Home studio art classes: Watercolor

 Starting in October, I'm once again teaching an Adult watercolor class.  This class is intended for beginners to intermediate students.  No experience is necessary.  We meet on Wednesday mornings from 9-12 starting early October 7, 2015 in Loveland, Colorado.  I currently have one opening with a maximum of 6 students per class.  We learn all kinds of new things during the year:  color experiments, playing, drawing lessons, value, composition, textures, types of paper, cropping, critique, themes, glazing, wet on wet, purple underpainting and the list goes on.  My goal is to teach you to achieve your goal of painting what you want to.   For more information, contact me.

"Shades of Gray"
  In this class we used an Ansel Adams photo to inspire us to use only one dark color to achieve distance.

We had a fresh bouquet of flowers in this class and splashed fresh watercolor quickly.

Layered hydrangea
We used stencils and a limited pallet to 'layer' this hydrangea to life.

Tropical Escape
We used lots of tropical pure colors for our sunset & added dark purple palm trees and a beach.

Loveland Art Studio Tour 2015

The Loveland Art Studio Tour is coming up!  On October 10-11 & 17-18, 2015 from 10-4 I open up my art studio to the public.  You can see where I and other artists create their art by following the included map.  I will also have paintings, framed & unframed and prints available for purchase.  I open up my studio once a year and this is the chance to come and see my art.  Bonus this year: they selected one of my paintings (The Loch) for the brochure and all promotional  materials.
There is a meet the artists opening at the Loveland Museum Gallery September 11, 2015 from 6-8pm. and an opening reception October 9th from f6-8pm.  You can pick up a free brochure with map at the Loveland Museum Gallery or at my studio.  I look forward to your visit!

The Loch (sold, pastel)

Tranquility (oil)

Both of these paintings were from a gorgeous Fall hike in Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado.

You can see more of my artwork online: 
Facebook page (open to the public) 

fineartamerica.com    

(a variety of my work: prints and cards available) 
 artforconservation.com  
(limited edition canvas giclees)

marygiacomini.com

MGiacominiart.blogspot.com

Paint the Poudre 2015

For the third time now, I participated in the Paint the Poudre Plein Air event.  The art is all plein air original paintings from the Poudre River, Larimer County in Northern Colorado.  The opening for this show was July 24, 2015 at Colorado State University's Morgan Library and it ran for a month.
I painted two new paintings for this show plus I showed two from last year.  I led two paintouts for the group.   I was interviewed by Christina Vessa for CSU's  school newspaper. I also had a radio interview  while painting on the Poudre River by Stacy Nick of KUNC (Colorado Public Radio) that was broadcast for a few days over the radio waves but still can be heard and seen online.

Perch

Poudre Rapids

 

Polished (sold during the show)

You can see more of my artwork online:
Facebook page (open to the public)

fineartamerica.com    

(a variety of my work: prints and cards available) 
 artforconservation.com  
(limited edition canvas giclees)

marygiacomini.com

MGiacominiart.blogspot.com

Fall 2015 Adult Classes at the Loveland Museum Gallery

I am teaching these classes for adults at the Loveland Museum this Fall:


Botanical Watercolor Painting
Tuesday, September 22, 1 – 4 pm
Learn to draw and paint what you see using purple underpainting and transparent watercolor paint. Instructor: Mary Giacomini
Fee: $45 ($36 Museum Members)

 


Colorado’s Golden Aspens
Tuesday, September 29, 1 – 4 pm
Learn to create depth in your mountain landscapes by graying down your paints. Building upon a thin layer of acrylics, we’ll use large brushes and palette knives to create an autumn aspen forest in the foreground. Instructor: Mary Giacomini



Sketchbook Journaling: Fall Harvest
Tuesday, October 13, 1 – 4 pm
Learn to start your own sketchbook journal with watercolor & ink. Draw inspiration from the fresh color and shapes of the seasonal bounty. Instructor: Mary Giacomini





 Falling Leaves
Tuesday, October 20, 1 – 4 pm
In this easy watercolor class, we’ll use a limited palette of transparent watercolors with leaf stencils to create a beautiful pile of leaves. No drawing required.  Instructor: Mary Giacomini


A Walk to Remember
Tuesday, October 27, 1 – 4 pm
Using pastels, we’ll create an impressionistic fall walk through an Autumn forest. Instructor: Mary Giacomini
 

Canyonlands
Tuesday, November 3, 1 – 4 pm
Use a masking fluid, a limited palette, and salt to create a scene from Canyonlands National Park. Instructor: Mary Giacomini








Monet’s Haystacks
Tuesday, November 10, 1 – 4 pm
Create an impressionistic version of one of Monet’s famous haystacks with pastels. Instructor: Mary Giacomini

• Snowy, Starry Night Tuesday, December 1, 1 – 4 pm
  Create a dramatic starry night scene with watercolor. Instructor: Mary Giacomini
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• More info online.  You can register starting August 21, 2015 at 970 962-2410 

People's Choice!

I was quite please to hear that "Tree Yoga" (24 x 18" pastel) won the  People's Choice award at the Lincoln Gallery's Regional show in June.  This is especially an honor as it is voted by the people that come to visit the show.

Longs Peak from Trail Ridge Road
(oil)

 The other good news is that "Perseverance" (oil) won a merit award at the same show that runs until July 2, 2015.  Come and see the paintings!

fineartamerica.com    

(a variety of my work: prints and cards available) 
 artforconservation.com  
(limited edition canvas giclees) 

marygiacomini.com

MGiacominiart.blogspot.com

#MGiacominiart

Rose paintings

Peaceful Pair

Blushing

Here are a couple of realistic rose oil paintings I've completed.  Both of these were started as class demos for my oil painting class.  I started with an under-painting to get the value and drawing correct then added the local color.  These original oil paintings are currently available for purchase.

fineartamerica.com    

(a variety of my work: prints and cards available) 
 artforconservation.com  
(limited edition canvas giclees) 

marygiacomini.com

MGiacominiart.blogspot.com

#MGiacominiart

Plein Air Artists of Colorado National Juried Show

I'm pleased to announce that my oil painting "Cliff Hanger" was accepted into this prestigious show!

19th Annual National Juried Exhibition

July 30 to August 30, 2015 at Mary Williams Fine Arts of Boulder

Please join us for our opening reception and awards Thursday, July 30, 2015 5-8 PM at Mary Williams Fine Arts, 5311 Western Avenue, Suite 112 Boulder, Colorado 80301.

fineartamerica.com    

(a variety of my work: prints and cards available) 
 artforconservation.com  
(limited edition canvas giclees) 

marygiacomini.com

MGiacominiart.blogspot.com

#MGiacominiart #pleinairColorado

Loveland Museum Classes Spring/Summer 2015

I have been teaching art classes at the Loveland Museum Gallery since 2003.  Over the years, I have built up a following.  This season I am focusing mostly on adult classes.  New this season (starting in May):  My classes are now 3 hours (instead of 2) long to give you more time to finish!!

All of these classes will give you an introduction to a painting medium doing the same project.  All supplies are included.  This is great way to try out a medium before you buy the supplies. The classes are limited to 6 & generally fill up quite quickly.  You can register through the Loveland Museum Gallery by visiting or calling  (970) 962-2410

 

 

 Paint a Moose

Thursday, April 16, 4 – 6 pm

Fee: $40 ($32 for museum members)
Learn a simplified technique to paint an acrylic moose and have fun with thick paint and palette knife swirls.

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Impressionistic Gardens

Tuesday & Wednesday, May 5 & 6, 2:30 – 4 pm

Fee: $50 ($40 for museum members)
Using soft pastels, paint beautiful gardens in an impressionistic style reminiscent of Monet. No experience required.

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Vertical Landscapes

Tuesday & Wednesday, May 26 & 27, 2:30 – 4 pm

Fee: $50 each ($40 for museum members)
Learn to create depth in your landscapes by graying down your paints. On top of that thin acrylic layer, we’ll use large brushes and palette knives to create a forest in the foreground.

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Under the Sea

Tuesday, June 2, 1 – 4 pm

Fee: $45 each ($36 for museum members)
Using transparent watercolor, we’ll layer sea life shapes to make a cool and calming underwater scene. This easy project requires minimal drawing skills.

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50 Shades of Gray

Wednesday, June 3, 1 – 4 pm

Fee: $45 each ($36 for museum members)

Make monochromatic but strong compositions with Ansel Adams as our inspiration. Create a vibrant painting with one dark-value watercolor. 
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Tropical Escape

Thursday, June 25, 1 – 4 pm

Fee: $45 each ($36 for museum members)
Create vibrant sunsets over the ocean with brilliant colors, then paint dark silhouettes of palm trees when it’s dry. This is an easy project, and you’ll be pleased with the final painting. Instructor: Mary Giacomini

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Botanical Watercolor Painting

Tuesday, July 21, 1 – 4 pm

Fee: $45 each ($36 for museum members)
Learn to draw and paint what you see using purple underpainting and transparent watercolor paint. 

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Sketchbook Journaling: Fresh from the Farmer’s Market

Wednesday, July 22, 1 – 4 pm

Fee: $45 each ($36 for museum members)
Learn to start your own sketchbook journal with watercolor and ink. Draw inspiration from the fresh color and shapes of the seasonal bounty. 

An example of a watercolor plein air sketch (La Costa Spa)

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Van Gogh’s Sunflowers

Wednesday, August 26, 1 – 4 pm

Fee: $45 each ($36 for museum members)
Paint big, bold, bright, beautiful sunflowers! Look at some examples of Van Gogh’s art. Then, create your own rendition using a lot of acrylic paint to swirl on the canvas with a palette knife.  Instructor: Mary Giacomini

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For the Birds

Thursday, August 27, 3 – 6 pm

Fee: $45 each ($36 for museum members)
Create sweet little studies of a variety of birds using pastel. Learn how to draw by simplifying. Feel free to bring references of specific birds you’d like to paint.  Instructor: Mary Giacomini

Mesa Arch

Mesa Arch

When I was looking through one of my art books, I came across a watercolor technique that looked interesting.  The artist used hot glue to fragment their painting into sections so the paint could mix on the paper.  I tried hot glue and it stuck to even Arches cold press watercolor paper.  I tried it a few more times using masking fluid instead.  I painted with a limited pallet being careful to let the paint naturally mix on the paper.  The end result is "Mesa Arch" a 11' x 14.5" original watercolor on Arches 300lb Cold press paper.  I feel it almost has a stained glass effect with the transparent watercolors.   I am inspired by the landscapes in Utah with the colorful red, orange and earth tones.  This scene is from Arches National Park.  Contact me for current availability of the this painting.

You can see more of my artwork online:
Facebook page (open to the public)

fineartamerica.com    

(a variety of my work: prints and cards available) 
 artforconservation.com  
(limited edition canvas giclees) 

marygiacomini.com

MGiacominiart.blogspot.com

Green

Shades of Green

Going Green

Happy St. Patty's Day!  I played with a watercolor technique with layers of  transparent watercolors with marijuana leaves.  I have painted this type of project with autumn leaves and flowers and thought it would be fun to play with hemp images.  Colorado has legalized recreational marijuana and other states are following.  Meanwhile, it's not illegal to paint or look at cannabis art so here you go.

"Shades of Green" is 18" x 24" and "Going Green" is 16" x 20".  Both original watercolors are painted on Arches Cold Press 140lb watercolor paper and are available for purchase.  Also prints and canvas giclees can be ordered for either at Fine Art America. Click on the titles and you will go directly to that site.
You can contact me directly if you are interested in purchasing the originals.

You can see more of my artwork online:
Facebook page (open to the public)

fineartamerica.com    

(a variety of my work: prints and cards available) 
 artforconservation.com  
(limited edition canvas giclees) 

marygiacomini.com

MGiacominiart.blogspot.com

#MGiacomini #watercolor originals

Loose Moose

Loose Moose 

I have a love of pallet knife painting.  When my oil painting class requested a lesson on 'Van Gogh animals" I jumped to the task as I love his loose, swirling strokes.  When I start a painting I know will have very heavy impasto, I start with a good drawing and don't add the thick paint until I have a color theme and good composition in place.  When I'm ready to lay on the swirls of paint with a pallet knife, I get brave and ad more brilliant colors that the reference photo portrays.  I do ad up to a 50% dilution of either Gamblin's Solvent Free Gel or Resingel to my oil paint to speed up the drying time.  "" is 12" x 16", oil on linen.  Contact me for current availabilty.

Vincent Van Moose

I painted 'Vincent Van Moose' in 2014 in a similar style.  This painting sold the day I posted it on the internet.

You can see more of my artwork online:
Facebook page (open to the public)

fineartamerica.com    

(a variety of my work: prints and cards available) 
 artforconservation.com  
(limited edition canvas giclees) 

marygiacomini.com

MGiacominiart.blogspot.com

Reserved: the process

Reserved 30" x 30" oil/sold

 I recently finished "Reserved".   I worked on this oil painting commission for many months.  My client had an idea for a painting that she wanted for above her fireplace. She really like my painting "Recharge" but decided to commission me to paint  an original oil of exactly what she had in mind. 
 She provided a good reference for Longs Peak (taken from the Peak to Peak Highway in Colorado adjacent to Rocky Mountain National Park) but wanted to include the Adirondack chairs that I have painted frequently.  I composed the two chairs with the Longs Peak Autumn photo and painted the small "Table for Two".  I included the bottle of red wine and two  wine glasses to make the painting that much more inviting.  I wanted to make sure I was portraying what she had in mind before I went to the actual large square format.  She loved the small painting so I started "Reserved" on oil primed linen on gator-board (my favorite surface for oil).  I was pleased with the outcome of the painting and more importantly my client absolutely loved it.
"Table for Two" sold recently at the Grand Lake Art Gallery.     "Recharge" is still available for purchase.  To inquire about current availability, contact me.  Fine art prints and giclees of  "Reserved" can be ordered through Fine Art America.

Recharge  24" x 30" oil

Table for Two  10" x 10"  oil/sold

Longs Peak reference photo

You can see more of my artwork online:
Facebook page (open to the public)

fineartamerica.com    

(a variety of my work: prints and cards available) 
 artforconservation.com  
(limited edition canvas giclees) 

marygiacomini.com

MGiacominiart.blogspot.com

Sweet Art Show

Retreat

 I recently rejoined the Lincoln Gallery in Loveland, Colorado.  This co-op gallery is run by the Thompson Valley Art League.  Every February they sponsor a members show called the Sweet Art show.  (Valentine's Day is a big deal in Loveland every year.) I entered two oils and "Retreat" won 2nd place for oils.  I love this scene of an Adirondack chair sitting beside a peaceful alpine lake with  the rugged Rocky Mountain peaks surrounding it.  I found this scene near Fernie, British  Columbia at Island Lake Lodge.  I added the red glass of wine to make it that much more inviting.  This original oil is for sale, contact me for current availability.

A possible companion piece for "Retreat" is "Recharge" which is a larger (24" x 30") original oil painting with two Adirondack chairs with two wine glasses and a bottle of wine.  "Recharge" is more impressionistic with some impasto.  Both paintings give me peace of mind. 

Recharge

You can see more of my artwork online:
Facebook page (open to the public)

fineartamerica.com    

(a variety of my work: prints and cards available) 
 artforconservation.com  
(limited edition canvas giclees) 

marygiacomini.com

MGiacominiart.blogspot.com