HAPPENINGS

/ MAKING A SPLASH / Polly Verity

Watercolor paper moves beyond its obvious use in the skillful hands of sculptor Polly Verity, whose delicate paper forms don’t have an ounce of added pigment. It’s light and shadow that describe her portraits as the twists and folds combine, the fi nal product often presenting as intimate and sensual.

“I’ve folded geometric designs into paper for the past 15 years,” says Verity. “I’m drawn to the limitations of manipulating a sheet of paper without cutting and to the quality of the paper itself—the intriguing mathematics of a curved fold and watching the resulting improbable topology appear before my eyes. Th e fi gurative realm is a new departure for me, and the wet-folding technique is new to me too—luscious for its immediacy, instantaneous form and quick result.”

Th e artist uses Arches watercolor paper for its craftsmanship and quality, but also because it has added gelatin, which allows her to work the paper when it’s wet. Once it has dried, the gelatin sets, creating a stiff permanency. “I begin by folding a simple curve into the dampened sheet of paper,” she explains. “As I work, suggestions of form open up to me and I coax these hints further into being by shaping, using my hands.” Th e resulting composition might show a couple kissing, a fi gure smoking or a mouth opening, as if to speak.

In recognition of this power to speak, the artist has used her art as a way to voice support for the recent protest movements against racial injustice. “I wanted to do something,” she says. “My social media feed suddenly seemed so white.” Her response was to introduce new shades of paper into her work. Her sculptures in shades of black and brown have been well received, and Verity plans to donate half the proceeds to a organization involved with the movement.”

As for the future, the artist says she’s open to her meditative process as it typically guides her way. “Most of the time,” she says, “I’m an observer.” (polyscene.com)

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT

Paper Kiss

(wet-folded watercolor paper)

Person With Straw

(wet-folded watercolor paper)

Paper Portrait

(wet-folded drawing paper)

Happenings

NEW TO A VIEW The YouTube painting tutorials of watermedia artist Alan Owen have attracted a following of 40,000 subscribers to his channel. The U.K. artist’s videos, recorded in real time as he paints, offer thoughtful instruction on topics such as painting loose and using hake brushes. Owen attended formal art school in the late 1940s and had a 70-year career in fine art before retiring and starting his YouTube channel. The prolific artist posts videos multiple times per week. Find them at youtube.com/c/alanowen/videos. WA

ORDER Your FREE 2020 CATALOGUE Today!

The two watercolor landscapes, above, are examples of work Alan Owen demonstrates on his popular YouTube channel.

New + Notable

/ STUDIO STAPLES /

Monogrammed Palette and Paint Water Cup [$72]

Made with lead-free glazes and stoneware clay, this handbuilt, hand-stamped set is the perfect 2020 treat-yourself gift. The cup is 4-inches tall and holds 14 ounces of liquid. The palette is 6½x4½ and includes a paintbrush rest by the monogram. etsy.com/shop/jeanettezeis

/ ON THE SHELVES /

Magnum Artists: Great Photographers Meet Great Artists [$55]

In this new hardback by Laurence King Publishing, you’ll find 215 illustrations—photographs of famous artists taken by renowned photographers, exploring the unique relationship that exists between artists of different media. The book includes photos of Matisse and Picasso taken by Robert Capa, Takashi Murakami’s portrait by Olivia Arthur and pictures of Warhol and de Kooning by Thomas Hoepker.

Schmincke Aqua Drop [$18]

Available in 24 colors with the highest lightfastness ratings, these water-soluble liquid pigments come in 30-ml. bottles with a pipette to use to fill the Aqua Drop Liner tool. Use the ink for painting, urban sketching, calligraphy, handlettering and airbrushing.

Ralph Steadman: A Life in Ink [$60]

In this book reflecting on his 50-year career, Steadman explores his lifelong legacy in political satire, the counterculture of the 1970s, numerous collaborations with American writer Hunter S. Thompson, children’s book illustrations and more—all in his signature ink-splattered style.

Happenings

/ WATERCOLOR WORLD / Zoom to the Rescue

ABOVE

Afternoon Light, Sentinel, Yosemite

(casein with acrylic underwash, 17x11)

LEFT

Flight, View from the Air

(casein with acrylic underwash, 28x28)

In response to the fl ood of cancellations of in-person workshops and classes due to the pandemic, artists around the world have started to take their teaching online. Stephen Quiller is one such instructor.

Quiller, known for his engaging and joyful workshops, has always been in high demand. Th e disappointment, from both instructor and student, has been real, as each workshop has had to be postponed or permanently canceled because of the coronavirus. Th ankfully, Quiller’s daughter is a professional videographer. She helped her father reconfi gure his studio setup to better accommodate online learning—using two cameras and fi lming angles, one for the painting demonstration and one for the artist.

Quiller, who’s used to a regular schedule of travel for his teaching, can point to a few benefi ts of the new approach: Materials are accessible in my studio, and I can sleep in my own bed,” he says. “Still, not being able to travel to a city like Philadelphia to view its art museums and interact with students one-on-one is disappointing.” Th e artist and his students would typically develop a personal relationship over class dinners and activities. Instead, Quiller will take the time to view each student’s home setup and paintings online and to off er help, tips and advice.

His tips for using casein are now available to any artist, as Quiller has recently published Casein Painting with Stephen Quiller—a compendium of 50-year’s worth of knowledge and one of very few books available on the unique medium. “Th e book is an in-depth guide to the use of casein in watermedia, as well as easel-painting approaches,” he says. “Th e last chapter is a gallery of my work, alongside excerpts from my journals.” Th e book is available on the artist’s website. (quillergallery.com)

What’s Online

Discover more art, instruction and inspiration at ArtistsNetwork.com.

DECEMBER IN PARIS BY JOHN SALMINEN, WATERCOLOR, 24½x31

JOHN SALMINEN SHARES HARD-WON WISDOM

If you appreciated his art and advice (page 62), don’t miss this exclusive interview with a master of contemporary watercolor.

artistsnetwork.com/go/salminen-wisdom

BUST THROUGH ARTIST BLOCK

Try this brain-boosting exercise if you’re experiencing a creative slump.

artistsnetwork.com/go/bust-artist-block

BY JOHN SINGER SARGENT, MAN WITH RED DRAPERY WATERCOLOR, 14⅜x21⅛

5 TECHNIQUES FROM FAMOUS WATERCOLOR ARTISTS

From composition to focal point, learn the ways of Winslow Homer, Andrew Wyeth, John Singer Sargent and more.

artistsnetwork.com/go/famous-watercolor-techniques

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