From Russia With. . . Watercolor Whaat an interesting experience! I signed up for a free 5-day watercolor class and was fascinated by the fact that Elena Vavilina, the   artist, was based in Togliatti, Russia. The audio was, of course, in Russian but translated. She offered some very good tips on techniques. Impressive. I only wish my work looked like hers! The first lesson was painting a lily. I had a great deal of water control issues with this painting, but I learned a lot. For example, it helps to sit back and squint at a painting to determine the balance of color tone. Also, it was interesting how she adds some of the flower tones (burgundy) into the leaves, which creates a lovely harmonious overall effect.  Lesson two was a ripe physalis, a plant in the nightshade family like tomatillos. I’ve always known them as paper lanterns. This one was quite challenging, but I love the drawing.  Next up was a tulip. The color on my iPad screen was reddish, whereas the t...

Yet Another Watercolor Class  Instructor: Emily Olson Sparrow : After adding the quotes, I had to include a moon. Fortunately, it is easy to remove watercolor pigment. 🌝 Fox: Hers looked cute; mine looks angry. I guess he doesn’t like his portrait.  Cosmos: I am burning out on watercolor florals.  Ocean: My first attempt at this style of negative painting was just okay, so I HAD to try this again. Second attempt was somewhat better, but no doubt I will try again to master this one!