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What I have Learned so far

How To Paint Shiny Things

10/31/2017

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We just lost power for over 24 hours and it made me aware of how little day light we have as November begins. So to remedy that I decided to paint shiny objects and prepare a video to share what I have learned so far.

What I have learned so far.

I am not a pioneer woman. I do not enjoy total darkness and total silence. I also do not enjoy only eating cold food and hoarding water. It was a good reminder of how lucky I am on a daily basis and that I basically have everything I need.  There is still quite a bit of cleaning up to do.  We had talked about having a generator for these kinds of moments but we never are ready to install one. Anyway good friends of ours were all "armoured up" with a generator and a tree ended up falling on it . So maybe the lesson is you just have to be prepared and know neighbors will help if it gets really dicey and in the meantime, be happy on the most normal of boring days, Because they are really the best!

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A Book Shelf The Size of a Bus

10/27/2017

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The most important key to success in any endeavor is just not giving up. Watercolor is a metaphor for life. It has so many lessons to learn. How to "lean in" , how to "let go", but most of all just keep at it.

What I have learned so far

Promise yourself something if you complete a task and boy oh boy will you put in the efforts you need to. Today I promised myself a raspberry pastry. They only arrive once a week at the Adamant Co-op .I promised myself I could have one if I worked hard this week. I know I can have one even in I slack off but when I work hard they taste better. Must be the butter! Ha!

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October 23rd, 2017

10/23/2017

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There have been some exciting visitors to my studio recently. People are stopping by and sharing art stories and experiences. This fills my heart with joy because an artist can become isolated and alone for long periods of time. Seeing others makes the creativity flow better.

I am booking students for weekday mornings now at the 2017 prices. I will have a price increase in 2018. I have found I need to do this because I am incapable of keeping lessons to one hour and once we get started we go until the painting is done. So most sessions are about 2 hours. It is still a great value because all the lessons are individually tailored to the artists needs and the learning curve is off the charts!
People turn into painters right in front of my eyes. They know it  and I do too.
What I have learned so far:
If you read too much about how other painters paint it can result in making your own process a little confusing. It is always good to learn more from other but learn when to say "When".

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A Laundry Analogy

10/17/2017

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Yes, a laundry analogy about not using water to get to the color value you desire.
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Color Value Swap Outs!

10/12/2017

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Color value swap outs are fun . Try one and show it to me. I would love to see what you are working on .
This weekend is Open Studio you can stop by for a sweet ( candy) and a meet and greet with me. Oh and please subscribe to my youtube channel at the end of the video. We are starting to have nice community there.

What I have learned so far:
If I ever had a party with other artists this would be the game I would want to play. I call it Color Value Swap Out. I don't think it is going to catch on but for me it is fun , fun fun!

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No Shame In My Game

10/10/2017

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I am willing to fully embarrass myself so you don't have too.
I will show you a painting from 2012 and compare it to a painting I painted this week.
There have been some changes.
I am booking lessons off and on line at 2017 prices  so book now by e-mailing me. The price is going up in 2018

What I have learned so far:
If you can't laugh at things then there is no fun. I take art seriously but I love a good laugh too.

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Yellow Meet Purple

10/6/2017

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Buying a color wheel is a good thing but making one with the colors you actually use will give you much more information. It will also serve as a good resource to look at as you are painting in the studio.

What I have learned so far:
Watercolor is more about mixing than it is about painting. To become more efficient creating tools like your own personal color wheel is worth every second
If you make one and email I will schedule a free FACETIME with you. won't that be fun! You can find me at jowatercolor@gmail.com
jowatercolor@gmail.com
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Dark and Light ...Bright and Dull

10/4/2017

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I am always talking about value ..how dark or light a color is but this video and chart reviews the concepts of brightness and dullness when mixing colors.

What I have learned so far:
Two things actually. First where to look at a camera when filming yourself. Guess what ? The answer is NOT AT THE CAMERA. I also learned how to make this lesson in the horizontal mode. Gee Whiz....that was brutal learning curve. But everything is "figure-out-able".
Please sign up for my Youtube channel here.

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The River That Runs Through It

10/2/2017

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What we say to ourselves makes a difference. Be your own best friend and be kind to yourself as you paint.
Later you can be the judge, jury and jailer! Or not.

What I have learned so far:
The power of positive thinking is huge. If you create by baking, playing a musical instrument , gardening...be kind to yourself and nurturing. You will at least have more fun that way.

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     I am a watercolor artist, coach and author. You can contact me for lessons on and off line  here.

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Jo Mackenzie Watercolors
Affordable Fine Art Watercolors
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Adamant Vermont 05640
(phone) 802-454-7330

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  • Home
  • The Watercolor Coach
    • Videos
    • Visual Guide To Painting
  • Video Classes
  • Classes & Events
  • Blog
  • Prints
    • Prints & Merchandise
    • Clouds
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  • Original Paintings
    • Original Paintings Available
  • Contact Me
    • How To Buy A Painting
    • Commissions >
      • Endorsements! >
        • Pet Friends