"An artist finds his happiest combination in a play of complementary colors. They are direct contrasts yet do not jar; they awaken the beholder, but do not disturb him."
~Charles Burchfield
AND NOW....ON TO THE WINNER OF THE GICLEE PRINT!!
Congratulations goes to Morgen Bordati!

©Dance Of Joy, Giclee Print by Laura Leeder
I've contacted Morgen and she is thrilled to be receiving "Dance Of Joy". Morgen has informed me that this print is going to make a wonderful gift for her mother. How great is that?!
A very special thanks to all of you who commented on the blog and/or took the time to "LIKE" my artist page on facebook. You will have another opportunity to receive a gift from me later this spring as I will be offering another "give-away"!!! So stay tuned and check back often!
THANK YOU EVERYONE, HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND!
©Red Roses, Crystal and Tomatoes, Watercolour Painting In-Progress
Laura Leeder, February 2013
My goal for this week was to complete the still life painting with raku pottery posted earlier this month and start a new sketch. Well, I started the new sketch and then I just couldn't stop! I began by exploring several color options for the background. Using the backs of practise paintings (okay, failed attempts) I played with several colors and ideas. In the end, I chose to do a complimentary background using 3 shades of greens. These colors were not blended on the palette but allowed to mingle directly onto the watercolour paper. On impulse, I then sprayed water onto the paper and sprinkled an ample amount of salt across the wet paper as well. I then crossed my fingers and waiting anxiously for the background to dry. (A rather risky chance to take when you are working against a deadline!!)
As I charged in the various greens I tried to think about their placement in relation to the tomatoes and roses. I sometimes feel that the background is accomplished more through luck than planning or execution!! Don't get me wrong, I'm not about to start dropping in paint with my eyes closed yet!! My one concern is the leaves in the vase. The actual leaves are red veined and I plan to paint these leaves a deeper red overall. I am hopeful that this will give the separation needed from my multi textured green background!
As I charged in the various greens I tried to think about their placement in relation to the tomatoes and roses. I sometimes feel that the background is accomplished more through luck than planning or execution!! Don't get me wrong, I'm not about to start dropping in paint with my eyes closed yet!! My one concern is the leaves in the vase. The actual leaves are red veined and I plan to paint these leaves a deeper red overall. I am hopeful that this will give the separation needed from my multi textured green background!
AND NOW....ON TO THE WINNER OF THE GICLEE PRINT!!
Congratulations goes to Morgen Bordati!

©Dance Of Joy, Giclee Print by Laura Leeder
I've contacted Morgen and she is thrilled to be receiving "Dance Of Joy". Morgen has informed me that this print is going to make a wonderful gift for her mother. How great is that?!
A very special thanks to all of you who commented on the blog and/or took the time to "LIKE" my artist page on facebook. You will have another opportunity to receive a gift from me later this spring as I will be offering another "give-away"!!! So stay tuned and check back often!
THANK YOU EVERYONE, HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND!
Creatively Yours,
Laura Leeder
Watercolour Artist, Creston, BC