An oil painting from Capri at Marina Piccola

I loved Capri, wished I had stayed longer now. The little island has everything one needs to be happy, culture, cafes, mountains ocean, art. Here is an Oil I did of a little cove at Marina Piccola, much smaller than Marina Grande on the other side, which is what most people see first on arrival to the Isle of Capri. Marina Piccola is small, quiet, crystal clear water, boats great for painting, or renting! You could spend a whole lifetime dreaming just there. A small cat wandering around there reminded me that some creatures do just that!

One of My Students Watercolor Abstracts

I wanted to show these small watercolors by one of my students, Jody Holt, she shows a lot of promise and has come a long way from her early timid ways, to these fresh bold color studies. Bravo Jody! Keep painting

Oil Painting Class Materials

The range of quality pigments and brushes can be mind boggling and is all over the place, so I have narrowed this down a bit for you. I have been working all morning till my eyes have gone blurry on what to suggest for the JCA Oil painting class. I will assume that if you have painted before you already have a set of oils. Newcomers to oils may not even know if they will be committed to this enough to continue so naturally you don't want to spend a fortune to test the waters. So here is my basic suggestion for newcomers: go to DickBlick.com for a simple set of
#9152 White Taklon, Set of 5">5 brushes I have picked them out for you. Then got to Dick Blick.com to get an
Introductory Set of 10 Colors">introductory oil set border="0"/> for $55. Another choice and cheaper is a complete set
Daler-Rowney Graduate Oil Easel Set">Daler-Rowney Graduate Oil Easel Set for $35. Also at Dick Blick , my favorite is a ">Gamblin Deluxe Oil Painting Kit with easel, it has everything for $149.99.

If you are shopping locally: Set of white nylons brushes -Flats #12,#4, #2, and rounds Filbert#4,#2, a Whale tale palette knife, Gamblin refined linseed oil, stand oil, Gamblin Gamsol pure odorless mineral spirits, four 8X8" Ray mar Boards to paint on or some canvas boards will do, disposable, a Strathmore paper palette tablet, and a small oil tub and brush cleaning bottle with a coil in it, for thinner, paper towels or rags.

To Clarify Class Schedules and Prices

Thank you CCPVB, JCA, and Reddi Arts -for hosting the 3 Locations in Jacksonville!
and to add a new theme for the Cultural Center PVB (ABSTRACTS!)
LOCATION 1:
Cultural Center Ponte Vedra Beach, www.CCPVB.org
50 Executive Way , Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 280-0614
7 Classes per session
Session 1 Watercolors
Tues- Jan.11 -Feb 22: 10 am- 1pm Member $202.50 Non-member $252
Prices reflect the 10% early Bird signup discount ending Jan 1
Session 2 Watercolors starts Mar 1- April 12 10% early registration discount ends Feb. 19.

(A CCPVB NEW CLASS!) ABSTRACTS Simple and Fun- Member $162 Non-member $202.50
Session 1 Abstracts starts Thursday Jan 13-Feb 24
Session 2 Abstracts Mar 3- April 14 10% early registration discount ends Feb. 19.

LOCATION 2:
JCA - 730-2100 Jewish Community Alliance Jacksonville www.jcajax.org
8505 San Jose Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32217
Watercolors 6 week class $102. members $153 non members
Session 1 Jan.10 -Feb 14 Mon- 10 am-12pm
Session 2 Mar. 7 -Apr 11 Mon- 10 am-12 pm
Oils 6 week class $102. members $153 non members
Session 1 Jan.10 -Feb 14 Mon- 1 am-3pm

LOCATION 3:
Reddi Arts www.reddiarts.com 1037 Hendricks Avenue
Jacksonville, Florida 32207
398-3161
Session 1 Fridays 6 week class
January 14, 21, 28 and Feb 4, 11, 18
10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Cost $195.00 per student (not including materials)

Color Mixing-a solution for the vexed

It came up in class that a student had trouble with color mixing. As my students rotate and some come and go at different times I thought it would be easy and handy to have access to a guide like this for all students who were wrestling with this to have as a primer guide. I discovered this Magic Palette Artist's Color Mixing Guide and found it is available at
Magic Palette Artist’s Color Selector and Mixing Guide">Blick for $7.63 at 11 1/2" X 11 1/2" or 24" X 24" size is 20.80.

Magic Palette by The Color Wheel Co. - With Dee Solin

Todays Watercolor Demos-Wet on wet on Hot Pressed

These demos are to encourage you to use wetter color mixes and this in particular is on Hot Pressed which has the smoother surface, which has less water absorbency and creates unexpected accidents. So have fun.

Watercolor slide show

Landscapes in Florida

While I am always in search of the Ultimate Cafe, I live and work in Florida, and find the peace and solace of the north florida area to my liking. Here a a few watercolors below that I did in the Talbot Island area this year. I am also in search of the light and glow that make this area unique.

 
 
 
 

I Am Always in Search of The Ultimate Cafe!

One of my favorite things to do after a watercolor in Europe, early in the day is to refresh myself with a great croissant or similar pleasure (usually -no, always involving eating! ) and coffee at the many wondrous variety of cafes there. Then I review the morning efforts. When I am inspired and the watercolor is flowing, my soul flies like Icarus. (Play any favorite great classical lyric here!) Then after seeking my next charming spot, ( preferably with a great place to sit ), I repeat the whole process and end with a night of wine and song. That is when I am closest to the concept of heaven!