First off, Dan Wiemer is our Workshop Artist for this September 19-21st at the Paramount.  Unfortunately there has been some confusion and lack of information due to some communication issues, however, this is the scoop.  If you’d like to participate, Tuesday through Thursday, September 19-21, contact Derick at the Paramount ASAP to sign up.  The cost is $350 and is paid directly through the Paramount.  As of July 15^th, the workshop will be opened to the public, until that time, CMW members have first chance to sign up.  Here is Derick’s phone number:  320-251-3128.  Again, CMW members call ASAP if you want to register for Dan’s class!  Remember Dan Wiemer was a recent very popular demo artist and his techniques are truly amazing.  Here is his website address:  https://danwiemer.com/

Second, the CMW Board is looking for a member who has extra storage space for two tents, weights, and display racks that we use at the Munsinger and Millstream Art sales events.  They would easily lean up against a storage/garage wall.  Please contact Co-President Diane Runberg if you have the storage space.  Diane’s e-mail is:  jrunberg@brainerd.net.  

Third, for those who are participating in the Munsinger sales event, please send one or two pictures—example of the work you will be selling at Munsinger to Paula Tift… paulatift@yahoo.com.  The pictures will then be submitted on our website and Facebook to advertise our participation and entice buyers to stop by our two tents on July 20th!  Please email to Paula by July 6^th.  That allows two weeks to process the posts!  Also, be sure to share the event information with family, friends, and everyone else you know or meet on the street LOL….  Hopefully we will have an equally successful event as two years ago.  If you haven’t already volunteered to help, please contact Sandra Theis sandra@ktheis.com or Paula Tift paulatift@yahoo.com to sign up.  It’s a fun event and a very good way to get to know other CMW artists and to meet the public who are interested in original art!  Here are examples of eye catching cards Arlette Twedt will be selling at Munsinger….

Fourth, we have no official meetings until our September 11^th Annual Meeting (potluck) to be held again at Atonement Lutheran Church in St. Cloud (5:30-6:00 Social Hour).   Please mark this on your calendar and remember that we also use this night as a Silent Auction fund raiser—so be sure to look for art items you no longer need or want and set them aside to donate for our September meeting Auction.  More info will come later.

Finally, a couple of our CMW members recently missed a fantastic opportunity… the information about the June St. Cloud Art Crawl was not received or dispersed in a timely manner and as a result we had no one sign up.  This is an excellent opportunity for an artist to have public access to show completed paintings, and to sell cards, bookmarks, etc.  It creates an ideal way for you as an artist to demo a painting and answer questions.  Usually we have two artists sign up and they are set up in the lobby of the Paramount…a very prominent spot to be…CMW is very fortunate to have this connection and opportunity!  The next Art Crawl is schedule for Friday, August 18^th.  Since we won’t have a meeting before then, please contact either Diane Runberg or Arlette Twedt, Co-Presidents, JRunberg@brainderd.net; artbyarlette@gmail.com to sign up to be a participant in the August (18^th) Art Crawl. This writer, Paula Tift, CMW’s Social Media Coordinator, has been intimidated by this prospect in the past; but I think I will sign up this time…. who will join me?  It really can’t be that hard….can it?…come support me and I’ll support you…we have lots of members and it would be a plus to have new artists experiencing this excellent opportunity! 

That is it for now…stay tuned for new updates and information!  Keep painting–practice makes perfect–or at least it helps us each improve every day!

Paula Tift, CMW Social Media Coordinator

The post CMW Board Information for June 2023 first appeared on Central Minnesota Watercolorists.

  

Susan Frame, our CMW June demo artist, provided an interesting and informative introduction to Sumi-e painting.  Susan has been painting for 50 years.  She started in college working with a Japanese artist and was hooked.  Sumi-e is a Japanese word that means “ink painting”.   Susan works with traditional Japanese and Chinese materials.   Although she uses watercolor in her work, she doesn’t consider herself a watercolor artist.

She began her demo by explaining a little bit about sumi-e painting and the materials she uses.  She uses rice paper which she indicated is a generic term for paper made in Asia.  The paper is very thin and unsized, allowing the ink and watercolor to bleed in all directions, and buckles from the water. 

Finished paintings require gluing the finished painting to a second sheet of paper with wheat glue that is applied to the back of the finished sumi-e painting.  This allows the painting to dry to a flat unwrinkled surface.   The sumi-e painting is translucent before the second sheet of rice paper is glued to the back. 

The black sumi-e ink is available as a liquid or block, using water as the medium.  Because she likes to paint in large formats, she prefers the liquid ink.  She uses Chinese watercolors that tend to be a bit more opaque than regular watercolors.  She also uses a limited palette of regular watercolors. 

Her brushes are soft haired brushes held in an upright position when applying paint, applying more than one shade of paint with each stroke.  Strokes are made with loose motions of the full arm.  She uses small saucers for each color of paint rather than a traditional palette.

Her first demo was a traditional sumi-e watercolor of a peony.  She loaded her brush with red and white and painted individual petals of the peony.  She indicated that in sumi-e painting the background of paintings is often left white to counterbalance the colors used.

To be considered a sumi-e painting the painting needs to include sumi-e black ink.  She mixed some of the ink with a green malachite Chinese shade for the leaves of the peony.  Traditional paintings can be signed with a block called a “chop”.  It doesn’t need to just be your name but can include other information.

Her second demo was less structured.  Her set-up included covering her work surface with layers of newspaper to absorb the excess water from the paintings.  She had no plan and no end result in mind.  Rather she wanted to explore the materials and the challenge they presented by applying ink and watercolor in a spontaneous manner to see what would happen and what they might suggest. 

She started with 8 large sheets of rice paper and one by one she applied various amounts of ink water and watercolors, layering each sheet over the top of the next.  Layering the paper allows the water to seep through and make unexpected marks on the papers underneath.  Once they were all stacked, she allows them to dry and then looks at each to decide what they suggest using them as the basis for further paintings, such as landscapes.  She often adds more painting and ink to “finish” the paintings.

Susan will be teaching her techniques at Grand Marais art colony later this summer for those who are interested in pursuing this fascinating art medium.

Notes written by Diane Runberg

Photos taken by Sandra Theis

The post Susan Frame – CMW’s Demo Artist for June 2023 first appeared on Central Minnesota Watercolorists.

  

Reminder – this Monday evening, June 12,  at 6 pm is the CMW monthy membership meeting at the Paramount, in the lower level.  The public is invited to visit one meeting before joining the group. 

The post CMW’s June 12th Meeting – Susan Frame Demo Artist – Munsinger Garden Sale Info first appeared on Central Minnesota Watercolorists.

  

• Dan Mondloch wants CMW members and artist friends to be aware of the following three classes he will be holding at Watab Town Hall this summer.  Click the link for registration and the supply list.  This class will fill up fast so please review as soon as possible! danmondloch.com/products/summer-watercolor-classes-watab-town-hall?variant=43384079057051

• Sandra Theis, CMW’s Vice President, also wants to share information about the following on-line class this summer:

Watercolor Painting Workshop with Aaron Blaise

Join Aaron for 6+ hours of live instruction

EVENT DATE: Saturday, July 15th 2023

TIME: 10:00 AM CST

$50 Single Day Ticket

Spots Are Limited!

You will receive a recording of the workshop to watch again or if you are unable to attend on the day of workshop. 

 

More info and sign up at https://creatureartteacher.com/live/

FYI Website times are posted as Eastern Standard Time

https://youtu.be/dJxS24nDdjo

 

Projected Workshop Schedule: Final May Differ.

 

Animal Painting

10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Aaron Explains his Overall Approach & Goes over Techniques

 

Break / Intermission

12:00 – 12:30 PM

 

Landscape Painting

12:30 – 3:30 PM

Aaron Explains his Overall Approach & Goes over Techniques

 

Q & A

3:30 – 4:00 PM

Aaron answers your questions.

 

• FREE for Annual Members •

• Streaming Subscribers Save an Instant 25% Off •

 

About Aaron Blaise:

Learn to draw & paint with Aaron Blaise! Aaron is a world renowned animator, illustrator, painter & wildlife artist.

For 21 years Aaron worked with Disney helping to create some of the greatest animated films ever made. During that time he worked as an animator or supervising animator on “The Rescuers Down Under”, “Beauty and the Beast”, “Aladdin”, “The Lion King”, “Pocahontas”, “Mulan” and more. In 2003 he was co-director of “Brother Bear” for which he earned an Oscar nomination for Best Animated Feature Film.

After “Brother Bear” he helped to develop several projects but ultimately left Disney to pursue an opportunity back home in Florida. Aaron recently served as 2D Animation Supervisor and Character Designer for the “The Bear and the Hare” an advertisement loved by millions around the world. He is currently also working on a new animated short film, once again involving bears called “Snow Bear”.

The post Three in-person Dan Mondloch Class Opportunities and One Day Online Instruction With Aaron Blaise first appeared on Central Minnesota Watercolorists.

  

Sandra K Theis’ mural design has been selected as one of 4 Storm Drain Murals in St Cloud. The project will be completed this summer and located at Pantown Park. The Storm Drain project brings attention to stormwater education, stormwater stewardship, and pollution prevention. This project is made possible through funding from Sauk River Watershed District (SRWD), MN Department of Health and Clean Water Land and Legacy Amendment. See Map for current Storm Drain Murals at
https://tinyurl.com/257xzwe6

GREAT design Sandra!  Congratulations on being selected!

IMPORTANT OPPORTUNITY:  Recently our Co-President, Diane Runberg, heard back from the Paramount regarding the Art Crawl in June.  As in the past, this is an excellent opportunity for at least two CMW artists to demo at this event.   Please consider to volunteer for that night, Friday June 16^th from 4-8 pm.  There will be a couple of tables in the lobby to use, and the artists need to arrive early to set up.  It’s a great opportunity to show your work and sell cards and/or paintings!  Please contact Diane Runberg at jrunberg@brainerd.net to volunteer ASAP!  

CMW Artist Barbara Rogan is presenting an art display at Whitney Senior Center this June through July.  Please stop by to view her work!  Below is one of her paintings that won recognition at the Artists of Minnesota Spring Show “Three in a Row” and will be displayed at Whitney.  Congrats to you, too, Barbara!!

The post Sandra Theis Mural, St. Cloud Art Crawl Opportunity, & Barbara Rogan Show first appeared on Central Minnesota Watercolorists.

  

The Munsinger Garden Art Sale is approaching soon!  July 20^th will be here before we know it.  Please sign up with Ralph Carpenter, CMW’s treasurer, to participate.  There will be a sign up at the June 12^th meeting or you can contact him via e-mail at ralphcarp@gmail.com .  There is a $10 participation fee to cover costs (space rental, new tent, bottled water, and receipt books, other supplies etc).  CMW is purchasing a second tent for the second space we are renting to have more space available for our artists.  Also consider when you will be able to volunteer your time that day to help.  It takes about five people at the check-out and these five should plan on being there all day so that we aren’t switching out tellers.  There is a team needed for set up and take down which includes collecting the tents, racks, etc.  Plus, we would appreciate an individual or two who is available to walk around, welcome people, answering questions, etc.  It’s a fun day and a great way to get better acquainted with other CMW artists.  Another thought…lesson from past sales…smaller paintings priced $50 or less and cards are most likely to sell.  Because of space limitations, only paintings and cards will be accepted to sell. 

The Munsinger Garden Sale Committee is requiring each participating artist to fill out an Inventory Sheet of the artwork they will be submitting to sell.  There is a numbering system to mark your work that aids the tellers at check out.  There will be a small packet at the June meeting with directions, inventory sheet, etc.  If you can’t be at the June meeting, the packet will be mailed to you.  Let Sandra Theis or Paula Tift, co-chairs, know of your needs or any questions you may have. 

Reminder that CMW has a show at Good Shepherd until Wednesday, May 31^st.  If you are one of the artists displaying there, be sure to pick up your paintings between 10am and noon on the last day, Wed, May 31st!

In addition, there is a show at Whitney.  That show will be hanging through June.  Stop and see CMW’s artwork displayed in the West entrance hallway and by the office.  

CMW’s Fall Workshop, featuring Dan Wiemer, is scheduled for September 19-21 at the Paramount in the lower level.  Dan demoed at this past November CMW’s meeting.  The three-day workshop start time is 9am and continues to 4pm.  The cost is $350.  Again, sign up with Ralph Carpenter, CMW’s Treasurer, at ralphcarp@gmail.com.  The Paramount will open the class to the public on July 15^th so sign up asap to ensure your spot!

Another fun opportunity is to sign up for CMW’s fall retreat in beautiful downtown Cold Spring, Minnesota! The Spring Retreat  was such a hit that it was suggested to have a Fall Workshop.  It will be held again at the Riverside Inn, where we are provided with a wonderful bright workspace and each painter has a whole rectangular table to themselves. The dates are Monday through Wednesday, October 2-4.  Artists can arrive at 10 am on Monday and start painting prior to check in and stay after checkout on Wednesday until 3 pm.  The cost of the single room is $260 and the cost of a shared room is $190 for two nights (rates have increased).  To attend, the first half payment needs to be paid by June 1^st and the second half is due September 1, 2023 (half payment is $130/single and $95 for double occupancy).  If you sign up and can’t attend, please find a replacement for your spot.  A cancellation can affect the availability of the Conference Room for the other retreaters.  It’s a great time!

So, a lot is happening! 

 The featured painting “Bleedin’ Heart” was painted by CMW’s Anita Hendrickx.   My bleeding hearts are blooming outside as I write this.  Thank you Anita!  

Paula Tift, CMW Social Media Coordinator

The post Two Paint-In Sites, Munsinger Garden Sale, Fall Workshop & Other Reminders first appeared on Central Minnesota Watercolorists.

  

CMW members met Monday, May 8th at the Paramount in the lower level at 6 pm.  There was a brief business meeting and then James Turner, the chosen demo artist for the evening, was introduced. 

James started his demo by saying that he has worked with Yupo for about 20 years.  It’s very different to work with, as compared to watercolor paper, as are the techniques he uses and the subject matter that he paints.  His first introduction to Yupo was at a workshop   His first experience was AWFUL he said, but he bought the artist’s video and continued using and improving his techniques.  A brief definition of Yupo is that it is the recyclable, waterproof, tree-free Synthetic Paper with attributes and properties that make it the perfect solution for a variety of needs. 

Generally, James uses a stencil that he cuts out of Tyvek (Yupo product) and paints an abstraction opaque around it.  He finds it FUN because:

• It gives incredibly intense color – a stain class quality.
• The paint doesn’t seep into the paper.
• Paint can be easily lifted.
• Many times, he paints a dark background and lifts out the painting.
• Paint granulations looks different and interesting and creates flowing patterns.
• It is hard to control patterns.
• Can’t easily increase the value by glazing-hard to do without lifting.

James chose to paint from a photo he took with palm trees, the ocean, and a woman lying in a hammock.  To paint on the Yupo, James uses fresh watercolor paint from the tube or liquid watercolor paints.  He started by squirting liquid watercolor on the Yupo.  He was using Dr. Ph. Martin’s liquid watercolor paint and then regular tube paint.  One of his favorite tube paints is Andrew’s Turquoise and then later says he also likes New Gamboge. 

He wets (lightly sprays) just enough to move paint around, using a large brush, mixing but leaving the paint somewhat separate to begin with.  (He demonstrated painting with his fingers, too).  He says try to keep some of the pure color as you fill the paper.  He keeps a water spritzer handy so it doesn’t dry.  He picks up and tilts his painting to move the paint.  (He doesn’t use alcohol ink as you cannot lift it other than with alcohol).

While the paint is wet he can take a thirsty brush and lift to the white surface.  He will use a squeegee to lift and add patterns.  He made palm leaves in this particular painting with the squeegee.  While wet he can drop more color in.  He does some patterning in to match the subject.  He created patterns to play off the palm branches.  He also sprinkles colors in…they can create interesting blossoms.

In other situations to gain texture, he has used gift wrap, bubble wrap, cardboard with interesting texture, paper towels with special textures.

He added American Journey Orchid paint from Cheap Joes.  It has opacity and he uses this on paper too when plein air painting.  This is a great color to add to foliage or rocks.  He explains it as “unexpected” color.  

When he wants a graded wash or wall for example, he uses a roller to flatten an area.

Next he wanted to create more color contrast so he used a thirsty brush and lifted and replaced color with chrome orange and new gamboge (something obviously that cannot be done when painting regular watercolor).

James said he paints everything on an angled board (inside and outside).  It gives a wet edge.  He then crumpled up a paper towel to give some texture to the painting—he brushed with it.

He tries to stay away from staining colors where he tries to lift—they can be lifted but may affect the painting in ways he doesn’t want.

Yupo doesn’t expand or wrinkle—water has no effect on it.

One of James’ favorite brushes is ½” flat with and angled handle-he can use that angled end of the paint brush to scrape paint away.  He has Series 965 Windsor Newton squirrel-hair brushes.  They are expensive but last forever.

He again mentions the beauty of Yupo is that you can lift and replace color.  Half the time he paints abstractly to begin with and then sees where it goes from there.

James said you must spray varnish after your painting is done.  The painting needs to sit for a long time to be sure it is completely dry before applying varnish.  He sprays 6 to 8 layers of spray varnish, usually semi gloss if the painting will be under glass.  The glossier, the more intense the color.  He frames with or without a mat.  A Yupo painting lends itself well to reproduction.

His demo painting was almost dry so he spattered it with Andrew Turquoise – he likes Cad Red too.  He says it’s important to learn how much paint and water in your brush—Yupo doesn’t need much water.  He then dried the painting with a hair dryer.

He then described how he makes stencils for his paintings.  He uses Tybek—the same material that is used to wrap our houses.  It’s the same as Yupo but is woven.  He places it on a flat surface and cuts the stencils with a knife. 

He had already cut the stencil prior to our meeting.  He placed it where he wanted it.  He rolled over the stencil—it rolls color off.  He runs the roller and dries the roller several times with a paper towel to make it lighter where he wants to.  Using a brush doesn’t work as well as a brush will get water under the stencil.

Also, he sprayed blue paint onto the painting with an atomizer for the water.  He rolls it out while it’s still wet to smooth the texture out.

He partially covered the water with a piece of Tybeck and continues to lighten the sky with the roller (it wasn’t quite dry so it was harder to lighten).

Again, he says he finds Yupo to be FUN!

He touched up after removing the stencil—doing repair from water that got under the stencil.

When the paint is dry, he will go in and carve out the shape of the palms.  He used a thirsty brush to pick up paint and leave a light pattern.  He created light holes above for the sky.  He pointed out in the abstraction how shapes and colors look like palm trees. 

James says if you haven’t done Yupo before you will be intensely frustrated to begin with.  CMW member Kerry Kupferschmidt, who has painted quite a bit with Yupo, said if you get mad at it, you can’t even tear it up!  HA!

James also said that half of it happens by accident and letting it develop. 

This is the finished painting James e-mailed after the demo.  Amazing!  The colors are stain glass quality!

Thank you, James Turner, for an exciting and very different watercolor demo because of the Yupo.  You demonstrated how much you enjoy and have fun with it!  You’ve inspired many CMW members to give it a try!

notes submitted by Paula Tift, CMW Social Media Coordinator

The post CMW’s May Membership Meeting with James Turner as the Demo Artist first appeared on Central Minnesota Watercolorists.

  

18 CMW Members just completed a 4 day/3 night painting retreat at Cold Spring’s Riverside Inn this past May.  Goodies were shared, ideas and critiques were shared, if asked for, and there was always someone to go out to eat with, or take a walk, or use the swimming pool or hot tub.  The work space is perfect as everyone has a large rectangular table to spread out on, there are plenty of windows and extra table lights to use.  It’s and ideal space to work and the workroom is secured at night.  It’s a GREAT time!  It’s a great time to get to know  CMW artist friends.  It was soooooo much fun that participants are ready to return in October.  The Riverside Inn only has three days/two nights available for us, so consider joining us this fall!!!  The dates are Monday-Wednesday, October 2nd through October 4th.  We can arrive by 10 a.m. on Monday and stay until 3 p.m. on Wednesday.  

The cost of a single room is $260 and the cost of a shared room (2 people) is $190 for two nights.

To attend, the first half payment is due June 1 ($130 for single occupancy and $95 for double occupancy) .  The second half is due September 1, 2023 ($130 for single occupancy and $95 for double occupancy).  This ensures we have our regular table space and lights available in the connected sunny conference area room.   Please join in the FUN!  

submitted by Paula Tift, CMW Media Coordinator (Website and Facebook)

The post Fall Painting Retreat at Riverside Inn in Cold Spring October first appeared on Central Minnesota Watercolorists.

  

Three of these member also received awards.  They are as follows:

Kerry Kupferschmidt received two awards.  The first shown is a picture of  Kerry with  his painting, “ Waiting to Ride,” which won a merit award in the “”Transparent Intermediate Category” .

Kerry Kupferschmidt’s second Merit Award is for “Mississippi Headwaters.”

CMW member Barbara J. Rogan also won a Merit Award for her painting…”Zinnias'”…

Certainly last but not least is our own Co-President Diane Runberg who won a Merit award for her birch trees.

Congratulations to our three CMW winners!  

At the sign up table for our meetings, there is a pamphlet to give you more information about Artists of Minnesota.  Check it out or their website https://artistsofminnesota.org/ to see if you would be interested in joining this group also.  This writer joined AOM last year and it was the first time my art was judged…I was very surprised and pleased that I received a Merit Award.  This is a rather low key way of having your artwork judged and I would recommend it to others, especially those new to having their artwork judged.  Unfortunately I was unable to attend this year.  

submitted by Paula Tift, CMW Media Coordinator (Website and Facebook)

The post CMW members attend Artists of Minnesota Juried Show this past weekend…May 2023 first appeared on Central Minnesota Watercolorists.

  

Following is a note received from CMW member Anita Hendrickx:

 “Attached is the set (pictures) for our church’s dinner theater production of OKLAHOMA which we presented April 28, 29, 30. 

This is my artwork from FEB., MAR., and APRIL.

I thought I would send this to show how big a canvas I can go. I also did the centerpieces.

Anita”

See Anita’s amazing painted theater set for “Oklahoma” in the photos below:  Wow Anita!  You may have a new career path ahead of you.  Hollywood here she comes!  Thank you for sharing your wonderful artwork Anita…background set and table centerpieces, too!  Click on each photo to enlarge.  

submitted by Paula Tift, CMW Media Coordinator (Website and Facebook)

The post CMW Member Anita Hendrickx’s recent art endeavor….it’s a WOW!!! first appeared on Central Minnesota Watercolorists.