Kitsch Watercolours

 Last Tuesday we indulged in an Aquarellista Kitsch Afternoon. As you can see below, it is not that easy to paint! We struggled with the fine line between art and kitsch. What is 'Kitsch' exactly?
The Oxford dictionary says:
"Art, objects, or design considered to be in poor taste because of excessive garishness or sentimentality, but sometimes appreciated in an ironic or knowing way." and the Larousse: "Se dit d'un objet, d'un décor, d'une œuvre d'art dont le mauvais goût, voire la franche vulgarité, voulus ou non, réjouissent les uns, dégoûtent les autres". Well -honestly, it may be 'too sentimental', but I love to indulge in a good bit of kitsch from time to time. The worse - the better 😝... and all of the below made me very happy! Here's what everyone did:

 Liz painted this excellent fantastic shiny teacup! With lots of golden glaze and curls, and that crocheted doily 😅...

  The little boy with a tear. The subject that immediately comes to mind when you think of 'kitsch'. Not completely finished - but very well started - by Elia B.!

Same subject for Sheila - completely different style! Unbelievable that Sheila has no prior experience with watercolours, I am impressed with the lights and shadows - and the sentimental quality obviously!

 

This painting by Michele is just funny right now - but it will be seriously over the top when she has put in all the different colours, the shine and the glitter. Can't wait! More next time...

These fish are so elegantly painted in Celina style that they actually get away with their shiny cheeks and red lips. They may  need eyelashes - but even that may not achieve the absolute kitsch label. We'll see!  Note by the way  that this actually is a hidden compliment for Celina's integrity...

No kitsch for Sylvie today. She  is back after a long time in which she hasn't had time for much painting - but Look At This!! I am so enthusiastic! It is Awesome! And so free. Very well done and delighted that you are back!

Sandra proceeded with her David Bowie portrait in her 'essence of' series, and finished it. Impressive portrait that definitely captures the essence of him. Click on the picture to see the details!

Michele C Finished her Flamingo with Flair! The colours, the volume, the proportion, it all works. And I also really like the composition! Well done!

Cathie continued with her blue velvet party bag - it has more sparkly gems now. I am in awe, can that girl paint! One more tweak needed on the spot where a drop of water damaged a bit!

And we continued with the blocks for the 'War and Peace' wall in Valbonne... 6 varnished watercolours with our interpretations finished!