Marion McCristall Studio Fall Newsletter 2021

Marion McCristall Studio Newsletter Fall 2021 In this Newsletter…

I’m excited to tell you about my upcoming Abstract Watercolour Florals Workshop in Fort Langley.

I’d love to have you join me to explore, create and be inspired.

I’ve also included some tips on favourite artist books, colour theory, and using composition to make your paintings pop with life.

A quick Fear of Painting tip will help you get started when you face that blank canvas.

My simple Plein Air supply kit that’s easy to fit in one bag.

Think about what inspires you to create.

Save 20% off one of my original paintings with a Coupon Code

https://www.marionmccristallstudio.com

Thursday morning classes will be held downstairs in the meeting room at Fort Langley Community Hall. 9167 Glover Road, Fort Langley. Proof of full vaccine required.

We’ll start at 9:30 and finish by noon.

Watercolour paints, paper and brushes are included for you to use during the workshop.

There are lots of great cafes and restaurants in the Fort so plan to make a day of it and enjoy a meal and the ambience of the village.

Class size is limited so please register early.

Registration Form is on my website

Colour Theory Tip “Complementary” colours are opposite each other on the colour wheel. They are mixed using primary colours.

If you want an area of your painting to have strong contrast and pop; place one against the other.

For example place orange beside blue, green beside red, or yellow beside purple.

Think about painting outdoors?

Painting Plein Air in Jill’s Garden

You only need a simple set-up to get started painting outside.

Whether I’m painting in watercolours or acrylics, I use the 3 primary colours.

I choose a cool yellow, red and blue and a warm one of each as well.

(I add white when painting with acrylics.)

Marion’s Basic Plein Air Kit 3 primary colours in either watercolours or acrylics (yellow, red & blue plus white for acrylics) Palette or palette paper (I often use a piece of parchment paper) multimedia paper such as LaFontaine Paint On Multi-Techniques or Strathmore Mixed Media.

I take 5 or 6 sheets tucked in a plastic folder. (I usually paint 5x7 or 8x10 as it’s easy to transport) 11x14 inch hard board to attach paper so it doesn’t buckle (corrugated plastic or foam core are sturdy yet lightweight) Masking tape (I prefer 1/2 inch yellow Frog Tape but any kind will work) 3 paint brushes (I like #12, 6 and 4 rounds) HB pencil and eraser 2 jars for water (one to rinse paint off and one for a clear rinse) Paper towels and an old facecloth for wiping off brushes Small spray bottle to keep paints wet Water source (Camping style water containers are easy to carry)

e

In the dictionary ART comes befor housework or yard work

Remember to give your inner artist time to come out to PLAY

Fear of Blank Paper is a real issue for many artists One of the ways I get started in abstract acrylic painting is to take a black china marker and make scribble marks on the canvas or paper.

I then cover up big areas of the canvas with patches of bright colours. Whew!

It gets me past the fear of the white substrate staring at me.

Start with scribbled marks There is no right or wrong….

JUST DO IT!

I had mugs made with one of my paintings from my Red Bubble shop. You can see some of my first marks peeking through.

SHAPE

LINE

COLOUR

VALUE

BALANCE & SYMMETRY

Composition Basics Think about the placement of the center of interest in your painting. Consider the tonal range and balance between lights and darks.

Think about having a variety of shapes with one being dominant. For example, you may want a large tree to stand out in a landscape or a bright, small shape to stand out against large swaths of dark colours.

Variety adds interest and it helps to think about where you want the viewer’s eyes to rest and ways to lead them through the painting.

Enjoy one of my original paintings at 20% off (*online shop only)

COUPON CODE: FALL2021

Coupon Expires September 30, 2021

https://www.marionmccristallstudio.com/store

New Book - Mixed Media Color Studio Kellee Wynne Conrad has excellent videos and painting courses online. She is very accomplished and explains her techniques in a way that is easy to understand. I love her down-to-earth style.

I recently bought her book Mixed Media Color Studio and am really enjoying it.

If you are interested in colour theory, I highly recommend her book.

It’s available from Amazon or Indigo.

Books as well as workshops and practice help us learn Abstract Painting: The Elements of Visual Language Jane Davies published this book in 2017 and it is a super book on composition. I bought it as an ebook as I had heard that the printing is small and light grey. I can read it in a bigger font on my iPad. Jane is a very experienced teacher in the US. She has a free and curious spirit as she experiments with various types of brushes, paints and mark making.

Inspiration Where do you find inspiration for drawing or painting?

Photo I took of autumn leaves in Derby Reach Park. Langley

Seascape photo I took near where I lived in Portugal.

Praia das Macas

Monoprint on gel plate

acrylic painting on paper

Looking for some small original works on paper for your home or office or to give as a gift?

The Kube Fine Art Gallery on Mavis Ave and the Dove Coterie boutique on Francis Ave in Fort Langley carry some of my work.

You can also order original paintings from my online shop.

Shipping is free.

https://www.marionmccristallstudio.com/store

Upcoming Events & Demos Fort Langley Art Crawl

Fort Langley Cranberry Festival

Sunday, October 3 noon to 4 pm Lawn of Fort Langley Community Hall 14 artists and musical jams

Saturday, October 9 I’ll be outside the Kube Gallery Mavis Avenue from noon to 3:30 pm

I’ll be painting at each event and will have paintings, notecards & Happy Art Prints for sale I hope you’ll drop by and say “hi”

Please forward my newsletter to friends who may be interested QUESTIONS???

Send me an email I’d be happy to hear from you

artforthesoulworkshops@gmail.com Follow me on instagram @marionmccristallstudio