Julie Ann Karlsson shared some of her favorite techniques using Fondo de acuarela de Daniel Smith y Luminescent watercolors.
She began by highlighting areas in her artwork where the features of Luminescents really shine. She also showed us her favorite types of mini travel palettes, including an upcycled mint tin which she painted with watercolors, after applying a coat of Fondo de acuarela blanco titanio.
Julie talked about a variety of ways to use Fondo de acuarela – for making corrections, covering not-so-desirable paintings, adding unique textures and creating a dark surface for painting with Luminescents.
Julie Ann’s reference photo for the full one-hour demo (watch it below) was a beautiful blue butterfly resting on a rough, rocky surface. After blocking out the butterfly shape on her paper, she randomly mixed a wash of earthy, granulating colors for the first layer of the background, including Zoisite auténtico, Sodalita auténtica y Goethita. After the wash was dry, she added small strips of cotton cheesecloth in thin layers with Fondo de acuarela transparente to mimic the texture of the rocks.
Once these areas are allowed to dry overnight, then she adds another layer of colors on top, blending with enough water so the pigments puddle inside the webs of cheesecloth web, as well as travel across the fibers. Lastly, she paints the butterfly shape with Fondo de acuarela negro de Marte and adds her delicate designs for the wings with shimmering Luminescent colors, which look extra bright and vibrant against a velvety, smooth black surface.
Here’s a Q&A with Julie Ann:
Si solo pudieras llevarte tres colores para pintar en una isla desierta, ¿cuáles tres elegirías?
My current favorite triad is Hansa Amarillo Mediano, Rojo antraquinoide y Azul de Prusia – they make such a great range of mixes! But I think I would have more fun with Apatita azul auténtica, Monte Amiata Siena Natural y Hematita Escarlata Quemada Auténtica – even though they have limitations as a color triad, they do make fun mixes which granulate really well together to create pleasing effects. Such a difficult choice – and I thought it was hard to limit my dot card to only 18 colors!
Describe una exposición de arte reciente a la que hayas asistido y que te haya resultado especialmente inspiradora.
I recently had the opportunity to attend a watercolor show featuring the work of several artists who had studied under me. What a privilege to see their progress as artists, and to have played a part in their art journey. I love the thrill of seeing people discover watercolor and then watching them grow.
What are some recent photos you’ve taken that might inspire you to paint?
My phone is actually super full of photos at the moment. Summer here in Sweden is short but GORGEOUS! Lots of summer flowers and bumble bees, beautiful meadows and lakes, my four grandchildren, old houses, sunrises…I’ll be able to enjoy summer all through our long dark winter.
¿Cuál es el mejor consejo que te ha dado otro artista?
Give yourself permission to play and enjoy the process, and accept that some things will turn out well and other things won’t.
¿En qué proyecto te entusiasma trabajar próximamente?
It has been awhile since I painted on a full sheet and I’m thinking of doing something floral…
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Únete a nosotros en línea cada semana para una conversación cercana y personal con John Cogley, CEO y propietario de Daniel Smith, y artistas invitados de todo el mundo. Los jueves (14:00, hora del Pacífico), John destaca las características de nuestros productos y responde a tus preguntas. Los viernes (10:30, hora del Pacífico), un artista invitado comparte cómo incorpora esas características en su obra. Haz clic aquí para acceder a los enlaces de Zoom de la próxima semana.
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