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WATER-
COLOUR
I
studied graphic design at university
and subsequently worked as an
advertising art director, freelance designer
and, most recently, as a graphic design
teacher. But my first love has always been
watercolor painting. I began painting in
my early teens, exhibited for many years
and then took a long break while my sons
were growing up. I confess, it’s been a
joy to rediscover what I fell in love with
so many years ago. When you paint in
watercolor, you’re always teetering on the
edge of chaos, and that unpredictability
is precisely what makes it so thrilling.
I learn something every time I put my
brush to paper.
I was fortunate to learn from one of
the great teachers of watercolor—Edgar
A. Whitney—and I continue to use his
design approach for composition.
My preferred method is to paint in
plein air, but in Montreal, Canada,
where I live, it’s cold for about five or six
months of the year. When I have an hour
or two to work in my sketchbook, I will
paint from my car on all but the coldest
days. But for larger watercolors I retreat
to my studio, where it’s warm enough
for the paint to dry, I can make a pot
of tea and listen to music. In Montreal,Painting Snow Scenes
Shari Blaukopf shares her tips and techniques
for painting snow using watercolorsShari Blaukopf
CANADA
DEMONSTRATION
Avenue Ste. Anne, watercolor, 15 x 11" (38 x 28 cm)
On warmer winter days the melting snow
produces stunning reflections in the road. I used
a mix of Prussian blue and burnt umber to create
a warm grey for the road and distant trees.
Although neutral colors dominate, I found some
opportunities to add spots of pure pigment, as in
the road signs and trash bin.