaves and flowers this stunning creature lives among.

"Monarch Butterfly"

 

"Monarch Butterfly 2"

When I created this painting, I thought that it would be a wonderful addition to a child's nursery or for an accent to any room in your home! What is your favorite butterfly!

Linked to Watercolors by Barbara Etsy Shop, Watercolors By Barbara Website, Fine Art America, Make it Pretty Monday, IShouldBeMoppingTheFloor, BoogieboardCottage, Alphabe-Thursday, Join the Party {Linky}  Fall into Fall, and Pink Saturday, Five Days Five Ways, Friday Favs, Fancy These Friday’s, Friday Link Party, Saturday Show & Tell, The DIY'ers, Anything Blue & Pink Friday

Beach Adirondack Chairs...And the Winner is...

"Beach Adirondack Chairs"

 

Thanks to all of you who entered my Mother's Day Contest! You shared wonderful memories of your moms, based on my paintings that reminded you of her. ...And the Winner is Lou Anne P! Congratulations! The prize is a $52 gift certificate from my shop for a large matted 16x20 fine art print of her choice.

 

"We didn't sit on the beach but in the back yard almost every summer evening chatting, laughing, telling stories, playing. My mom and whomever had time to enjoy the moment would choose a spot from her eclectic, colorful supply of outdoor furniture. These precious evenings continued her whole life and I often ponder the memories today as I sit in my own colorful eclectic supply of furnishings on the patio."  Lou Anne

Linked to Watercolors by Barbara Etsy Shop, Watercolors By Barbara Website, Fine Art America, Make it Pretty Monday, IShouldBeMoppingTheFloor, BoogieboardCottage, Alphabe-Thursday, Join the Party {Linky}  Fall into Fall, and Pink Saturday, Five Days Five Ways, Friday Favs, Fancy These Friday’s, Friday Link Party, Saturday Show & Tell, The DIY'ers, Anything Blue & Pink Friday

Beach Boy with Red Shovel Painting

Beach Boy with Red Shovel

 

A perfect day for the beach, so grab your shovel and head to the surf! I just love seeing children on the beach and this little fellah is no exception.

 

When I created this watercolor painting, I wanted to capture the wonderful reflections and shadows in the watery sand, the foamy surf, and a beautiful sun-filled sky.

 

Do you remember when you were a child and strutted unafraid toward the ocean? Do you recollect the thrill of a beach adventure? Do you recall the unique feelings of joy you felt there? I do and still relive them every time I walk the beach!

 

Linked to Watercolors by Barbara Etsy Shop, Watercolors By Barbara Website, Fine Art America, Make it Pretty Monday, IShouldBeMoppingTheFloor, BoogieboardCottage, Alphabe-Thursday, Join the Party {Linky}  Fall into Fall, and Pink Saturday, Five Days Five Ways, Friday Favs, Fancy These Friday’s, Friday Link Party, Saturday Show & Tell, The DIY'ers, Anything Blue & Pink Friday

Ming Vase Orange Lily Painting in Progress

 

I absolutely love mixing my Ming Vase with things orange! Last year I created a composition of a blue and white vase with two orange segments. Although it took a very long time to get the oranges just right and give the illusion that they were on a mirror, I  was happy with the final result.

 

"Ming Vase with Oranges"

 

Now is my chance to create another painting with one of my favorite vases. I found a lovely lily that has fabulous color, structures, and texture. Placed on the mirror along with the vase, I sketched the composition.

 

Next, I painted the dark background of blues and purples to create depth. Then came the vase details.

 

 

Below, you can see the painting of the tops of the stamens (the anthers), the top of the central pistil (the sticky stigma), and a few of the petals. [I know, I just can't help myself. I taught biology for close to 40 years!]

 

 

There's still a lot more to be done here. This is just the start. So, what do you think? Does this painting look like it may create the illusion of the vase and flower reflected on a mirror?

 

Linked to Watercolors by Barbara Etsy Shop, Watercolors By Barbara Website, Fine Art America, Make it Pretty Monday, IShouldBeMoppingTheFloor, BoogieboardCottage, Alphabe-Thursday, Join the Party {Linky}  Fall into Fall, and Pink Saturday, Five Days Five Ways, Friday Favs, Fancy These Friday’s, Friday Link Party, Saturday Show & Tell, The DIY'ers, Anything Blue & Pink Friday

Pink Lily Watercolor Painting Art

"Alstroemeria Lily Flower" 

 

I absolutely love this flower! When I first saw the Alstroemeria, I thought that it was an artificial silk flower. This South American Peruvian Lily, or Lily of the Incas, seems to be available at most markets and lasts up to three weeks. What more could I want from such a stunning cut flower for brightening my kitchen.

After planning for a long time, I decided not to paint the entire bouquet, but focus on one beautiful blossom of the Alstroemeria Lily. Although I favor realism in my art, especially in creating flowers, I prefer to make the backgrounds impressionistic. If you look carefully, you can see hints of buds just starting to open.

I hope that you enjoy this Fine Art Print of my Original Watercolor Painting which will last even longer than the real thing! It will give you many years of pleasure!

Linked to Watercolors by Barbara Etsy Shop, Watercolors By Barbara Website, Fine Art America, Make it Pretty Monday, IShouldBeMoppingTheFloor, BoogieboardCottage, Alphabe-Thursday, Join the Party {Linky}  Fall into Fall, and Pink Saturday, Five Days Five Ways, Friday Favs, Fancy These Friday’s, Friday Link Party, Saturday Show & Tell, The DIY'ers, Anything Blue & Pink Friday

Beach Adirondack Chairs Painting, Watercolor Art Print

Beach Adirondack Chairs

Barbara Rosenzweig

Watercolor Painting

 

Where do you find the best place to relax? My spot is on the beach! Here, colorful chairs look out to the ocean to create a relaxing, peaceful seashore spot for you to dream.

 

To give you a bit of insight into my painting process for this one, here are a few of the stages this new watercolor went through. Early on, I decided to have four colorful Adirondack chairs looking out at the beach and ocean. I roughed in where I wanted the clouds and chairs.

 

 

Next, I started to add vegetation and darken the backs of the chairs and shadows under them. This is a much longer process than you see here. My purpose is to give depth and drama to the painting.

 

 

 

Creating dramatic clouds turned out to be the most difficult part of this painting. I didn't want them to look like a big white blob, but wanted them to be light and airy, letting a cobalt blue sky shine through. At this point, though, it still wasn't right. The blue was too deep in spots. I also added low and tall grasses in the foreground for depth and further darkened the backs of the Adirondack chairs. 

 

 

Finally, I lightened the blue in the clouds and blended more of the clouds to give a softer effect, as well as added a third tall grass on the right.

 

Beach Adirondack Chairs

Barbara Rosenzweig

Watercolor Painting

 

I'd love your opinion on my new watercolor painting!

 

Linked to Watercolors by Barbara Etsy Shop, Watercolors By Barbara Website, Fine Art America, Make it Pretty Monday, IShouldBeMoppingTheFloor, BoogieboardCottage, Alphabe-Thursday, Join the Party {Linky}  Fall into Fall, and Pink Saturday, Five Days Five Ways, Friday Favs, Fancy These Friday’s, Friday Link Party, Saturday Show & Tell, The DIY'ers, Anything Blue & Pink Friday