"Luminous" Latest Watercolor of a Colorful Floral Painting in Yellow and Pink

"Luminous" P.J. Cook

Colorful watercolor in yellow and pink flowers is a new original painting offered in a nice gold wood frame size 22" x 28" Price is $950 and will brighten up any room with the luminous color. I set up this still life with the flowers and apples and then painted the original watercolor. For more information on purchasing this watercolor painting send an email to" pj@pjcookartist.com.
Thanks

Latest Shoreline Painting by P.J. Cook and Watercolor Lessons Starting Wednesday

Shore View

New original painting offered with a beautiful gold frame. Inspiration for this painting is from the beautiful shoreline along Long Island Sound in Connecticut. There are still some undeveloped areas where the beaches are untouched. This is an original acrylic painting 20 inch by 20 inch with a overall size of 26 inches with the frame. Painting can be viewed and purchased at Aritsans Harbor, 188 Main St. in Old Saybrook, CT. Wed - Sat from noon to 5pm and Sundays 10:30- 2pm.

New Watercolor Lessons starting this Wednesday May 16, 2012 from 2:30 - 4:30. Watercolor classes are held at Artisans Harbor, in Saybrook, CT. All levels of artists are welcome. There will be 6 classes held once a week on Wednesdays. Various techniques, tips and tricks will be taught as the students follow along as I demonstrate a new technique each week.

If you have any questions please email at pj@pjcookartist.com
Thank you

Cape Cod Light Watercolor With Seashell Display Stand

Cape Cod Light Watercolor on Seashell Display

Original watercolor ready to display on your table for a unique beach cottage look. Cape Cod's Highland Light watercolor suspended over a base of real seashells. A great way to display this original seascape painting.

Cape Cod's Highland Lighthouse Original Watercolor

This is a closeup of the 5" by 7" watercolor of the Highland Light. Paintings slide in the wire holder easily so they can be changed to a new painting at any time. Approximate height 16 inches. Any painting can be ordered of your favorite scene or vacation spot.

Closeup of Seashell Display Stand

The base is made of real seashells complemented with white beads as you can see in this closeup view of the display base. These are priced at $65. and makes a great gift. To order go to beachcottageart.com for purchasing and shipping info.

"Winter Light" Watercolor Painted as a Demonstration in my Class

"Winter Light"

The watercolor shown here is a demonstration painting done at one of my recent watercolor classes. This painting is done using a pouring technique and then is finished with direct painting. The students worked along with me step by step while I was painting. Pouring paint is a different approach to watercolor painting and is usually new to people in the class and can be a lot of fun.

My next class starts Jan 14 through Feb 18, 2012 at Artisans Harbor in Old Saybrook, CT. Contact me via email through my About page here on this blog or Artisans Harbor directly 860-388-9070.

Painting Watercolor Washes - Creating Mood in a Painting

Here is a recent watercolor that I have completed of a foggy, grey day at the Saybrook Breakwater Lighthouse located at the mouth of the Connecticut River in Long Island Sound. There is a small pond near Katherine Hepburn's old house in the Fenwick section of town that overlooks the lighthouse and that is what I have painted here in this watercolor.

In the watercolor class that I teach at Artisans Harbor in Saybrook , CT we have been practicing washes and the painting here I started with a nice grey wash of raw sienna first and then a mix of ultramaine blue and raw umber to create the moody background. This watercolor is all framed in a double off-white mat with a thin gold frame and can be viewed at Artisans Harbor on Main St. in Old Saybrook, CT or it can be shipped. The painting price is $250.

If you have any questions about the painting please send along an email.
Thanks, PJ

New Watercolor Painting of Ocean Wave With Wind Blown Spray

Seven by twelve inch watercolor.

Here is a small watercolor I did recently of an ocean wave from Rhode Island's Beavertail State Park. I painted this as a small study for a possible larger painting in oil. The wind was blowing the spray off the tops of the breaking waves and I tried to show that here in this watercolor. The painting is 12 inches by 7 inches.

Watercolor Demonstration in Old Saybrook During Gallery Opening

A watercolor demonstration by artist PJ Cook.

This photo was taken while I was giving a watercolor demonstration at Artisans Harbor during the last gallery opening in Old Saybrook, Connecticut. The next demo will be on Saturday, Feb. 26 from 4:30 to 7 p.m., where there will be several artists giving demonstrations. Artisans Harbor is at 188 Main Street, Old Saybrook, CT.

This is an excerpt from The Day Newspaper /www.theday.com/article: 

On Saturday, Feb. 26 from 4:30 to 7 p.m., several demonstrations are planned. Bernard McTigue will give an oil painting demonstration; P.J. Cook will give a watercolor demonstration; Carole Young will share her glass painting technique; John Houle will demonstrate his woodburning scrimshaw technique; and Kathy Citron will throw vessels on the potter wheel. McTigue, Cook, and Citron all teach classes at Artisans Harbor. Wine, cider, and appetizers will be served.

Almost Finished Pink Lily Flower Watercolor Painting

I have started painting the flower centers on the pinkest flowers that are in the middle of the watercolor. This is a closeup of the flowers where I am working now. These are also my focal point in the painting. For the flower centers I  have used new gamboge yellow, cobalt blue, brown madder, burnt sienna and cad orange for the watercolor paints.

I have been sharing this painting with my watercolor class in Old Saybrook, CT every Sunday. Each week I bring it in to show the class how I am progressing on the watercolor and answer any questions on how I may have painted a particular area. This Sunday I hope to have the finished painting to show the class. If you want more information on watercolor classes send me an email.  My next post will have the finished painting so check back to see it! Thanks.

Painting Pink Lily's In Watercolor, Warm and Cool Colors

When you compare the previous posts studio.pjcookartist.com/2011/01/next-step-in-lily-flower-watercolor with this one you will notice that I have added more and more detail to the background and the flowers and buds. This is a large painting so it will take some time to complete large detailed areas.

As I am painting I keep in mind that I want the right side of the painting to be warmer than the left side. The light source is coming from the right and I want the painting to reflect that. I have worked with thalo blue and cobalt blue on the left side of the watercolor painting to keep it cool. The leaves with brighter yellow color is sap green. The warmer light of the sun is hitting them and I have accomplished that by having cool areas and warm areas in the painting.

Next Step In Lily Flower Watercolor, Painting the Background

When you compare this photo with the two previous photos in the earlier posts shown below you can see that I have covered most of the white paper. The painting is coming together, I can see the mass of lily flowers, the leaves and the background. I have more detail on the left side of the background verses the right where I have suggested flowers and leaves. I did that out of focus look on the right background area by painting that area wet into wet.

I will continue adding more detail but still stepping back and seeing the painting as a whole. Right now I can see my focal point clearly and that is the two flowers in the bottom center of the painting. They stand out from the others because they are bolder in color and have more detail. Remember I still have the masking fluid on the detailed centers of each flower. I will not remove that until I am almost finished with the watercolor painting.

Continuing Large Watercolor of Lily Flowers - Using Masking Fluid

Continuing Large Watercolor of Lily Flowers - When you compare this photo of the Lily Watercolor with the photo from the last post I have painted more of the pink flowers and leaves. I will continue in this fashion covering more and more of the paper. I am working from light to dark stepping back to view the painting from a distance to compare the values in the painting.

If you look at the photo from last week you can see the flower centers have a yellowish color. This is masking fluid that I painted on those areas to save the white of the paper. I will use masking fluid when there is fine detail and I want to paint loosely without getting paint in those detailed areas. I am using a Daler Rowney brand of art masking fluid on this painting but have used other brands with success. I will remove the mask from the style, filament and anthers of the flowers when I am finished painting the pink flower petals.

Starting Watercolor of Lily Flowers - How To Stretch Watercolor Paper

First of all, I like to work on several paintings at one time. I may have up to 4 paintings in various stages of completion on any given day. The watercolor above is on a full sheet (22" by 30") of D'Arches 140 lb cold press watercolor paper.  I prefer to work on flat paper so I take the extra time to stretch the watercolor paper to prevent buckling while I am painting. This technique of stretching the paper is described below.

I fill the bathtub with several inches of water and then I soak the watercolor paper for 2 minutes. The large sheet of paper will need to be moved around as it is soaking because it is wider than a standard tub. I then lay the paper onto a thin piece of marine plywood and staple all along the edges of the paper about every 2-3 inches. The staples can be seen in the photo above. I use a heavy duty stapler with 1/4" deep staples so they do not go through the back of the plywood. I let this dry before starting the painting.

Any plywood can be used for stretching but it should be primed before using because it will be repeatedly getting wet each time you stretch paper.

For more examples of flowers on watercolor paper follow this link http://pjcookartist.com/Paintings-PJCook.html

Easy Watercolor Relections - Recent Painting Class Demonstration

In a recent watercolor class held at Artisans Harbor on Main Street in Old Saybrook, I demonstrated water reflections. Each step of the painting shown here I explained what I was trying to achieve. From the gradation in the sky and water to the reflections in the rippling water.
The next watercolor class session starts in December if you would like to come and join us. Classes are held at Artisans Harbor 860-388-9070.

pjcookartist.com

Creating Interest in Your Watercolor Paintings is Easy With Textures

The following techniques will be some of the lessons I will be demonstrating in my upcoming watercolor class at The Artisans Harbor in Old Saybrook starting on September 26, 2010. The classes are on Sunday afternoons from 2pm to 4pm.  So if you are not into watching football on Sundays come and learn watercolor painting!

Using an old worn out brush, table salt or your fingertip is an easy and fun way to create interesting areas in your painting.

A brick wall is easily achieved by varying the color of each brick as you apply paint and then using a light grey wash for the mortar between the bricks. An important step is putting a shadow under each brick. I used a shadow on the left and bottom of each brick for the light coming from the upper right of the picture. I used cobalt blue for the shadow color.   Add detail with dry brush and smaller detail with a small round brush. Remember to save old worn out brushes for dry brush effects, they create unexpected results. Try scumbling, twirling and adjusting the pressure on the paper with an old brush. One of the members of the class stated " this is fun!" while painting her wall. I have always enjoyed painting brick too.

The next texture was a metal watering can. The texture was created with salt. While the paint is still wet add some table salt to the area that you want texture. Sprinkle a small amount of salt onto the wet paint and wait for the paint to dry. As the paint dries the salt absorbs the color around each grain and it can create some great texture. Do not use a blow dryer, let it air dry, you don't want to blow all the salt away! Once the paint is dry, brush all the salt off and continue painting the bucket. You can glaze over the texture area with more paint and add shadows and detail.

The next texture that I demonstrated using salt was for clay pots. It is not necessary to use salt everywhere, for variety put only on select areas of the pots.  After the paint is dry continue modeling the clay pots with different colors and values. Remember to let the paint dry thoroughly before brushing off the salt.

Sponging is another popular technique for creating texture in painting. I often use a sea sponge , they are irregular shaped sponges and the size of the holes varies.  As always practice on scrap paper first to get the desired result.
Smudging paint with your finger works for creating textures on trees and grasses. Blades of grass can be scraped out of paint with your fingernail or the angled point of some paint brushes. I like to use rough paper when I want texture. I used a Arches watercolor paper that was 140 lb. in a rough texture. Try different paper and you will get interesting results.
Come to my class to learn these watercolor techniques and your next painting will be more interesting and effective.  Consider new ways of painting and your work will improve and you will grow as an artist - guaranteed!

New Watercolor Classes Start Soon - Come and Learn Something New, It's Fun!

"Crystal Clear" Won 2nd Prize Mystic Outdoor Art Festival

A six week watercolor class is starting on Sunday afternoons September 26, 2010 in Old Saybrook, Connecticut. The lessons will be held at Artisans Harbor, 188 Main Street, Old Saybrook, CT. All levels welcome, beginner to more experienced.
We will start with some basic techniques such as composition and continue with painting sunlight and shadows and charging paint to enhance the color in your paintings. We will be painting different subjects and may paint on location here in Saybrook.
For more information on supplies and price of classes contact Cheryl at Artisans Harbor 860-388-9070. Hope to see you there,
PJ Cook
pjcookartist.com
beachcottageart.com 

Snowy New England scene with ducks painted in watercolor

Here is a snowy New England scene with ducks painted in watercolor that seems appropriate for January here in Connecticut. I originally painted this watercolor painting without the ducks and open water. I felt the painting could use something more. I tossed around a few ideas then added the open water on the frozen pond and then added the ducks. I creatively added the wildlife into the painting. The ducks look like they belong in the painting. What do you think?
P.J.Cook

Continuing My Watercolor Painting of the Florence Griswold Museum In Spring

I have continued adding detail to the watercolor painting of the Florence Griswold Museum. There is interesting architectual details in the building that I have added to the painting. As I am painting I step back and look at the painting from a distance to decide if what I have done looks good or not. Most paintings are viewed from a little distance away, not one foot away where I am painting from.

The trees and the daffodils were worked on next. The deciduous trees in early spring have no leaves yet just buds. When the daffodils are in bloom here in Connecticut the trees are usually budding. It's important to have a believable scene so I try to keep things accurate. I should be finishing this painting over the weekend and will post a photo of the final result.
Thanks, P.J. Cook 

First Steps In Painting a Watercolor of the Florence Griswold Museum

I have picked my color scheme for the watercolor of the Florence Griswold Museum. I want to use all transparent colors so the paper will show through and be more luminescent. My colors are new gamboge, raw sienna, brown madder, indigo, alizarin crimson, winsor red, sepia and winsor blue. I may not use all of these colors in the painting. I used a grey for the sky and the new gamboge for the flowers. I chose grey for the sky because the yellow house will pop more with a grey background. The green is Winsor blue and new gamboge mixed together. At this point I am keeping things loose in the foreground flowers.


I use the new gamboge for the museum and tone down the color with brown madder and raw sienna. I continue using mixtures of indigo, brown madder, winsor blue for the rest of the nuetral shades. I have started adding some of the architectual details on the building and the background trees.

I will continue painting, covering less and less of the painting. This is called painting short. The more glazes used usually means less of the white of the paper will show through and the painting will be less transparent.

Sketching the Florence Griswold Museum in Old Lyme, CT

This is my pencil sketch of the Florence Griswold Museum located in my hometown of Old Lyme, Connecticut. In the spring when the daffodils were in bloom I carried my chair and sketchpad to the front lawn of the museum and made the sketch shown here. The daffodils complemented the colorful yellow house with green shutters so I wanted to include the flowers in the drawing. I spent some time getting all the interesting details of the building. Recording these details would help when I started my painting at later date.

The museum has an interesting history, follow this link to read about the artist colony that started here in 1899 www.florencegriswoldmuseum.org/thestory.   Many famous artists spent time here including one of my favorites Child Hassam.

This week I will start a watercolor painting from the sketch I originally did this past spring. Check back to follow along as I start painting. After I complete this first watercolor I have plans to also paint the museum in oil on canvas.
Thanks, PJ 

Beach Runners - Watercolor Painting of Sandpipers Running On the Sand

This is a painting I did of some little sandpipers that were at a beach on Long Island Sound. I watched these birds scurrying on the sand at the waters edge. I did a few sketches and took photos and painted this watercolor in my studio. This painting is 15"x 29" overall and is framed in a whitewashed frame that compliments the painting nicely. This first photo above is a closeup of the painting. I used a nice bright blue for the water and added texture to the sand. I painted the birds realistically and showed them in different running positions.
With the long horizontal format of the painting I was able to include several of the birds. The painting is double matted in acid free mat board and comes with a off white/biege driftwood like frame. Price: $450. Contact me with any questions about the painting or purchasing the painting. Thanks, PJ