Hot Air Balloons - in Aquarelle watercolours

Last session we worked with a small group (it is summer, most Aquarellistas are on holiday or preparing for it). That is another dynamic, very relaxed, lots of fun and also good, deep concentration. We painted Hot Air Balloons And how! 

Like this amazing, contrast-rich balloon in smashing colours by Corinne 2. I am impressed, the feel of it is so real! Fantastic. I want to be in it! And she also worked on a sunset version, but that is in the early stages ore next post! 

Plenty of time for me to paint a balloon - I used a lot of Gum Arabic, for the flow, to keep it wet a bit longer in the hot French weather, and to be able to lift the paint around the sun. It all worked well, yet another observation is that the paint granulates a bit more when using the gum. 

The 'road' is created with masking fluid on he first dark layer. 

We will continue the balloons next week during our last session.

In the meantime, other projects were started, continued or finished:

This funny Dachshund card was painted by Ingrid, to adorn a wedding present. It says (in German): "Lots of love and a looooooong, happy marriage". So Funny! 

 

Brenda used her Aquarellista time to work on some drawings that could use a bit of colour. This is Cipières, where we drew the village centre during a One Day Drawing trip. Great stuff, so good to see it again...

Laura moved from candle light to this adorable candle-lighted portrait of a little girl. 

The expression is so strong and good!  

Tony was there for the last time this summer and worked with great enthusiasm and all different kinds of input (phone, book, memory) on a anecdote painting of the market with the pink umbrellas in Grasse. They don't have that in Seattle, so he will have to come back soon!

Sandra worked on two different projects. This is one of her tulips, a WIP still, but already strong, colourful and true to her style,  a bit distorted.  And below a gorgeous soft Lake scape. Wonderful colours! Also WIP (I conclude that from the blue tape) 

More about Sandra in the Expo corner
 

During the Thursday session I had time to finish the antique golden shoe, it was fun and difficult but very satisfying

 
These two instalments in the Judith series are officially finished. They still needed one or two subtle brush strokes and then all of a sudden it was in perfect balance. First the one above and at the end of the session, the one below also.

 
There are two more, that still need lots of lush transparent strokes. I am very interested in the one below, because it is definitely a new approach. More next week, stay tuned, watch this space!

And Last but not Least, the EXPO corner

In this week's expo news, we have Sandra's August Exhibition, in the 

Office du Tourisme 
9 rue Frédéric Mistral
in Cabris. 

She will show her amazing Land- Sea- and Lakescapes and probably other watercolours.Together with a couple of non-painters, you can count on varied work!  The expo starts on 25 August and finishes on 15 September. There will be a vernissage, 

Open every day, 10 am - 1pm and 3 - 6 pm...
 

And when you read this, Martin's next expo has already opened.

Galerie Expressions 22  
22 Rue Alexis Julien
06560 Valbonne
Open Every Day
9.30 am - 12.30 and 3.30 - 7.30pm
Fun stuff exhibited in that gallery: next to Martin's watercolours there will be Glass, Carnets de voyage and Bronze sculptures. 

To be continued! Don't hesitate to send me the specs of your expo's as long as they are watercolours!