In a very rare move - internationally acclaimed artist and tutor, author and art instruction DVD presenter Susan Harrison-Tustain is offering the opportunity for you to join her on the Sunshine Coast of Australia for unique three day workshops in September/October 2013.

At the last series of 3 workshops she conducted in New Zealand in 2010 she noted that at least half of the participating artists were from Australia.

It became clear that Susan should meet the demand for her workshops in that amazing country itself. Australia's Queensland coast is one of her favourite haunts so she is thrilled to have the opportunity to visit again and dedicate time to sharing her skills, knowledge and expertise so you too can experience and learn all she knows about how to paint in watercolour.

Susan says:

“I have chosen Maroochydore on Queensland's Sunshine Coast for many reasons: for me it is an idyllic paradise. It’s quiet and relaxing, has lovely beaches, surf, weather, accommodation, a wonderful venue in the Sebel Maroochydore and the Sunshine Coast Airport is close by. Perfect!

Most artists feel they are on a 'plateau' and are not sure how to move forward to a more polished, refined and professional level. This is my specialty!

My workshops and tuition are unique. I focus on teaching the skills of:

- In-depth colour mixing and colour trails

- Colour temperature - this is absolutely invaluable information allowing us to create and mould three dimensional form that looks tangible

- How to use complementary colours to push/pull our subjects allowing them to live comfortably in the correct painted space

- Layering: how to create luminous, clean glowing colours through knowledge of washes and colour properties

- Understanding watercolour in-depth

- Observation, analysis and interpretation

- Intelligent composition

- How to capture emotion in your paintings

- Fine tuning: this stage is when our paintings gain that polish and the edge that pulls them together creating a painting that speaks to the viewers of our work through naturalistic realism.

- My workshops are so much more than learning how to paint one painting. I want to extend your skills and confidence so you have the tools and knowledge that you can adapt to any subject matter in your own painting workspace/studio.

- I think of my workshops as an investment in your future paintings, painting pleasure and the joy your work will bring others”

Enjoy a retreat from everyday life. Come and spoil yourself as you become immersed in the joy of learning the breakthroughs Susan has discovered and developed on her watercolour journey.

These are the skills that have lead to her international recognition and demand for international workshops, sales of 60 thousand copies of her book around the globe, 25 thousand watercolour instruction DVD sales world-wide, as well as numerous magazine and book articles and features.

In Susan’s words:

“It is so very important for artists to share what they have learned and developed. It is my great pleasure to announce this opportunity for you to learn all I know about watercolour while relaxing and having a fun time with like-minded artists in beautiful Maroochydore on the Sunshine Coast of Australia."

Please note that these are the only workshops Susan will be conducting in the next 2 years. If you would like to take advantage of this rare opportunity - contact Susan or Richard via the contact form below

Workshop Dates

First Workshop:           28th, 29th and 30th September 2013

Second Workshop:       4th, 5th and 6th October 2013

Contact Susan or Richard for further details

Your name: Your email address: Your Country: Type your message: Enter code > >

We have some great news to share with you!

Europe is calling....

We are now able to announce our Portrait of Europe - A Mediterranean Odyssey 2014 tour!

Our Mediterranean Odyssey 2014 preliminary tour brochure is here!

The feedback we receive is you would like us to announce our tours earlier as many of you prefer to make your travel plans well in advance.

With this in mind, we have put together an early outline of our Portrait of Europe - A Mediterranean Odyssey 2014 tour. This is just an initial brochure so you are able to see the exciting destinations we have woven together to make this 2014 tour another unique and magical small group tour of Europe.

Click on the link below to view our initial brochure and outline of our Portrait of Europe - A Mediterranean Odyssey 2014 tour:

Portrait of Europe

The final brochure and pricing will be released once the 2014 hotel prices are available.

Our reputation for creating unique, leisurely-paced, fun-filled tours to spectacular European destinations has meant word-of-mouth has spread awareness of our tours far and wide.

What makes this tour so unique?

• Exceptional tour to destinations personally selected by Richard and myself
• Uniquely different, our tours focus on sight-seeing as well as art, photography, wine appreciation and Mediterranean cuisine to enable you to savour and capture the essence of our destinations.
• For those who would love to try their hand at painting - or would like to extend their painting skills - I will be there to help you portray the magic of your adventure in watercolour.
• Richard will extend your photography skills in a 'how to make the most of your digital camera' workshop - the spectacular scenery and your awe-inspiring experiences will be portrayed in beautiful photographs forever.
• Richard will also share his vast knowledge of wine as we enjoy two exceptional wine tasting experiences you will never forget.
• Two Mediterranean cook-schools - one in Turkey and one in France - will ensure you bring back cuisine skills and recipes to savour .
• We are tour leaders with extensive experience and a passion to offer tours that allow our guests time to delight in the heart and soul of each destination
• An essential ingredient is the leisurely-paced nature of our tours allowing 3 - 4 nights in most land-based destinations
• Beautiful hand-picked hotels
• Luxury Azamara Quest 7 night cruise exploring Turkey and the Greek Islands (Veranda Staterooms)
• Private luxury air-conditioned coach with English speaking driver.
• We show you what we feel is the best of the best of Europe at an affordable price.
• We specialize in introducing you to experiences you never knew existed.
• Leave your cares behind, put yourself in the hands of well-travelled and highly experienced tour leaders (Richard and myself) and let us whisk you away for 29 nights of fun, laughter, adventure and a holiday of a lifetime - memories that you will savour and enjoy forever.

You may like to take a look at some images from our previous tour

Please note:

The current brochure is an initial outline of what we have in mind. There is still fine tuning to be done where we add additional excursions and experiences. While every effort has been made to provide information as accurately as possible please be aware that some changes may need to be made for practical reasons, but our aim always will be to make any substitutions that are as good as or better than those detailed here.

What to do now?

If you would love to join us on our Portrait of Europe - Mediterranean Odyssey tour in September 2014 - or if you are interested to know more - feel free to contact Richard or myself. Contact details below.

"Sharing our experience and passion for the mystical places that draw us back to savour again and again is a great passion for Richard and me. We create unique tours that are seamlessly woven together so you can delight in experiences that dreams are made of. Richard and I would love you to join us aboard this trip of a lifetime."

We hope you can join us!

Please click to contact Susan and Richard

'A côte de la Fontaine'
- Oil on Belgian Linen -
© Susan Harrison-Tustain

'Josephine Bruce'
Watercolor on Arches hot pressed paper
© Susan Harrison-Tustain

You will find it is easier to determine whether a painting is watercolor painting or whether it is an oil painting - if you view it in an art gallery of course.
Looking on-line - you will find the background probably helps you to determine which is which. The red rose is the watercolor.
I am sure you are wondering how can these velvet-looking red roses can be painted in watercolor.

Art on line Lesson:
Observation is the key. These are the things you need to ask yourself:

• What does the surface of the rose petals tell you
• What does the texture of the rose petals tell you
• Are they opaque or are they semi-transparent?
• How does is the light affected by the surface - is it absorbed into the surface or reflected and bouncing off the surface?
• Are the highlights hard-edged or muted and flared? Compare the front vertical surface of the upper, right red rose. Does that have the same texture as the inside surface of the rose? Is it as velvety? How do you know it is more shiny and smooth?
• You will have now established that the surface of the inner side of the petals is velvety. Velvet absorbs light and gently flairs the highlight rather than allowing it to appear hard-edged.
• Compare the upper leaf - on the right hand side of the painting. Can you see how that appears shiny?

Now let's take a look at the pink rose:
Ask yourself questions about the surface and textures you see on the pink rose petals:

• Are the petals opaque or semi transparent? How can you tell?
• Do the petals have a velvety texture or are they smooth surfaced?
• In this case the main bloom has a few petals that are wet from the nearby fountain. How can you tell the top left petal is wet? Think about how I have suggested a wet surface?

We can be the best artist in the world at welding a watercolor brush and mixing color - but if we do not observe and analyse our subjects well - our paintings will struggle to be more than just an attractive wall hanging.
As artists we are story tellers. Become as adept in observation as you are at painting, and you will have a winning combination.
This is how to watercolor and how to oil paint - but it is also how to create paintings that speak to the viewers of your work.
There are just a few of the considerations we artists need to be aware of when wanting to know how to paint watercolor and how to paint oil paintings of roses or anything at all for that matter. Teach yourself to understand what is in front of you and you will find your paintings will eventually become masterworks.

These are just some of the observations, good analysis of art will reveal to you. Without this information and analysis, artists would find it difficult to capture the 'feel' and the sumptuous nature of this rose - or any other subject.

Teaching watercolor and oil painting is a passion for me. My teachings, on-line workshops, one on one workshops and of course my art instruction DVDs - all with their sound and in-depth teaching - give the artist a solid base to grown from exponentially. Knowledge and understanding bring confidence and drive to move out of the usual comfort zone, off that plateau and to discover a whole new world of possibilities and artistic potential.
Have fun!
Susan

I have so often asked the following questions:

• Which watercolor paper is best to use
• What is the difference between Hot Pressed Watercolor Paper and Cold Pressed Watercolor Paper
• What is size - on watercolor paper and how does the size affect the painting

I am sure the answers to these and many more of your questions regarding watercolor paper will be of interest to many :

I have spent an enormous amount of time and dollars trialling papers, paint, brushes, tapes (you should see the huge pile of tapes I have sitting in my studio!) - all in a mission to find the most suitable products available. As you will surely know - there is a vast amount of choice out there!

In an effort to reduce the frustration, costly and overwhelming task all artists face when choosing product - from time to time I will let you know my findings. Hopefully my experience will enable you to save your time and money and keep your energy for the creation of your fabulous paintings!

Firstly I will begin by saying the products I use and recommend are chosen because they are the most suitable I can find for their properties and applications. I do not receive any financial benefit from any manufacturer - and for this reason I am free to give an unbiased and genuine appraisal of the products I have chosen to use.

Which watercolor paper to use?

I find the best watercolor paper - for my methods is chosen for a number of specific reasons. The first and most important one is the surface of the paper.

For my purposes Arches 140lbs (300gsm) Hot Pressed Paper (natural white) is ideal. Bright white is too white for my palette. I prefer a hot pressed surface to work on for the reasons set out later in this article.
I find all paper does require stretching if you are using water on your painting.

However a study painted in dry brush probably would not require stretching. Just securing your paper to your board with tape will be fine in that instance.

There are also 300lb (600gsm) hot pressed papers available. This  may not need stretching as long as you do not plan to create large washes that invariably require a reasonable amount of water.

When painting in watercolor (no matter which weight of  paper I use), regardless of paper weight - I always stretch my paper, as I use a great deal of water to create the exciting and three dimensional effects I love to create.

'Floral Dance' - watercolor painting © Susan Harrison-Tustain

Floral Dance. One of my favourite watercolor floral pieces. See the soft blending and color transitions in the petals. Compare those to the undulating leaves and 'suggested' leaves emerging from the soft watery background.

What happens when we don't stretch our paper?

• When laying in washes the water is absorbed into the paper and softens and swells the fibres. The paper begins to roll and develop troughs and highs. Imagine trying to paint when our paper has an undulating surface. This is what happens when our paper is not stretched:
• The paper swells and rolls
• Additional washes compound the issue with even more convincing undulations!
• The rises result in great troughs
• The paint pigment particles are suspended in water and is less able to settle on the rises and therefore will naturally accumulate in strength in the troughs
• This results in sweeps of light color on the rises and a saturation of color in the troughs - resulting in a stripy painting that is impossible to disguise

What happens when we  stretch our paper?

• >When dry our paper becomes as tight as a drum.

• When rewet during washes, the paper remains flat and with an even surface tension. (Unless you use too much water of course)

• Applying paint to a smooth surface means our paint has no undulations to contend with - therefore our paint is controlled and dries evenly.

• When we are finished our washes - our paper dries as tight as a drum once again - totally flat, with an even tension, ready for your subsequent washes or if finished - ready for your frame! 

 'Time for reflection' - watercolor painting
© Susan Harrison-Tustain

Time For Reflection. A painting where hot pressed paper allowed me to create the smoothness of young skin and the soft folds of fabric and gentle nuances of reflected and seamless color in her skirt.

What is the best watercolor paper for my painting methods?

My choice is Arches Hot Pressed 140lbs (300gsm) paper. I choose this paper for a number of reasons:

It has the hardest gum size (and therefore surface), which means you have more time to manoeuvre your paint before it is absorbed into the paper.
It also means it can take a lot of battering without showing distress to the surface or fibres. It is therefore much more forgiving than any other paper I have found.

Arches Hot Pressed paper is quite smooth so it is also ideal for creating details and smooth graduations of color. This is ideal when painting petals, painting skin, painting skies, painting porcelain, painting water, painting fabric, etc.

Detail of watercolor painting 'Awakening'
© Susan Harrison-Tustain

This is a detail of my watercolor painting titled Awakening. A soft gentle composition describing the Awakening of womanhood. I chose to paint silk satin fabric to emphasize the elegance and grace of this woman, this moment, this atmosphere. You can imagine how imperative it is to have smooth soft transitions of color to describe the flow of the silk, the folds in the fabric and the youthful skin.

When painting a line - I do not want to contend with indentations that cause a line to appear erratic or less straight.

Hot-Pressed paper also allows me to chose if I want to paint a straight line, a lost and found line, a wiggly line - in a painterly style - or in a more detailed style of painting in watercolor. I often use both styles in the one painting. This is a great tool to be aware of as the painterly area of a work, will guide the eye over the restful area and allow the viewer to become absorbed within the emotion and finer, more detailed work that weaves the story I want to tell in watercolor.

Hot Pressed paper is also perfect for reproduction purposes for books, art magazines, and images.

It is interesting to note that Arches 90lb and Arches 300lbs Hot Pressed has much less size on the surface so the paint and water is absorbed much more readily than it is when using 140lbs Hot Pressed.
90lbs Hot Pressed also buckles readily even if stretched.

I immerse my paper for 3 minutes. Then stretch it using water activated watercolor stretching tape.
I dry it flat and stretched on Gator Board.

The heavier the paper certainly does not equal 'better' paper to paint on.

Different weight papers have different gum sized surfaces as explained above. But each paper manufacturer will use a different set of criteria.

Be aware not all hot pressed papers are equal. Many hot pressed papers are fine - but generally the amount of size used on the surface of the paper can vary. The more size used - the harder the surface and the slower the absorbency of our water. This is important. If less size is used It is easier to damage a softer surface and the paper absorbs water very quickly.

There are different surfaces available in watercolor paper. I use hot pressed exclusively. Here is a list of other surfaces commonly available. These are good papers - but best used for different painting methods than mine:

Cold Pressed Watercolor paper:

There are many excellent brands of cold pressed paper available. In my experience I find these have a much softer and more absorbent surface. Once again these are not as ideal for my painting methods as the Arches hot pressed 140lbs paper that I love to use.

My comments above on the effects of the indentations are also true of cold pressed paper.

Cold pressed paper is wonderful for very painterly works. You can skim across the top of the paper with your brush held on it's side - clipping the surface and leaving the indentations to remain white. A wonderful way to create the sparkling sunlight on a rippled sea. But of course - not so useful when you want a beautiful smooth and gentle transition or blend of colors describing soft skin or petals etc.

Rough Watercolor Paper

"Rough" is the name given to a very rough surfaced watercolor paper. This is another excellent paper but it performs very differently from Hot Pressed paper. The undulations on the surface of Rough paper are very apparent. Therefore this paper is best kept for very painterly watercolor work. It would be very difficult to create fine detail with this watercolor paper.

I personally prefer to use Hot Pressed because I then have the best of all worlds: I can paint in fine detail where I want the viewers eye to focus and engage with my subject. I can also paint in a very painterly manner surrounding my main focus. This acts as a foil and a support to guide the viewer to my main subject.
I do hope that helps you with your questions about which watercolor paper to use for the methods I love to teach and paint.

Watch this space for more hints and tips to help you on how to paint in watercolor and how to paint in oil.

Have fun on this wonderful journey we are all walking together!
You can also find information stretching paper here:
http://www.susanart.com/blog/articles-free-watercolor-lessons

(as well as numerous other free painting articles I have written).

Check out the other reference and informational areas on my website. They are created for especially to help artists. I remember so very clearly, the time when I was frustrated and felt I was stuck on a plateau and yearned for the knowledge that would help me lift my work so much higher - to know how to paint all I wanted to paint, capture what I was passionate about, express the feeling a subject brought to me and speak to the viewers of my work. There was no one who was painting as I wanted to paint. No one I could ask or learn from.

This is my motivation in writing, filming, sharing and teaching.

Join me in my How to Paint in Watercolor DVDs:

My how to paint in watercolor DVDs are designed to extend you even further. Every day I receive numerous messages from artists from all over the world who have purchased my DVDs. (in excess of 25,000 DVDs sold around the world). It is a humbling notion that my DVDs are helping so many artists. It was my dream to help - spurred on by my own early career when I felt the frustration that came with the thirst for knowledge and understanding of painting. The breakthroughs and revelations I discovered, developed and learned on my 'self taught' journey, opened a whole new way of thinking, painting and potential. My DVDs are dedicated to sharing all the skills and knowledge that have allowed me to reach way beyond my dreams. Enjoy this magical journey!

Susan

Just click on the picture below for all the information you need to know about my DVDs - including free previews!

This is one of my early paintings showing you how I used to paint before I discovered how to paint in watercolor using my Priming Method.

 Take a look at the hard edges, shadows and the raw washed-out colors in this early painting.

Now take a look below at the difference in the next painting (just four paintings beyond this one above).

Free watercolor painting lesson!

Teaching myself how to paint has meant that I learned to understand how to paint in watercolor and how much water to use and how to create fine layers of color, how to mould form using color temperature (warm and cool colors), how to create soft folds in fabric and petals and how to paint leaves using my yellow underwash technique. Can you see how I have created glowing shadow colors? Painting roses or fabric, the sea, the sky, a portrait, still life - all in watercolor - is not difficult - you just need to learn how to observe, and learn how to understand warm and cool color and how to build layers of color to create delicate transitions, rich depths of color and glowing richness - all without creating mud.

Here is your Free watercolor painting lesson. You will find this an invaluable tool that you can adapt to any subject matter you may choose.

It all begins with my Priming Method ©

Here are my instructions so you, too, can enjoy painting using this magical method.

My Priming Method:

In the initial stages of most of my paintings I use my Priming Method to create

luminous glowing transitions of color.

The Magic of my Priming Method:

Step 1

Wet area to be painted and allow it is sink into the inner layers of the paper.

Step 2

When the sheen from the first clear water wash has just disappeared from the surface of the paper – lay in a second clear water wash.

Step 3

Lay your pigmented wash immediately into the second clear water wash.

There you have it! That is all there is to it!

Why is this watercolor lesson so invaluable?

If you use a transparent palette of hues as well as a very finely ground paint such as the ones I use (Schmincke) – you will find your pigment will be absorbed into the inner layers of your paper. Once bone dry you can add as many washes of color (using my Priming Method) as you wish. But do remember to let each pigmented wash become bone dry.

I always build up the first few layers of my color using my Priming Method. Once I have established my initial smooth blending - if the size of area is not large – I will then progress to using a wet-in-wet method. This wet in wet method is exactly as the name suggests: it is simply a matter of dropping wet paint into a wet surface. My final layers are often wet on dry and dry-brush.

You will find by using my Priming Method on the Initial layers of your painting, you will be able to create a reality and a 'substance' in your work. You can then build your subsequent layers using the traditional wet in wet, wet on dry and dry-brush methods. There are many wonderful benefits in this watercolor lesson:

• It is a free watercolor lesson
• My Priming Method allows you to create seamless and gentle gradations of color
• You can easily multilayer your color (to create beautiful luminous depths of the one hue) or a multitude of colors laid on top of each other (once each is bone dry) and this will result in jewel-like final color that glows from within.
• You can easily create soft edged shadow colors using this free watercolor lesson on my Priming Method
• This method will revolutionize how you can paint so many subjects:

1. How to paint a luminous clear sky or sunset where the gentle transitions of color flow seamlessly into each other.
2. How to paint a porcelain bowl
3. How to paint skin
4. How to paint fabric
5. How to paint black, brown and blonde hair
6. How to paint the sea
7. How to paint fruit
8. How to paint water
9. How to paint reflections
10. How to paint animal fur
11. How to paint leaves
12. How to paint roses
13. How to paint flowers
14. How to paint figurative works

You can see the list is endless. The free watercolor painting lesson above can revolutionize your painting skills and lift your painting level if you practice, learn and use it in the early stages of your paintings. You can see how it impacted on mine!

With this method I am able to capture a true sense of being there – a presence - a substance that feels tangible - as if you can reach into the painting and smell the rose or touch the dewdrop on the leaf.

You may like to watch some of the Youtube videos I have created - this one below is the step by step layering of my still life painting for my DVD. You will see how I build soft delicate shades as well as rich deep or vibrant shades of color - all using my Priming Method:

I have created many Youtube videos that may help you on your journey. Search for my name on Youtube to find them.

My DVDs are also jam-packed full with all of the watercolor breakthroughs that have made all the difference to my watercolor journey.

Have fun - watercolor is a magical and exciting medium full of revelations!

I hope you have enjoyed this free watercolor painting lesson.

Susan

The Power of Us: New Zealanders Who Dare to Dream

Susan Harrison-Tustain is humbled and honoured to be included in a new book that celebrates "53 inspirational New Zealanders who dare to dream". The book is the result of a collaboration between New Zealander of the Year (2010), Sir Ray Avery, television journalist and interviewer Cameron Bennett and noted photographer Adrian Malloch.

Sir Ray Avery is the author of the best-selling autobiography Rebel with a Cause, which charted his rise from street kid to knighthood. He is the CEO of the award-winning development agency Medicine Mondiale which manages a global network of Scientific, Clinical and business  experts who donate their knowledge and time to develop medical solutions which make quality healthcare accessible to everyone. Sir Ray was the recipient of the Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year Award 2010, The Blake Leadership Medal 2010 and Knight Grand Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit in the 2011 New Year honours list for services to philanthropy.

"Nobody is as clever as all of us" is one of Sir Ray Avery’s key philosophies — the importance of teamwork and harnessing the talents of a group. The book is a celebration of 53 New Zealanders who are extraordinary in their own fields, both locally and internationally. Drawn from many activities — science, business, writing, film, sport, art, technology — each person is a high achiever and a risk taker. At the book launch in Auckland, Sir Ray said "I wanted this book to focus on the people who play on the world stage and do incredible things for New Zealand. The people who were selected for the book had excelled across a range of fields and deserved to be recognized for their work."

Susan Harrison-Tustain feels incredibly honoured and humbled to have been asked to feature in this book of New Zealand achievers."This is a compelling book. Looking from the reader's perspective it is immensely inspiring to see how 'ordinary' people have dared to believe in their dreams and have made them happen. But more than that - these are 'ordinary' people with extraordinary passions; people who have kept their feet on the ground through the hard work and the successes, the knock-backs and the surges forward. These are Kiwis and this book will be an inspiration to all who read it. It is not just for New Zealanders - it is universal. It is one of those books you will not want to put down. The message is that we can all reach our goals - and beyond - it is just a matter of daring to take flight. "After reading this book, it is hard to imagine how anyone could use the words 'I can't' ever again" says Susan.

The Power of Us is available through all good New Zealand book sellers. For those overseas, please write to Susan via her 'Contact' form 

You have asked for it and now we are ready to launch the:

Susan Harrison-Tustain School of Painting!

What does this mean for you?

• Susan Harrison-Tustain School of Painting On-Line Painting Critiques
• Susan Harrison-Tustain School of Painting  6 Month On-Line Painting Courses
• Susan Harrison-Tustain School of Painting One on One Workshop (in Susan’s studio)

The Susan Harrison-Tustain School of Painting is designed for all levels of skill from beginners to advanced and professional artists.

As artists we often reach a plateau in our painting journey - we want to move forward but are not sure how.

The Susan Harrison-Tustain School of Painting is specifically designed to help you understand and reach your full potential.
"After twenty years of teaching painting workshops in New Zealand, US and Europe, and an internationally best selling North American published book, as well as best selling watercolor DVDs - the demand for my painting tuition is far outweighing the time I have. So I have created The Susan Harrison-Tustain School of Painting where on an individual basis I can lift your work to the next level and beyond. My school of painting is about understanding your goals and then you and I working together to achieve them. Depending on which mode of tuition you chose, I can tailor an Art Critique, a personlized One on One Workshop in my studio or a 6 month Painting Course specifically to meet your needs.

A personal critique of your artwork, online workshop and private One on One painting workshops are the ideal way to learn how to paint in Watercolor and Oil – and extend your painting skills, understanding and knowledge.

Do you want help with your painting? Do you want to learn:

- how to choose your subject

- how to create the best compositions

- what to leave out

- what to avoid

- what to emphasize

- how to interpret your subject

- how to analyse your subject

- how to really ‘see’ you subject

- where to begin to paint

- how much water to use with your watercolor paint

- how to apply your paint

- how to create smooth washes

- how to paint underwashes and underpainting

TOUR 2012

"Portrait of Europe  -

An Artist's Mediterranean Odyssey 2012"

~~~ A spectacular 29 day sight-seeing, painting, photography, wine appreciation and European cuisine tour! ~~~

Join Susan and Richard for a superb tour of their favourite haunts of Europe. A unique tour focused on sight-seeing, painting, photography, wine appreciation and European Cuisine.

Have you always wanted to visit Europe or return to some of the most incredible destinations Europe has to offer in a leisurely paced taylor-made tour?

But don't want to travel on your own?

Would you like to travel with a small group of like-minded people and in the security of a very  experienced tour guides who can take care of everything for you?

(Click on the image of the brochure to read the full itinerary. The brochure may take a short while to download as the beautiful image file is large.)

Join Susan and Richard with their small group for a magical, leisurely-paced tour to magnificent destinations. This is a tour with a difference. Specializing in unique tours, Susan and Richard have personally created an itinerary offering a trip of a life-time. Focussed on sight-seeing, there are also many opportunities if you have always wanted to try your hand at painting. Imagine sitting painting in an ancient European village cobbled street, or amongst the wild-flowers and summer grasses in a meadow below the Swiss Alps - cows with bells and snow capped mountains and chalets hugging the hillside. With waterfalls and the aroma of summer/autumn captured in every stroke - this is a tour that will take your breath away with the spectacular experiences we have in store for you. You may be an experienced artist - Susan will be there for you all - guiding you every step of the way.

Your passion may be photography. Where better than on a unique European tour to learn how to get the most out of your digital camera! Richard will be there to offer you his expertise as well as two workshops on how to take magnificent shots of the stunning scenery, markets, people, birds and all nature has to offer.

Richard will also conduct two wine appreciation evenings where he will share his vast knowledge and many magnificent European wines for you to explore.

While in Bellagio, Lake Como we will visit star chef Luigi Gandola's famous restaurant. We have a cook school booked for you which begins with a visit to Luigi's Mamma's vegetable and herb garden. Then it is back to the restaurant to try our hand at Italian cooking with Luigi's expert guidance. How idyllic! The icing on the cake of course is that evening we get to eat the foods in a banquet of fine food and wine! This evening will be the second of Richard's wine appreciation evenings.

Have you longed to cruise in a five star cruise liner along the French and Italian Rivieras? The quality of the cruise we have chosen and the fantastic destinations are outstanding and allow us to visit numerous places including Portofino, Cinque Terre, Florence, Amalfi, Sorrento, Capri, Taormina, Rome - amongst others in a leisurely cruise where there is time to soak up the flavour of each destination.

This is only a very small sample of the long list of magical destinations and excursions we have planned for this unique land and cruise tour - our 2012 "Portrait of Europe Tour'

Click on the image for the full itinerary. The brochure may take a short while to download as the beautiful image file is large. Feel free to contact Susan and Richard using their contact form if you have any queries.

This tour has only just been released. Already we see the tour is almost full. We hope you can join us for this trip of a life-time!

Less than a week to go before my Recollection exhibition opening! It is very exciting. My favorite moment is when the exhibition is declared open and each marshal standing next to each painting, removes the cloak and reveals the paintings for the first time. There is always a moment of silence, then "Ahhhhhh!" Four year's work unveiled at one time. It is a magical moment.

The opening function is a beautiful event. Ross Bachelder who titles himself "The Flute Guy" is flying from Maine USA especially to play at my exhibition. You will have heard me say previously that Sir Ray Avery will be officially opening the exhibition and Jon Mayson will be MC. It will be a beautiful evening. So many people travel huge distances to visit my exhibitions so I love create an experience that won't be forgotten.

I love to hear guests say that particular paintings from previous exhibitions still remain in their memories. It is then that I know my paintings have spoken to the viewer. It is an awesome feeling. Humbling.

New Paintings are added to the exhibition gallery.

© Susan Harrison-Tustain

I hope you enjoy the new painting releases and the inspiration that compelled me to paint them.

I am still painting - trying to finish the last piece. It is a watercolor painting of two white doves sitting in a church alcove - with a stained glass window behind. I have titled it Lofty Refuge. When I have finished that piece I will post it here - but in the meantime - surprise!!!!!! here are some more new pieces you won't have seen yet. You can see a close up of these painting on my Exhibition 2011 page in the Fine Art section of this website.

For those coming to the exhibition - travel safely and I look forward to seeing you!

See you soon
Susan

'Bellbird'
Watercolour on Arches Hot Pressed 300 gsm (140 lb) Watercolour Paper
485mm x 190mm
(19 in x 7 1/2 in)
© Susan Harrison-Tustain

A picnic stopover at Mavora Lakes, Southland, on a back road to Lake Wakatipu and Walter Peek. So pure and so clear the Bellbird call drew our attention to this slightly nectar inebriated songster dashing amongst the flax flowers.

See more new original paintings on my exhibition page.

Mixing Greens

You will see I have created a number of different greens in this watercolor painting. Flax bushes are often a blue green on the under side and as the leaves turn away from the light - they tend to be a more yellow green on the front.
How do I create these watercolor greens? We all know that when a surface faces the sky - it is influenced by the blue or grey of the sky color. So you can see that very clearly in this painting. I use much less yellow in my green mix to give this illusion. My green mix is Schmincke Sap Green and a touch of Thalo Blue. If I need to grey the blue/green color a little - I add a tiny touch of Scarlet Red.

You can see the area away from the light is a richer more vibrant green. I use my  underwash of Aureolin Yellow Modern in these areas. I let it dry and then add my Sap Green, a touch of Thalo Blue and Aureolin Yellow. If I need a pale color - I simply use more water. You can see how I push my greens from warm to cool, light to dark, rich to pale. Painting green leaves is a fantastic way to learn how you can create a three dimension by allowing a color to dominate.

For example: more blue will give the impression of the sky affecting the green. More yellow in your green mix will give the impression that part of the leaf is away from the effect of the sky. A warm green gives the effect of the leaf being affected by shadow. Learn how to paint green leaves by creating a similar type of leaf. You will find these lessons invaluable. Not only for mixing greens but it will teach you how to apply this color theory to any of your color mixes - no matter whether they are oil paintings, watercolor paintings, pastel studies or acrylic paintings. It is all about observation. Have a look at the video below to learn more about the perfect green!
Have fun!
Susan

 

In my Art Lessons section you will find more helpful tips and articles.

If you want to learn more about Watercolor Painting and Watercolor Technique check out my Watercolor DVDs.