During this time of COVID-19, as an artist, many things have stayed the same during this time in my daily, monthly and yearly routine. However, there have been many changes too.  Early spring when many of my in person workshops and painting exhibitions were cancelled, I changed direction and some of my studio activities shifted online really fast.  I have taught more workshops online this year than I ever would have in person.  I’ve entered and been a part of many more exhibitions due to them being featured online with galleries and various art organizations.  Plus, I never would have guessed, I would be creating and editing my own video content as much as I have this year.  The pandemic has given me a little kick in pants to get up to speed on that.  

A Solitary Shadow, watercolor, 20” x 20”

Due to not traveling, I have produced more work in the studio the last few months focusing on a water lily series of paintings.  Initially, that is all that I wanted to paint.  I found peace and comfort focusing on this beautiful subject matter.  Painting became a moving meditation.  I also recently completed the third painting in my Japanese Samurai series.  

Emerging Dragon, watercolor, 32” x 24”

Another thing I never would have done pre-pandemic is participate in three online art conferences.  Over the summer, I watched four days of incredible presentations given by some of the best plein air painters in the country,  and from around the world, with Plein Air Live.  I was a demonstration artist, and workshop instructor, in the first ever Florida Watercolor Society Virtual Convention.  This past October, Realism Live captivated me for four days, another global art conference focusing on realism and figurative work.  Plein Air Live and Realism Live, produced by Streamline Publishing, publishers of Plein Air and Fine Art Connoisseur Magazines, virtually took the place of the Plein Air Convention (PACE) and The Figurative Art Convention and Expo, (FACE), two in person conventions that occur in various locations in the United States each year. Due to previous travel commitments I hadn’t planned on attending either one in person.  And was thrilled to participate in the online events.

In January,  the folks at Streamline Publishing are dipping their toes in the watercolor world and are producing Watercolor Live, a global watercolor conference.  I’m extremely honored to have been invited to be on the faculty of this first  ever event of it’s kind.  The line up of artist faculty is amazing, I’m in the company of; Linda Baker, Matthew Bird, Andy Evansen, Michael Holter, Shuang Li, Daniel Marshall, Laurin McCracken, Angus McEwan, Larry Moore, Birgit O’Connor, Jean Pederson, Mario Robinson, Pablo Ruben, John Salminen, Thomas Schaller, Iain Stewart, Brenda Swenson, Keiko Tanabe, Soon Warren, Joseph Zbukvic and Stephen Zhang.  A big thank you to Eric Rhoads (and his team), the publisher of the magazines mentioned above and the producer of these amazing conferences.  Not only are they great learning experiences, I have made life long friends attending them.  

Watercolor Live is January 27 - January 30. I will be doing a presentation for Beginner’s Day January 27, focusing on color theory and using a limited palette.  I will simplify concepts of using color temperature in your work, knowing which primary colors to use to get the effects you want, and how to neutralize color and mix grays and darks.  I will also discuss the ever important concept of pigment to water ratio in the puddles mixed to paint. 

Please consider joining me and this line up of amazing watercolor talent from around the world.  Below you will find the link to register and learn more about this incredible event.  There is a little over one week as I publish this to take advantage of the early bird price.  As of December 6, the prices will go up.  Don’t hesitate, you won’t regret it! 

Creatively yours & have a wonderful Thanksgiving,

Kim

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