rosebudwatercolors

Late Summer Roses

2011-09-12T22:13:00.000-04:00

I've been trying to perfect a technique that stretches my ability quite a bit. The idea is to not draw anything, no pencil sketch first, but just go ahead and paint the image without guidelines. I really don't know where this came from but I have to say it is challenging and I enjoy it. Using a photo from my daughter Tracy's garden and a blank piece of watercolor paper I proceeded to create this painting. It's a good feeling to just work eye to hand. I'm happy with the end results so I'll continue to pursue this goal.

Hearts and Flowers

2011-09-12T22:03:00.002-04:00

This painting is a departure from my usual calm, somewhat tame watercolors. It is comprised of inks, gels, gesso and acrylic paint, still considered watermedia but giving vastly different results. There is no plan, no drawing. I just squirt, spray, pour. Then I use palette knives to texturize and create shapes. Afterwards I search for meaning. Sometimes these 'starts' hang in my studio for weeks before I get some inspiration and forge ahead. The ending is a truly unique piece. I think you'll agree!

Ring of Fire

2011-08-18T13:18:00.000-04:00

This watercolor painted itself. I was sitting outside on the lanai, playing with paint, sipping a glass of wine and not paying attention to what was happening on the paper. Being surrounding by my family who were visiting from Washington state was far more important. My three granddaughters, who I call Cookie, Cupcake and Candy, were also painting which is something we always try to do when we're togther. It's enjoyable for me to see their lovely artwork and realize they must have creativity in their genes. A few days later I added the silhouette of a sailboat to complete this painting.

Delight

2011-08-18T13:05:00.000-04:00

I truly love to 'throw water', add splashes of paint and work to create a painting. The learning curve includes staying away from colors that make mud, for example adding green to reds, pinks, and oranges. For the flowers I spatter either bright warm colors or vivid cool colors, then wait for the paint to dry. Studying what has 'happened' I look for shapes that I can work into flowers. Adding varied greens for stems and leaves brings the composition together. The final step is to see if some spiky dark branches will compliment the painting.

Seashore

2011-08-18T12:46:00.000-04:00

Who doesn't enjoy the crisp feeling of the blue sea and white sands punctuated by waving grasses on the dunes, cries from the gulls and the sound of crashing waves? The feeling you get when you first round a dune and see the water? That is what I wanted to convey in this simple beach scene.

Sailing

2011-08-18T12:41:00.000-04:00

I painted this scene completely from my imagination after spending the day sight-seeing in St. Petersburg, Florida. We drove across the state for a long weekend, a mini vacation. There was lots to see and do including a busy art sale with vendors from all over, an active pier scene and a thriving food market with lots of interesting offerings and music. We ended the day walking along the beautiful waterfront. I tried to capture the feel of the local harbor which is fronted by a beautiful park.

Grand Slam - Angel Pagan

2011-07-24T18:23:00.001-04:00

A very generous artist in a nearby community decided to run a fund-raiser to benefit the local Little League teams. He secured the cooperation of 7 Treasure Coast Art Leagues and then approached the NY Mets baseball team for official photos. Artists chose from the photos and proceeded to paint large renditions of Mets players. Their time and talent along with framing costs were donated for this worthwhile cause. Almost 50 paintings were completed and auctioned off to raise money. Through the joint cooperation of the Mets management and the town of Port St. Lucies, a sizeable check was donated to the Local Little Leagues. This is my painting of Angel Pagan.

Awaiting Baby Bunting

2011-07-17T21:07:00.000-04:00

This is a different version of my painting of Painted Bunting birds. This time I added lots of leaves using a paper doily. I placed the doily on the paper and painted thru the holes to create some interesting leaf shapes. Then I completely surrounded the nest and birds with a leafy canopy to create a feeling of protection. The birds are patiently awaiting their baby to hatch out of the egg. The male seems to be enjoying a short rest before he heads off for more food. Mom sit quietly, keeping her baby warm and safe.

Sunny Resting Spot

2011-07-17T21:00:00.000-04:00

This is a perfect example of Mediterranean architecture. Steps, stones, ancient doorways, wrought iron trim....it all adds up to a quiet spot in a small alleyway. On the way to where? Who knows? It could be a pass thru to the town plaza, the entrance to a monastery, or perhaps even someone's home. I added the cat because it just looked like the perfect spot to catch a 'catnap'.

Sand and Shadows

2011-07-17T20:48:00.001-04:00

This is the first lesson I gave at a new location, a senior living complex located in Stuart FL. The students were fairly new at doing watercolors. We imprinted the sand fence using short pieces of matboard that we trimmed as we went along. This made it easier to gain perspective and add depth as the fence diminished in size toward the water. The shadows were added the same way. Adding sea grasses, gulls, water and shadows helped to give this painting definition. Everyone did a great job and were pleased with the results.

Plein Air on the South Rim

2011-03-20T13:40:00.001-04:00

It was truly an impressive experience to sit on the ground at the Grand Canyon and have the opportunity to paint plein air. Wow is all I can say. So majestic, so quiet, so inspiring.........just to view this magnificent natural wonder fills one with awe. Trying to capture the striated rock that lines the canyons top to bottom was challenging. It was difficult and while I enjoyed having this chance to paint, I was also the quintessential frustrated artist! Returning home I took a second look at what I had painted and decided it just needed definition. Using a pen I outlined the many variations in color and this is the result.

Nesting Time

2011-01-13T21:17:00.002-05:00

It pleases me to paint small birds. These two are Painted Buntings. The composition came from a desire to marry the colors in the birds to the foliage for a cohesive look. I have an East Palatka Holly tree in my yard, planted to attract birds to my property. This time of year the tree fills with red berries and is quite attractive.....to me and to the birds. This foliage added the right touch along with the nest and the suggestion of future baby birds hatching. The proud parents happily await the big day.

Watercolor 12 x 16
Contact sferina222@yahoo.com

Back in the Day

2011-01-12T10:13:00.000-05:00

It brings so many memories back to me, painting this old bicycle. The plain fact is, I still have my old bicycle. It is now over 25 years old and I have more than 5,000 miles on the odometer. I tried purchasing a new bike when we moved to Florida but I just didn't like how I sat. Wasn't comfortble. Got the old one refurbished instead and I happily ride it around, doing about 5 miles at a time. The painting is of an old cottage at Edenlawn in Jensen Beach and yes, the rusty old bike was leaning against the tree like it had been there for many moons!

Not for sale

Built to Last

2010-11-29T20:47:00.000-05:00

The subject matter of this painting is a local House of Refuge. Well over 100 years ago the mainland of Florida and the barrier islands were not connected by bridges or causeways. The only way to traverse this water, the Indian River, was by boat. Many ships ran aground on the hidden reefs in this area of the ocean. Our government build these rescue houses, spacing them about 25 miles apart. The rangers that staffed the houses were responsible for the passengers and crew of any ships that capsized within that radius. After the rescue they would house these survivors until they could be transported to the mainland. It is such an interesting and beautiful spot on the Atlantic coast. Great for plein air painting which resulted in this rendition.

Watercolor 16x20
email sferina222@yahoo.com

Kimba

2010-11-24T20:47:00.000-05:00

Once in a while one of my students will ask to do a tiger or other wild animal. This guy was painted doing lots of dry brush technique to achieve an impression of fur. When done I washed out a bit of the painting and instead of covering it I decided to leave the area as white fur. I call him "Kimba" from the white lion cartoons my kids used to watch on Saturday mornings eons ago.

Watercolor 10 x 14
email sferina222@yahoo.com

On the Beach

2010-11-24T20:15:00.000-05:00

Imagine being on a pristine beach with white sugar sands..........all by yourself or with your loved ones? That is what I painted, the chance to enjoy peace and beauty undisturbed by noise, chatter or interruptions of any kind. Picture pulling up to this beach in your boat, getting ashore and then just enjoying the serenity and beauty of the water, the sand and sunshine, all in your own little world. Yay!

Watercolor 14 x 18
email sferina222@yahoo.com

Astilmaria

2010-09-16T18:56:00.001-04:00

During a class I demonstrated how to use paper doilys to created a whimsical ground for painting a vase of flowers. After positioning the doily, an atomoizer is used to spray the paint on. It is a small gadget, somewhat L-shaped, that is placed in a watery solution of paint so you can blow the paint onto the surface. Other impressions can also be made this way, such as leaves . It adds another dimension to using watercolor techniques and produces a beautiful impression of lace. I chose to add a very colorful but muted background.

Watercolor 8x10 $95
email sferina222@yahoo.com

On the Farm

2010-09-04T15:12:00.000-04:00

This watercolor demo was done to show techniques giving texure to wood. Using the wrong end of a brush, an end that is rather pointy, you just draw lines and boards are formed. It has to be done carefully because once a depression is made in watercolor paper, it can't be removed! Some artists sign their work this way because of it's permanency. Using drybrush technique is a way to make wood look old and weathered. You can see how important shadows are to a painting. They give depth and reality along with perception. The farmgirl carrying a basket is the result of a mistake. Meaning I covered something up creatively!

Watercolor 12x16 $170
email sferina222@yahoo.com

Jake

2010-08-19T21:53:00.000-04:00

One of my friends, Zee, lost a pet due to advancing age and medical issues. He was a very special dog named Jake. She was heartbroken. The only way I knew to try and make things better was to offer to paint a watercolor of her precious buddy. When I sat down to paint I tried to invoke the essence of this special companion. I wanted her to recognize him and feel comforted by his image. She was very pleased.

French Cafe

2010-08-18T20:47:00.000-04:00

This is one of several versions of a composition based on a cocktail napkin. Some of these napkins are really very attractive and I'm sure they are created by artists! Changing the colors, adding the people and naming the shop were fun ways to use the original and convert it into my design. It was done in watercolor class and the students enjoyed the whimsical feel of painting a charming French cafe.

Not for sale

Leafy Impressions

2010-08-14T21:43:00.000-04:00

This is one of my creations using garden clippings. Taking the trimmings from the plants in pots on my lanai and the bushes surrounding my home I then monoprint with watercolor paints. It's fun but a rather messy propostion. First I coat the leaves with paint and them imprint them on paper trying for a pleasing design. The container is added last which brings the compostion together.

Watercolor 11x14 $175
email sferina222@yahoo.com

Seashell Symphony

2010-08-08T20:38:00.000-04:00

This watercolor took many hours and many layers of paint to complete. It starts with just 2 colors, burnt sienna and cobalt blue. The paper is covered with puddles that are then dripped off. This is done at least three time until the right background color is achieved. Then a composition of real shells are placed on the paper and the outside edges are traced. The paint is removed within the seashell shape, back to white paper. The the shells are painstakingly replicated. Once the shadows are added the piece is finished.

Watercolor 16x20 $300
email sferina222@yahoo.com

Memories of Edenlawn

2010-08-06T16:11:00.000-04:00

This painting is the result of my first commission! I was so excited that someone asked me to paint a cottage that had special romantic memories in their life. That is, until I saw this place. It was seriously unattractive painted a drab brown and had a rather flat roof. The surrounding area was overgrown with weeds and wild tropical growth. I did three rendtions before I had one that I felt was appealing. The purchaser was happy and chose my first painting. This is the third that I recently dug out and did a re-tread on..........like tires, meaning a fix-up or repair.

Watercolor 15x20 (20x26 matted size) $225
email sferina222@yahoo.com

Real Roses

2010-08-01T21:49:00.001-04:00

I was given a dozen beautiful red roses as a thank you. They graced my table with beauty until they started to fade. Just before I threw them in the trash I decided to try momoprinting with them. Using watercolor paint I imprinted the roses on paper. Then I monoprinted the leaves and fern to surround the roses and added a container. A light background wash was all that was needed to complete my composition. Neat? I think so.

Watercolor 15x22 $300
email sferina222@yahoo.com

Secluded Beach

2010-07-31T20:50:00.001-04:00

Sometimes I start a painting wet in to wet with a sky, in this case a mingled wash. At the same time the water and sandy foreground was added. After drying I let inspiration guide me into a finish. Palms of course, groundcover too. Afterwards I added a couple of folks in sand chairs with an umbrella and cooler. Last I decided it looked secluded so I added a means of reaching this private beach.

Watercolor 10x14 $200
email sferina222@yahoo.com

Barely There

2010-07-30T21:39:00.000-04:00

Painting when I travel is part of my life. It's easy to do watercolors everywhere so I always bring a travel pallette, brushes and paper. If there's some down time in a hotel or on a beach, or even in a jetplane, I paint. It is such a pleasant way to pass time and it's also productive. I did this little vase of flowers in St. Petersburg FL while on a trip to celebrate my birthday.

Not for sale

Bright Bouquet

2010-07-29T21:19:00.000-04:00

This was painted on a watercolor card which is about 5 by 7 inches in size. I enjoy the uplifiting feeling I get everytime I look at it. Sooooo, it sits on my studio desk as a reminder to paint with joy and beauty and thereby bring happiness to the world.

Not for sale

John Singer Sargent's Thistles

2010-07-28T21:10:00.000-04:00

Every once in a while I choose a painting from a past master to demo for my class. There is so much for us to learn from the successful artists of yesteryear. John Singer Sargent did many wonderful watercolors throughout his career as an artist. I truly appreciate his work and strive to make my work have the impact that his paintings had. He took a simple subject of 2 thistle plants and made a masterpiece out of it.

Watercolor 6x9 $110
email sferina222@yahoo.com

Inspired

2010-07-27T21:06:00.002-04:00

Another in a series of grape, vine, winery inspirations. Grapes are so fascinating to me and not just because of their delicious products! I love how they grow, hidden by spring green leaves, the grapes first a whitish green and then ripening into a darker maroonish purple. These are my favorite colors. Add a bit of aqua blue as accent and it's just right. This painting says: "Sharon's favorite colors".

Watercolor on Yupo paper 9x12 $155
email sferina222@yahoo.com

Ready for Wine and More

2010-07-24T21:33:00.000-04:00

This is another piece painted on Yupo paper depicting grapes. I'm facinated by them and realize it's because my parents had a grape arbor in our yard. I loved riding on a swing so my Dad hung one under the grape arbor. In the summer, as a young child I spent lots of time happily swinging to and fro in the cool shade of the grapes. Then I would watch my mother work so hard to prepare and preserve the grapes for juice and jelly. It was a messy, ardous process but we got to enjoy grape juice all winter and were able to slather homemade grape jelly on our waffles and sandwiches. Delicious.

Watercolor 9x12 $175
email sferina222@ yahoo.com

Napa Valley Winery

2010-07-19T12:37:00.001-04:00

This is a mineature painting, only about 2 inches by 3 inches in size. It's very detailed and captures the essence of the beautiful Napa Valley. I know that I repeat myself but the very 'air' is different there. So soft and peaceful and fragrant! A delight to the senses, a chance to treat your eyes to beautiful scenery and your pallette to delicious tastes of local wine. If you have the chance, go.

Watercolor 2x3 $75
email sferina222@yahoo.com

Waterfall

2010-07-17T22:49:00.000-04:00

This is my first and possibly, last, attempt to paint a waterfall. Duplicating moving water takes lots of creative talent and most likely, lots of practice. Perhaps I was so discouraged that I never tried another? The ducks were added to pull the eye away from the falls.

Watercolor 12x16 $150
email sferina222@yahoo.com

Hollyhock Memories

2010-07-13T21:09:00.000-04:00

While I was growing up in Valley Stream, Long Island we always had a beautiful flowering garden in our backyard. There were roses, lilacs, daffodils, iris, bridal veil and always....hollyhocks. These stately perennials are really beautiful to see, tall, graceful and filled with blooms. Since my mother passed away I wanted to honor her memory by planting a hollyhock in our yard in Suffolk County. It flourished and gave me some fond memories when I looked at it. Before we moved south I took photos enabling me to have a painted memory.

Not for sale

For Me?

2010-07-11T21:45:00.000-04:00

This watercolor evolved over time to become a surprised lady, maybe being given flowers? Or a gift of some kind? Done on Yupo paper it was started by putting colors down in puddles and letting them mix and mingle. When dry, I search for a clue to proceed, find meaning, emotion, and/or a feeling to complete the painting. These pieces of artwork really create themselves.

Sold

Lilac Farm, WA state

2010-07-07T21:09:00.000-04:00

The Pacific Northwest has great weather for growing flowers. I've been to tulip farms, rhododendren and rose gardens and also one stately garden that is strictly lilacs. It's not a large area. maybe several acres. It was cultivated soley by one woman who loved lilacs. At one point a flood destroyed almost all the bushes but she lovingly re-planted what she could salvage to restore her life's work. It was so beautiful with all the lilacs blooming at the same time,which was April, and the fragrance was uplifting. A nice experience.

Watercolor 10x14 $200
email sferina222@yahoo.com

Winter Wonderland

2010-07-03T12:44:00.001-04:00

I went into a local thrift shop and saw 6 unframed prints for sale. The idea popped into my head to purchase them and use them for my watercolor class. They were placed face down and I asked each student to choose one at random. Sort of like a lottery. They were given the option of trading with each other if they really felt unable to paint the one they wound up with. I don't advocate copying others work except in a classroom situation. It does help students learn about compostion, color, shadows and values. This print was signed R.W. Ware and this is my rendition of his work.

Watercolor 10x14 $115
email sferina222@yahoo.com

Pelican Perch

2010-06-29T15:42:00.000-04:00

This watercolor was painted as a demo for my class. The focus was on texture. Creating a weather wood effect takes practice and learning how to make your brush behave. Just the right amount of paint is needed to get the stippling result needed to mimic woodgrain. Too much paint and it flows, too little and nothing happens. Just right and the paint just touches the uneven bumps in the paper and leaves a sparkly effect.

Watercolor 9x12 $175
email sferina222@yahoo.com

House of Refuge frrom the South

2010-06-28T21:53:00.003-04:00

The House of Refuge is a local historic building built to help the survivors of shipwrecks. It is located by an underwater reef just off a barrier island. There were many catastrophes due to this hidden peril. Survivors would swim to shore and then be stranded without food or water, nor a means to reach the mainland. In current day it is an active museum. The surroundings are breathtaking. The ocean crashes, the wind blows and you get a feel for the isolation that occurred before it was built.

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House of Refuge from the North

2010-06-27T21:51:00.001-04:00

The House of Refuge located on Hutchinson Island in Stuart FL is over 100 years old. It was built to rescue survivors of shipwrecks who would reach shore and be stranded. Without food or water nor a means to reach the mainland, many perished. The guardian of the house would be in charge of the shoreline for 25 miles in each direction. It was a lonely life. Mosquitoes abounded, it was hot, humid and very isolated. Boat was the only means of transportation to leave the island at that time. This was painted from photos I took on site.

Watercolor 9x12 $200
email sferina222@yahoo.com

Twinkle Toes

2010-06-23T21:07:00.000-04:00

I found the reference for this painting in the newspaper. The toe dancing young lady's part was in the "Nutcracker" and I felt she looked so graceful. I learned a lesson about masking fluid from this work. Never put it on the paper if the paper is wet! When you try to remove it, the top layer of the paper lifts up. So, of course it was the last thing I did and the painting was rendered unsaleable. Never one to be discouraged I finished it and had notecards made.

Sunday Options, Pray or Play?

2010-06-21T21:06:00.000-04:00

This particular painting was done in response to an exhibit requesting reflections of Florida. This church was just named to the list of historical buildings in the area. It's over 100 years old and is still in use as a church. One day as I drove past it I saw the boat and trailer parked close. It just clicked in my mind that this is how it is in Florida. Workmen take breaks to fish if they are working near a pond and it's accepted as the norm. I can just see someone dashing into church for a short spell and then hitching up to go fishing for the day.

Watercolor 18x24 $350
email sferina222@yahoo.com

For Cheyenne

2010-06-15T21:14:00.000-04:00

This painting was done when I first began to do watercolors. My granddaughter Cheyenne was turning two, she will soon be thirteen! Anyhow, sometimes it's good to look back to the beginnings of something. This is a painting I feel good about. Trust me, there are some that show a novice at work, very basic stuff. Those have the ability to make me see how far I've progressed and so, have a purpose too.

Fireworks

2010-06-09T21:34:00.000-04:00

This is how to create a floral design by starting with just drops of water on the top half of the paper. Then begin dripping colorful paints onto the paper letting it run together a bit. This is about the only control you have, choosing the colors. Add a container, pot or vase to hold the flowers. Then some greens for leaves and stems to complete your painting. Voila!

Watercolor 8 x 11 $115
email sferina222@yahoo.com

Spring Illumination

2010-06-07T17:36:00.000-04:00

Tulips continue to be one of my favorite flowers and also continue to be a challenge to portray. I visited tulip fields in southern Washington state that were just magnificent. Color, bright color everywhere! Fields of different colors and varieties of tulips on all sides. I find it very uplifting to visit all kinds of gardens. That day I was able to take photos of my grandkids 'posing with the tulips' and they are definitely treasured.

Watercolor 9x12 $110
email sferina222@yahoo.com

Crashing Waves

2010-06-06T21:56:00.001-04:00

Painting this watercolor took many washes of several different colors of blue to produce the threatening sky and moving water. The white foam is nothing more than the paper without paint. It's tricky to preserve the white paper while using so many glazes of paint but essential to produce the necessary effect. Masking fluid can protect the paper but leaves a hard edge while white paint is opaque and doesn't provide the transparency that makes a watercolor so appealing. Let it happen!

Watercolor 9x12 $175
email sferina222@yahoo.com

Village Street in Italy

2010-06-05T15:15:00.000-04:00

This painting was developed from a photo taken by my student Sandy. It's a village on an island located near Venice.
Very typical of many little towns and villages throughout Italy with their narrow streets, cobblestone or slate paving and wash, always wash hanging across the way. No one seems to care is you can see their underwear hanging in plain view. It's just the way.

Watercolor 9x12 $145
email sferina222@yahoo.com

Through the Shutters

2010-05-27T21:50:00.000-04:00

This painting is a demonstration piece for my watercolor class. I found it very engaging to be painting a view from inside to outside. It's like looking at something from the safety of your home, a very comfortable feeling. Some of my students were very new to the media and a bit intimidated by the apparent complexity of this piece. In the end they were quite pleased by the ease with which they were able to replicate it. I liked it so much I chose to do another with a tropical view through the shutters.

Watercolor 9x12 $155
email sferina222@yahoo.com

Gentle Ben

2010-05-26T21:07:00.000-04:00

I usually ask my students what they would like to paint the following week. Sometimes I get a surprise, like when one student asked if we could do tigers! Somehow when I paint animals or birds they wind up with a personality and I have to give them a name. This big fellow looks quite meek and harmless and has an appealing look in his eyes, hence the name Gentle Ben.

Watercolor 9x12 $135
email sferina222@yahoo.com

Replica of John Singer Sargent's Cottage

2010-05-25T21:59:00.000-04:00

If you ever want to look at an enchanting watercolor book, try the Watercolors of John Singer Sargent. I took it out of the library but found his work so captivating that I just had to buy it for myself. It's on order right now. My class painted this picture to learn about shadows. Aren't these shadows just so great? And what you're looking at is is my painting, a copy. His, the original, is absolutely amazing.

Watercolor 9x12 $120
email sferina222@yahoo.com

Rose Bright

2010-05-23T15:04:00.000-04:00

This is not my compostion. I found it in a watercolor book and decided my class would enjoy the simple, straightforward way it is designed. It can be painted petal by petal until completed. The lesson was actually on 'backgrounds' which are always challenging. Do I paint the object first, or the background? That is a question I am asked over an over. The answer depends on the subject matter, how you feel that day and what you decide to do!

Watercolor 9x12 $175
email sferina222@yahoo.com

In Memory of Jean

2010-05-17T23:05:00.002-04:00

This painting was originally done by Philip Steele and sent to me as a postcard. I decided it would be a good lesson in values for my class. One of my students was diagnosed with a brain tumor and given a short time to live. This happened very suddenly. Her name was Jean and she came to class that day to say good-bye to all of us. She sat next to me as I painted. When I demonstrated how to do lettering I got a sudden inspiration to put her name on the boat.
I have since given the painting to her son. We all miss her.
I recently learned that the painting is hanging on her son's boat. Seems just right.

Enjoying the Surf

2010-05-15T21:48:00.001-04:00

Once again my painting is a demo that was done to show a technique to my students. In this case the object was to show how easy it is to depict people in the distance. It's merely a dot of paint for the head, a longer one for the body, then arms and lets. It helps to make your people have motion, it adds to the energy of the painting. This connects with the majesty of the ocean and gives a nice feeling to the work.

Watercolor 9x12 $115
email sferina222@yahoo.com

Lovely Lilacs

2010-05-13T22:25:00.001-04:00

I still remember the first time I painted lilacs. They wound up looking like rockets flying up out of the vase! They need to be soft looking due to the multiple tiny flowers that compose each blossom. It's easy to overpaint and wind up with hard looking flowers. I'm happy with this version that was demonstrated for my watercolor class.

Watercolor $65 9x12
email sferina222@yahoo.com

Sea Turtle

2010-05-11T22:26:00.000-04:00

Jensen Beach FL, where I live is well known as a spot where sea turtles lay their eggs. The turtles swim to shore, walk up the beach to dig holes to protect their young. When the eggs hatch the little turtles know enough to head immediately to the sea. Groups of people monitor this process and watch to see that electric light is shielded to ensure the proper growth of the hatchlings. It is very fitting that my watercolor class painted the symbol of our area.

Watercolor 9x12 $90
email sferina222@yahoo.com

Pineapolis

2010-05-06T21:38:00.000-04:00

This was painted during my phase of using bubble wrap, saran, wax paper, foil etc to make imprints on paper. I've constantly worked to loosen up and be painterly about my watercolors. This is one way to create representational abstracts, meaning you can detect the images created and identify the subject matter. This painting is like a city of pineapples, like Minneapolis, Indianapolis..........

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Leafy Reflections

2010-04-29T21:24:00.001-04:00

A very simple painting, done to demonstrate watercolor techniques on how to paint glass. Realizing that you start with a flat, white piece of paper may make you understand that this is indeed challenging. Showing the stems of the foliage under water requires some distortion at the waterline to make them appear natural. Pay attention to the reflections on the glass because they help create the necessary transparency.

Watercolor 6x8 $65
email sferina222@yahoo.com

Swiss Alps, St. Moritz

2010-04-27T22:11:00.000-04:00

On a trip to Switzerland we stayed in St. Moritz for a few days. It was early June but as we drove over a mountain pass to Gstaad we experienced a mini snow storm. Totally unexpected for the time of year! This view of the Alps was right outside our hotel window. I had purchased some hand-made brushes in Nice, France and wanted to try them out. The compostion is not the best but it is what was visible from our tiny balcony. These mountains are both imposing and formidable. I tried to capture the fearsome aspect of their immense height and the total dominance of the landscape.

Watercolor 22x30 $350
email sferina222@yahoo.com

Birdsong

2010-04-26T11:46:00.000-04:00

Once again I am treating you to a painting done long ago when I first began to paint. I love little birds and enjoy watching them in action. They are so free and seem not to be concerned with a thing. Maybe this is attractive because us humans have lots of concerns and sometimes they are burdensome? Birds sing as dawn breaks and if we hear their joyful song, it can uplift us for the day.

Watercolor 7x10 $55
email sferina222@yahoo.com

Autumn Drama

2010-04-20T21:45:00.002-04:00

Another unusual piece that started with pouring, layering and dripping art materials on paper. Inks, gels, acrylics & gesso are some of the things used to complete this composition. I think of it as "Halloween Flowers" because it's a bit scary and of course, the orange and black coloration. These abstracts take a lot of imagination to finish. Believe it or not!

Mixed Media 14x18 $250
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Fresh Fruit

2010-04-19T21:27:00.000-04:00

This was painted about 10 years ago, when I first started taking lessons. I signed up for classes at the local Art League and learned techniques from an excellent artist, Steve Lampasona. Another new artist and I would get together at our homes and paint about once a month. We'd set up a still life, or drape scarves or work from magazine photos to give us inspiration or subject matter. I was pretty pleased with the peach in this composition of real fruit.

Not for sale

Cowboy Blues

2010-04-16T22:01:00.000-04:00

This painting is a departure from my usual representational work. It's a mixed media piece created with inks, gels and acrylic paint. The start was sticky paper in various sizes placed randomly on the paper. Paint was added in harmonious colors. When dry the spaces were uncovered revealing unique patterns. I united the spaces with outlines of black paint. Looks like horseshoes and broken cowboy boots. No wonder the cowboy has the blues!

Mixed media 22x30 $400
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Alba Wine Region, Italy

2010-04-14T21:29:00.001-04:00

When I saw this medieval manor house I had to take a photo, knowing I would be painting this scene. The Alba region of Northern Italy is very scenic. Roads in that area straddle the high ridges of the mountains. It is possible to see wide vistas of vineyards on both sides of the road, sweeping to the valley floor like an undulating green carpet. Amazing. Ancient walled cities sit on top of mountains, totally surrounded by the growing vines. The wines are delicious: Arneis (white) Barolo, Barberesco, Barbera (reds). Asti, a sparking variety, comes from this region too.

Watercolor 9x12 $99
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Keen

2010-04-09T16:24:00.000-04:00

The word 'keen' always brings sharpness to my mind. Since this painting embodies pointed edges it seems like the best title. When I trim my garden plants I bring the leaves, twigs, flowers and rose hips to my studio desk. Using an imprinting technique I create bouquets of these cuttings, continuing until I see an integrated grouping. I then add a container to pull it all together. There is life and energy in the completed painting that I don't see in other works I do with a brush.

Watercolor 12x16 $195
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Magenta Lillies

2010-04-07T21:55:00.001-04:00

One of my students asked to paint lilies during a watercolor classes. It is one of the harder flowers to replicate. This is my rendition of a bunch of these flowers. I chose magenta as the dominant color which pairs well with greens. Magenta is one of my favorite colors and is used in decorating my house. When I was a youngster I colored with the 'red violet' crayon until it became smaller than a nub. I would pair it with chartruse and turquoise when I colored in coloring books. Kind of a wild combination but one that appealed to me.

Watercolor 6x8 $40
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Caleigh

2010-04-06T21:41:00.000-04:00

This is my 11th grandchild, just a year old now. Caleigh is a sweet girl who is good-natured and happy. She talks all day long, baby talk of course but the happy kind with a smile on her face. The technique used to do this painting is called batik and it's done on rice paper. Hot melted wax is applied, layer by layer, until the whole paper is coated. In between watercolor paint is added until a satisfactory finish is achieved. The wax is then cracked off by crushing the paper. Black paint is aplied in an even coating. The excess is blotted with paper towels. The final step is to iron off the residual wax between layers of newspaper.

Not for sale

View From Ravello

2010-04-05T22:02:00.001-04:00

I painted this while sitting on an ancient stone wall in Ravello, Italy, feet hanging, with a big drop beneath me. The view was just breathtaking. The village was clinging to the hillside, surrounded by stepped vineyards and a sweeping panorama of mountains. This area is along the Amalfi coast. A lesson had been booked for me and surprise, it was with Leo Kennedy, an Irish painter living there at the time. The good thing was that there was no language barrier. The rest of our group took a cooking lesson so we all ate scrumptious food together at the end of the day. Very special time.

Not for sale

Mrs. Cardinal

2010-04-02T21:51:00.000-04:00

This Cardinal is a pair with the male, the red bird. It is very sweet to see these mates, together hunting for food, probably bringing it back to the nest for the babies. Their song is distinctive and once you recognize it there is no mistaking it. Nature provides the quieter coloring for the females and young giving them more safety by not being so noticeable. Even here in Florida we have Cardinals and being a small bird lover, it makes me happy to see them.

Not for sale

Cardinal

2010-04-01T21:55:00.000-04:00

One day I asked my sister-in-law Patty what she would like me to paint for her. She said she thinks about her mother whenever she sees a cardinal outside the window and would enjoy a painting of one. The reason is because immediately following her mother's passing, a cardinal was pecking on window constantly like it was trying to get inside. This is my gift to her. She is a very loving person, one that I'm glad is in my life.

Not for sale

Life

2010-03-31T17:39:00.000-04:00

This is one of the flinging water and paint creations. You never know what the result is going to be. That makes it intriguing to start one of these paintings. This one spoke to me right away but it needed some help toward finish. I washed out some paint using a magic sponge so I could add one large flower to be the focal point. When I downloaded the digital photo I chose the name "Life". I don't know why, perhaps because it is so lively?

Watercolor 10x14 $200
email sferina222@yahoo.com

Mountain Reflections

2010-03-30T22:01:00.001-04:00

Painting reflections in still water is challenging. It generally is not quite a mirror image although it may seem that way at first glance. Depending how far the objects on land are from the water determines the size of their reflection in the water. For example a tall mountain's reflection will look shorter in the water if the mountain is further away on land. If that's not clear please just enjoy this painting!

Watercolor 10x13 $110
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Gracious Living

2010-03-29T21:37:00.000-04:00

This watercolor was painted while we were driving from Eastern Washington state back to the Portland area. It's about a 3 hour drive and not very scenic until the Columbia River widens. Then it's the gorge area and absolutely magnificent. Using my tiny travel watercolor set and a cup of water, I was able to concentrate on creating this very small painting. It only measures about 5" by 6" but was the perfect size to fit on my lap as we traveled along. A really nice way to pass the time and feel accomplished.

Watercolor 5x6 $45
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37 Minute Tulips

2010-03-28T21:36:00.000-04:00

Notice the title. One day when my good artist friends and I gathered to paint together, I developed artists block. Just couldn't get started.....Sally told me to set the timer and paint anything BUT I had to finish in 37 minutes. She said it would cure my being stuck. She was right. Taking a fast look at the vase of tulips in front of me on the table, I skipped any idea of drawing and set to work immediately. The clock was ticking! This is my very quick study of fresh spring tulips. Guess what? I was able to move on and paint easily after that. Try it if you can't get your creative engine going.

Watercolor 8x12 $190
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Charm

2010-03-17T18:34:00.001-04:00

This charming vase of flowers was created with the flinging technique I learned from Helga Flower's workshop. In this painting I also incorporated some of Shirley Trevena's use of tape to block off sections of paper to create line interest and tension. If only you could've seen it before! You wouldn't believe this 'start' was capable of being anything at all. It really was just a blur of fused colors without form or shape. It was a challenge to bring it forward and then, even enjoy the ending. I like it.

Watercolor 10x14 $180
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Coastal Waters

2010-03-15T21:13:00.000-04:00

I am delighted with this watercolor. It is entirely original, conceived from my mind. I did a 'start' putting in the sky, water and land with one palm standing straight up. Then I really didn't know what to do! It took me weeks of occasionally glancing at it to finally decide how to finish it. Actually the sky was too pretty for me to let it go without at least trying something. After adding two more palms, I slowly built up the foliage until I realized it was finished. Knowing when to stop is also a gift.

Watercolor 9x12 $175
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Cozy Nest

2010-03-14T16:38:00.001-04:00

I created this mixed media collage piece at a Helga Flower workshop. She is a very successful artist who resides in Michigan and has a snowbird home in Martin County. Her specialty is to create nest paintings which are each unique and never able to be duplicated. This one was started by painting a large nest shape and then flinging different colors of paint to create the background. By scraping with a pallette knife I was able to achieve the appearance of twigs. To enhance this I added collage material to the nest, giving it texture and interest. The last step is to add the eggs.

Watercolor 10x14 $200
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Cockfight

2010-03-11T21:38:00.000-05:00

This is a colorful and almost cartoon like watercolor of several Mexicans preparing for a cockfight. It captures the seriousness of their quest, to have the winning bird. Notice the money purse, an important item that will probably hold their much anticipated winnings. Looks like a joint venture with everyone intent on taming the bird before the fight begins.

Watercolor 10x14 $135
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Tracy's Roses

2010-03-10T14:15:00.000-05:00

When I arrived at our hotel in Vancouver WA, the most beautiful vase of flowers was in our room. My daughter Tracy had asked the management if she could surprise us this way. They were very accomodating and it felt great to be greeted with such beauty. In NY I was a member of the Long Island Rose Society and would enter their annual rose show. I earned ribbons for best of show in several categories so you know I put my heart and soul into growning roses.
Naturally I sat down the next day and painted these wonderful, lush, colorful roses.

Not for sale

Island Paradise

2010-03-09T22:35:00.000-05:00

This is a mini painting, about 2" by 3". Every year there is a mini show at a local gallery. We are offered the chance to have our paintings framed at a reasonable cost to be part of a month long show. I truly enjoy doing these little watercolors. They must fit some need in me to be precise and work with a small brush. You can't be loose and watery on a tiny scrap of paper! So far I've sold at least one every year giving me the impetus to continue.

Mini Framed & Matted Watercolor $75
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Big Brushwork

2010-03-08T17:02:00.000-05:00

You may think this is an odd title for this watercolor but I assure you it fits perfectly! One day I got it in my head to try to paint using just my wash brush which is 1 1/2 inches across. Just a whim that I decided to follow. I'm really not sure if this is finished yet. I've been toying with the idea of adding some large birds, like Pelicans, which would then compliment the compostion thru balance.

Tuscan Vineyard

2010-03-07T14:35:00.000-05:00

Who doesn't love Italy? And especially Tuscany? I think it is probably the dream destination for many people, particularly for honeymooners. It's truly a romantic location permeated with the sweet smell of lavendar, the hills covered with marching rows of grapevines, the fields filled with sunflowers. The food is delicious, the wine more so making it a place to relax and just enjoy. This is a typical farmhouse and vineyard, close to harvest time.

Watercolor 16x20 $175
email sferina222@yahoo.com

Magnolia

2010-02-28T21:44:00.001-05:00

One of the beautiful flowering trees that flourishes here in Florida is the Magnolia. The blossoms are huge and creamy looking providing a wonderful contrast with the leaves of two colors, dark green on one side, maroon on the other. This strong color differential provides great material for watercolors as the flowers immediately become the focal point.

Not for sale

Mountain Haze

2010-02-26T21:50:00.000-05:00

This painting was first done in pencil and then color was added afterwards. Working this way gives more depth and dimension to a piece of artwork. The original composition came from a hand drawn notecard. I'm always looking for inspiration for my painting classes and sometimes I find it in the most unusual ways. I just purchased a decorative gift bag that gave me an idea for a beautiful watercolor. I'll combine this design with other elements to achieve a unique finished piece.

Watercolor 8x10 $65
email sferina222@yahoo.com

Celebration

2010-02-25T22:04:00.001-05:00

This is a watercolor done with a new technique that I learned in a workshop. You merely toss drops of water onto the paper, using 10 fingers, achieving a randon pattern. After mixing rich puddles of analgous paint, you proceed to fling the paint onto the paper, never touching it with the brush. Some green is added if you want to make a bouquet, which I did. The result is varied and interesting and of course, never the same. A few lines are added for interest to resemble stems along with the vase. That is it.

Not for sale

Batik Iris

2010-02-23T21:10:00.001-05:00

This painting was done on rice paper with gold threads throughout. To learn the batik technique I took a workshop with Carol Ann Sherman. It is a multi-stepped process and took all day to finish two paintings. Lots of hot melted wax is used, along with brilliant color and indelible ink to attain this unusual stained glass look. The last step requires an iron and a stack of newspaper to melt off the wax and voila! you have a finished piece.

Batik on rice paper 10x14 $150
email sferina222@yahoo.com

Keukenhof Gardens, Lisse, Holland

2010-02-18T22:12:00.000-05:00

It brings me great joy to visit gardens, whether near or far. On a trip to Amsterdam I was treated to the wonderful experience of visiting Keukenhof Gardens at tulip time. Imagine seeing thousands of tulips, hyacinths and daffoldis of differing colors, all in bloom at the same time! The gardens are also surrounded with fields of these flowers, as far as the eye can see. Large shade trees, the greenest grass ever, winding paths and streams make this an amazing experience.

Not for sale

Squawk

2010-02-17T22:37:00.000-05:00

Roosters are so interesting to paint. Like most male bird species they are more colorful than the females thereby commanding more attention. This guy is letting everyone know that he is king of the barnyard. His beak is open, his jaw flapping, thereby indicating he is announcing the break of day with lots of loud squawks!

Sold

Taking Over

2010-02-14T15:16:00.000-05:00

Two beautiful yellow flowers painted on yupo paper, the synthentic, smooth paper without tooth. It's a challenge to keep things looking like they are supposed to but one I totally enjoy. Looks like one flower is trying to be superior, doesn't it? Vying for attention, standing tall? Guess we could look at it differently and say one is being protective and guarding the other, being the courageous one.

Watercolor 9x12 $80
email sferina222@yahoo.com

Monet's Japanese Bridge at Giverny

2010-02-11T21:48:00.000-05:00

The local Garden Club asked me to donate a painting to their French themed annual card party. There was the thought to do a Parisian street scene but then the Impressionists popped into my head. Looking through my library of art books I came across this world famous scene, complete with water lilies. Monet painted in oil so replicating the work in watercolor took many layers of paint, and many hours of work. Enjoyable all the way, it was like a journey and a challenge to try and make it look similar.

Just Ducky

2010-02-10T21:20:00.000-05:00

This is my first attempt at painting a waterfall. Let me tell you it's plenty hard to make it look like water falling. The entire compostion was conceived from my mind. The ducks add a natural focus. I've seen many waterfalls and do find them enchanting. I enjoy the pure beauty of rushing water cascading over the rocks, the mist and foam at the bottom and the resolution of the water moving away.

Watercolor 16x20 $175
email sferina222@yahoo.com

Time for Tea

2010-02-08T17:15:00.000-05:00

For a long time I purchased art books because they called to me. Then when I got them I wouldn't even look at them. I am happy to say that now I use them all the time. Guess the timing wasn't quite right before. This piece has Shirley Trevena's influence from her book but it is my own composition. It's a combination of pastel and watercolor. I didn't have any idea how it would look like until I finished. I worked happily across the paper, adding whimsey as I painted.

Mixed media 16x20 $200
email sferina222@yahoo.com

Fields of Gold

2010-02-07T20:44:00.001-05:00

An upcoming exhibition requesting expressions of Florida prompted me to paint this picture. The town of Jensen Beach where I live had a thriving pineapple industry in the late 1880's. Thomas Richards, an early settler along the Indian River realized he could grow pineapple when he successfully cultivated some on his land. He planted over 40,000 pineapple slips. His plants flourished for about 30 years until red wilt developed followed by freezes in 1917 and 1918 which wiped out the industry. I call this Fields of Gold because back then pineapples were truly like 'gold'.

Watercolor 18x24 framed $400
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Faith

2010-02-06T22:06:00.000-05:00

I received a phone call from my childhood friend Pat. She was fighting the valiant fight against cancer. We were keeping in close touch and I was praying for her mightily so she could beat this invasion. The news wasn't good. I was so upset that I just had to do something to try and raise my spirits. I chose to paint, just wetting the paper and putting down bright, cheerful colors. This is my painting called Faith.

Porcelain and Poppies

2010-02-04T21:12:00.001-05:00

This painting works because it is composed of complimentary colors, blue and orange. The cools and warms play off each other in a visually engaging way. Notice that it is complosed of mostly these two colors, yet it is not boring or unappealing. Shading knits this still life together.

Not for sale

French Cafe

2010-02-03T21:52:00.000-05:00

For some uneplained reason I am very attached to all things French. French food, bread, wine, pastries, music.....you name it, I enjoy it. A neighbor gave me a cocktail napkin and told me she would love a painting of the scene that was portrayed on it. It was a French cafe done in oranges and greens. This is my rendition. I not only changed the colors but added a patron and a dog to give the scene 'life'.

Watercolor 12x12 $125
email sferina222@yahoo.com

Mean and Green

2010-02-01T21:44:00.001-05:00

The funny thing I find when I paint birds or animals is that they wind up with a personality. I sat in a sand chair at the ocean and painted this bird. I was working on being loose which is one of the hardest things to do for some of us. Me in particular. Anyway when I got done I realized that the bird looked real nasty. Ready to bite. It was in the eye. A beady eye. Decided to leave it alone and accept it. It's like life.

Watercolor 6x8 $75
email sferina222@yahoo.com

Bunny for Caleigh's Room

2010-01-31T20:36:00.000-05:00

We have a sweet granddaughter who is not even a year old yet. It has been my custom to paint a picture for each of the grandchildren as they were born and joined our family. Caleigh lives in Massachusetts and has her own room with an elegant round crib, white furniture and walls painted in soft pastel blocks of color. Large Chinese lanterns in similar colors hang from the ceiling. This painting fits right in because it is light and whimsical.

Palm Springs CA

2010-01-30T20:29:00.000-05:00

This is a very loose rendition of the scenery I absorbed when we visited this oasis in the desert. Surrounded by mountains, the valley is quite flat but scenic with lots of palms to catch the eye. We walked the San Andreas fault which is located on an Indian reservation. It's a narrow canyon with huge rocks towering high above. When we left, we had a long drive to the airport so I sat in the car and produced this hazy, abstracted memory of all I'd seen.

Watercolor $75 9x12
email sferina222@yahoo.com

Under the Sea

2010-01-27T20:56:00.002-05:00

I've painted a few of these underwater scenes because they are fun to do. There's no need for precision because the hazey, watery look is what I'm after. The coral in the lower part is done using dark paint and sea salt. When the salt dries and is brushed off, a textured effect is the result. The starbursts created look much like the real thing. Some of the fish were added after the painting was finished by using stencils to wash off paint with a sea sponge. The srencil can be made using flexible plastic such as that found in a package of bacon. A Sea scene created with the help of Sea salt and a Sea sponge.

Watercolor 11 x 14 $85
email sferina222@yahoo.com

Mussel Man

2010-01-25T21:04:00.001-05:00

My husband and I were staying in a town called Bandol on the south coast of France. A few miles away along the coast we found an attractive little town called Sanary Sur Mer. We were entranced by the sunshine, the delightful outdoor market and the narrow streets of the old town, all enhanced by the crashing surf of the Mediterranean. What a place! We sat down to eat al fresco at an appealing restaurant with bright yellow awnings and umbrellas. Bob ordered mussels and was grinning ear to ear when his dish was served. I couldn't resist taking a picture of his sheer delight. This is my painting of our experience.

Not for sale

Coconuts

2010-01-24T16:46:00.000-05:00

We live in Florida, the land of palms. When you start looking, you realize that different varieties in shape, color, height and frond abound. My neighbor's trees had bunches of coconuts and being a shorter variety I was able to get good close-up photos. Using them as a reference I sketched, then painted this vibrant watercolor.

Watercolor 10x12 $150
email sferina222@yahoo.com