How to Paint a Modern Sumi-e Style Orchid Plant in Watercolors

This video demonstrates how to paint a simple, yet elegant orchid plant using my modern sumi-e watercolor technique.

Aloha,
Marionette
www.kauai-artist.net
www.kauaiartclasses.blogspot.com

Painting Rainbow Croton Leaves in Watercolor

In this video I demonstrate how to paint the very tropical croton leaves in watercolor using a masking fluid technique.  Enjoy!!

Aloha,
Marionette
www.kauai-artist.net
www.kauaiartclasses.blogspot.com

Pastel Painting Demonstration

This painting of my secret fishing spot on Kauai was done using one of my reference photos, and it took me roughly an hour to create once I had my supplies set up.





Speaking of supplies, this is what I recommend: Pastels - I suggest using the highest quality (meaning highest priced) soft pastels that you can afford.  I used Rembrandt pastels in this demo, but I also often use the lesser expensive Faber-Castell brand. Paper - I use a hard-to-find Hahnemuhle velour paper because I love the soft/fuzzy texture that allows multiple layers of pastel.  The final painting will be a little fuzzy, but I like this effect!  Soft Pastel Pencils - I use Gioconda pencils for fine details as well as a very soft (6B) charcoal pencil.



Next, I cut and tape my paper down to a masonite board using masking tape and overlap the edges of the paper by about 1/4".  I then study my photo and start picking out my main colors and place them on a plate or container for easy access, and I am ready to start my next work of art!



I paint with my pastels very similar to how I paint with acrylics.  Since they are opaque and take layering very well, I start by blocking in the main areas of the painting with the desired color.  I don't worry about details at all in this stage.  I just want to get the main design of the painting worked out.  Once this is done, I can start layering in more of the details. 


 As the painting comes closer to being complete, I get out the pencils and add the final details.  Next, I add my signature and then a few light coats of a fixative spray and I'm all PAU (means finished in Hawaiian)!  Hope you have enjoyed this demo. 

www.kauai-artist.net

Crazy Bamboo Acrylic Painting

Part 1

This is the first part of my crazy bamboo demonstration using acrylic paints and canvas. I demonstrate how to make good use of an old canvas by doing some abstract, crazy painting on it. During this video I show you how to make good use of color, splattering paint, pulling off paint with crinkled paper, masking and more. This is an easy technique that anyone can do.

Part 2

This is the second part of my crazy bamboo demonstration using acrylic paints and canvas.  Here I am showing how to peel off the masking tape to reveal the masked off bamboo painting below.  I then go on to demonstrate how to finish off the painting by putting in the details.  This is a great project for any level of painter.

Online Watercolor Class

Painting Plumerias in Watercolor

an online painting class with Marionette

This online class has unlimited access. Once you purchase it, you can create and access at any time and work at your own pace.

Have you ever wanted to paint gorgeous, sunlit, tropical flowers? Well, this class is for you! Whether you are a beginner or an advanced artist, I will demonstrate my techniques to create two vibrant plumeria paintings in this online class. No drawing skills are necessary!

In this class you will receive my two reference photos to print out of the Pink Plumeria and Rainbow Plumeria. Plus, you will receive my exact art supply list with links to the Blick Art Materials website. This makes ordering your supplies easy, or you can use the links to see photos of what the supplies look like if you want to purchase them at your local arts and crafts store.

During the ten videos where I demonstrate the Pink Plumeria and eleven videos of the Rainbow Plumeria, you will gain an understanding of how to properly use quality watercolor supplies, how to correct mistakes, how to blend and shade the delicate plumeria petal, layering, and much, much more. Plus, I will be available either by email or phone to answer any questions and to provide additional assistance.

All videos will be available on demand so that you may work at your own speed. The videos will be embedded in the email so that you just have to click the photo of the video to be taken to the actual video. All videos in this class are "private" which means they are only available to those in the class.

If you wish to have a private critique of your painting, just send me a .jpg of your painting attached in an email, and I will be happy to do so.

Student Testimonials:
"Your technique has given me more confidence with watercolors. I usually tend to go too fast, to try to loosen up, but I end up over working the painting and making a mess. This fits better with my more realistic style, AND I'm having fun. Can't ask for more!" - Sandrine

"I have learned so much from this one and am so excited to keep going!" - Maureen

The class will come to you in an email where I embed all of the class videos, the supply list, and the reference photos. 

**After purchasing the class, please send me an email to Marionette@ kauai-artist.net with your name and email address so I can send you your class email. Please give me 24 hours to send your email once I have received your information.** 

BUY NOW

(The "BUY NOW" link will take you to my Etsy Online Shop where you can pay for your class by credit card or Paypal.  My shop is now set up for direct check out which means that you can use your credit card directly through Etsy and not have to have a Paypal account.)

Or, you can call me directly at (808) 631-9173 to pay by credit card over the phone or set up an alternate payment method.

Mahalo for signing up and Happy Painting!!!

Marionette
808.631.9173 (Please remember that I'm in the Hawaiian Time Zone)
 Marionette@kauai-artist.net

How to Paint Coconut Palm Trees in Watercolor

This video demonstrates my easy technique for painting fun and whimsical coconut palm trees.  To make things easy, I show you how to mask off your trees with masking fluid.  Then, a super colorful sunset can be painted in the background without having to worry about painting "around" the trees.

Hope this gets you in the mood to create a warm and tropical watercolor!  Happy Creating :-)

Aloha,
Marionette
www.kauai-artist.net
www.kauaiartclasses.blogspot.com

Silk Painting

Silk Painting Techniques

Silk Painting is definitely one of my favorite classes to teach.  It's really easy to do once you know a little about the necessary materials and techniques.  It's also a lot of fun!

First, the silk fabric (8mm Habotai China silk scarves with hemmed edges) needs to be stretched on a frame before painting.  I use heavy duty stretcher bars that are a little larger than the silk I am stretching and attach the silk with push pins.  There are a variety of stretching techniques out there, so you'll just need to find one that works for you. 

Once the fabric is taut (like a drum) then slip your design underneath the fabric on top of some magazines so that it is resting against the silk fabric.  Using a vanishing fabric marker (often used in quilting), trace your design directly onto the silk. 

Next, comes the application of the resist.  The resist is essential to "fence in" your design so that the paint doesn't flow outside.  It is often referred to as the "Serti Technique" in many silk painting books.   There are many resists out there for silk painting, but I prefer to use a thick fabric paint made by Scribbles.  The paint is applied directly using a small tip to achieve nice lines.  Dry thoroughly with a hair drier before proceeding.

The silk paints I use are made by Dye-Na-Flow and they are wonderful!  They are heat set by using an iron once the painting is complete (with silk dyes one has to steam set the paint).  I use old watercolor or sumi-e brushes to apply the paint and blend and layer much like watercolor painting. 

Once the paint is dry in my main design, I then wet the entire background with water and apply the paint (two or three colors) in an abstract way creating designs, patterns and drips.  Next, I use my "secret weapon" to create even more interesting designs - Hawaiian salt.  Although, any coarse salt will do including kosher or rock salt.  Next, just kick back, relax with a cup of coffee, and wait for the background to dry naturally so the salt has a chance to work it's magic!  The salt makes really wonderful designs by attracting or pulling the pigment in the paint across the wet silk.

Next, dry your creation and remove it from the frame.  Brush off any extra salt, rinse it in cold water and let the painting dry.  To set the paint, just iron on the back with a medium heat iron. 

I hope you have enjoyed this tutorial.  To get some real hands on experience in silk painting, feel free to sign up for a class or two at http://www.kauaiartclasses.blogspot.com/  .



Aloha,
Marionette
www.kauai-artist.net
www.kauaiartclasses.blogspot.com