tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27924252279386800612024-03-13T13:55:05.012-04:00Maria Kovalenko LeysensPaintings and ObservationsMaria Kovalenko Leysenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08041148792086830724noreply@blogger.comBlogger172125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2792425227938680061.post-23519843711120978792017-01-27T16:26:00.002-05:002017-01-27T16:47:14.811-05:00A Hershey Kiss<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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A quick demonstration that I did for my teen class last night.<br />
We took something small and enlarged it.<br />
Such fun to use oil pastels and draw quick and loose!<br />
<br />Maria Kovalenko Leysenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08041148792086830724noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2792425227938680061.post-8170091251723397822015-11-20T14:22:00.002-05:002015-11-20T14:23:16.073-05:00November<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This was a fun project that I had my students do in class. We took tissue paper and glued to watercolor paper using a 50/50 water/mod podge solution for a nice texture. After it was dry we painted leaves and I chose a dark background. Spray to seal and then ink over it.<br />
It sure does feel like November to me.Maria Kovalenko Leysenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08041148792086830724noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2792425227938680061.post-41329108827605461282015-03-16T18:02:00.000-04:002015-03-25T15:09:31.784-04:00Sunset at Montage Resort<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The beach and rocks at Montage near Laguna Beach is one of my favorite places. It does not matter if it is cloudy or sunny. It is just beautiful at any time. These paintings were inspired by a visit at sunset. Oil Painting on 5 x 7 panel.Maria Kovalenko Leysenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08041148792086830724noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2792425227938680061.post-53710583912952305102015-03-06T14:34:00.000-05:002015-03-07T08:50:33.310-05:00New thoughts on buy local, paint local<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I took a long break from the buy local, paint local series. I was doing these large watercolor paintings and they took a lot of time and framing... With teaching taking most of my time, </div>
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I could not work on the larger projects. </div>
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So I tried this small 5x7 inch oil painting yesterday and like this new format. </div>
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I can continue to paint these stories </div>
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and work in a manageable size and timeframe.</div>
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Josh invested in a local opera house and surrounding buildings </div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span">and created the <a href="http://thecenterofharmony.com/">Center of Harmony</a>, a friendly group of collaborating businesses </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span">promoting music, the arts, education and a better community for all.</span></div>
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Check the link to see shops, food, wellness providers and music events. </div>
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Wonderful, unique places where you can support your "buy local" businesses. </div>
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See you there!</div>
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Josh is number 3 of my Buy Local, Paint Local series.</div>
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Maria Kovalenko Leysenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08041148792086830724noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2792425227938680061.post-10482416301748423282015-02-01T09:19:00.001-05:002015-02-01T09:20:43.467-05:00Day 5 of 3/5 art challenge<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cccccc;">Day 5 of my 3/5 day challenge and want to thank Diane and Wanda for nominating me. It has been fun to go back and revisit some of my work. I spend much of my time at the studio teaching and preparing for classes. I have many demonstration paintings that I do for the classes but not many recent finished paintings. These are two from a series I started called "buy local, paint local" that feature people and local small business. I hope to continue this series as time permits.</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cccccc;">For Day 4 of my 3/5 day art challenge I thought I would post some small 8x10 inch watercolor images.</span></span>Maria Kovalenko Leysenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08041148792086830724noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2792425227938680061.post-57838254256748816172015-01-29T09:22:00.001-05:002015-01-29T09:22:46.426-05:00Day 3 of 3/5 day art challenge<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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For the third day of my 3/5 day art challenge, I thought I would share some pastel portraits I have done through the years. These are some of my favorite people.</div>
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<br />Maria Kovalenko Leysenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08041148792086830724noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2792425227938680061.post-45055735228870111062015-01-28T09:10:00.003-05:002015-01-28T09:39:03.302-05:00Day 2 of 3/5 art challenge<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cccccc; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">Day 2 of the 3/5 day art challenge has me going back to 2007 to find some paintings I did inspired by vintage photographs. I used white to make some of the colors to layer over others. These were done after a workshop I took by Jeannie McGuire.</span></div>
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Maria Kovalenko Leysenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08041148792086830724noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2792425227938680061.post-17518790812224892782015-01-26T10:57:00.002-05:002015-01-26T11:02:29.606-05:003/5 Day Facebook Challenge<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #444444; color: #cccccc; font-family: inherit;">My first of the 3/5 day Facebook challenge. I am posting three paintings from when I started full time as an artist in 2005. I was exploring watercolor surfaces, still learning color, technique and painting subjects that are close to me. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #444444; color: #cccccc; font-family: inherit;">Picnic Conversation- <span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;">Watercolor on Gessoed paper was fun and easy to lift but hard to layer. Kind of like painting on Yupo but with texture. This is of my grandfathers who dressed in a suit for most occasions. Kind of miss those days...</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #444444; color: #cccccc; font-family: inherit;">Elizabetha, Watercolor on coldpress is a s<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;">tory of my Grandmother's life. So sorry I sold this but happy that so many connected to this.</span>and </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #444444; color: #cccccc; font-family: inherit;">John's Dad, Watercolor on Coldpress done for<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"> my sister's father-in-law who loved to share his mu</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;">sic.</span></span>Maria Kovalenko Leysenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08041148792086830724noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2792425227938680061.post-6848898016646781722014-09-30T20:31:00.001-04:002014-09-30T21:30:32.798-04:00Approaching Clouds at Arches National Park<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Arches National Park is one of the most beautiful places I have ever been.</div>
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My husband took a photo in the late afternoon with some wonderful clouds contrasting the sunlit arches. I knew it would be a painting.</div>
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15x22 inches, watercolor</div>
Maria Kovalenko Leysenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08041148792086830724noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2792425227938680061.post-28730033954478096932014-08-30T19:20:00.001-04:002014-10-30T13:32:37.768-04:00Early Halloween<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Is it too early for Halloween? Yes, probably, but...</div>
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We went to Disneyland last week and it was so much visual fun. </div>
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You know what I mean... everywhere, the details, so fun to look at.</div>
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So I planned to do some plein air this week,</div>
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but instead I just had fun painting this little fantasy house out of my head.</div>
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It will be a project for my watercolor students this fall. </div>
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Update--Go to this link to see their work</div>
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<a href="http://room101art.blogspot.com/2014/10/happy-halloween-haunted-houses-teen.html">Teen class link </a></div>
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And here is the demonstration I did for the teen class.</div>
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Maria Kovalenko Leysenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08041148792086830724noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2792425227938680061.post-40646218815056160042014-07-28T13:21:00.004-04:002014-07-28T13:26:22.632-04:00Two Watercolor Dog Portraits<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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These are two watercolor dog portraits that I just finished.</div>
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Fun dogs to paint.</div>
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8x10 to fit in 11x14 inch frame</div>
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<br />Maria Kovalenko Leysenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08041148792086830724noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2792425227938680061.post-9109782756612977812014-07-03T11:50:00.002-04:002014-09-30T20:43:08.890-04:00Lisa's Darn Yarn <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I met Lisa at <a href="http://www.darnyarnneedlesandthread.us/wp/">Darn Yarn, Needles & Threads </a>in Harmony, PA. Her shop specializes in American made yarn and supplies for knitting, crocheting, spinning... needs. It is a friendly place where Lisa also offers classes, tips and knowledge of the craft and local community. </div>
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I spent some time photographing Lisa and the shop and found I was distracted by all the great conversation. We easily moved from subject to subject covering family, gardening, uni/bicycles, and ideas for future projects. I felt I made a new friend.</div>
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Last time I visited, Lisa showed me a new aluminum spinning wheel that is a work of art in itself. It is so beautifully balanced and so lovely to look at. A new "spin" on an old design. </div>
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You can follow Lisa on facebook here for shop info and because it is just fun.</div>
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/darnyarnneedlesandthread">https://www.facebook.com/darnyarnneedlesandthread</a></div>
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"Lisa's Darn Yarn" is number two of my "Buy Local, Paint Local" series.</div>
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Watercolor 14x14</div>
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It will be part of the AABC Invitational Art Exhibit at the Cranberry Township Municipal Building from July 9th - 18th and at the AABC Art Center from July 23 - August 2nd.</div>
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Maria Kovalenko Leysenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08041148792086830724noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2792425227938680061.post-37928800251807623722014-05-15T10:42:00.000-04:002014-07-01T22:14:20.828-04:00 2nd in Buy Local, Paint Local!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLQVRyOHeRLhJaYhx_Eacdz3JQ9FvNTNehqJzuXCZcJiTatGTzpHjtsmz83-wbnY-Yo2R2RLOya1e8kjbEJ1aqu41gtrHuHOaw1wQHRKBqY8sK_iq_TJg8-RYHeShi0lo8VTyshxW_7YI/s1600/lisa+yarn+square.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLQVRyOHeRLhJaYhx_Eacdz3JQ9FvNTNehqJzuXCZcJiTatGTzpHjtsmz83-wbnY-Yo2R2RLOya1e8kjbEJ1aqu41gtrHuHOaw1wQHRKBqY8sK_iq_TJg8-RYHeShi0lo8VTyshxW_7YI/s1600/lisa+yarn+square.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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This is the step by step progress so far for my second painting in Buy Local, Paint Local!</div>
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I will share more when the painting is done.</div>
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It was slow going this winter. But slow and steady... well , you know!</div>
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<br />Maria Kovalenko Leysenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08041148792086830724noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2792425227938680061.post-2786288498905224632014-04-03T14:00:00.000-04:002014-04-03T14:00:39.795-04:00Summer Camp InfoThe summer animation and art camp schedule is out and can be seen at this link<br />
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<a href="http://room101art.blogspot.com/p/summer-camps.html">http://room101art.blogspot.com/p/summer-camps.html</a><br />
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<br />Maria Kovalenko Leysenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08041148792086830724noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2792425227938680061.post-64424344717454452582014-02-15T19:36:00.000-05:002014-07-21T21:34:57.065-04:00Sally at the Cider Press<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjesmwpVvgCWbHndUpg2nHv49WoG6XtjvfuS2Tcu-vI6F9Bj-nQGmW0bHlxlQQyiafKA9zniuBlsIXLPaHG-16MdZk8iNEYkb-Zp3XA7WMZzskMQcLmEZDDotE0De4DpvtHTYWchuSA8mU/s1600/sally+medium.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjesmwpVvgCWbHndUpg2nHv49WoG6XtjvfuS2Tcu-vI6F9Bj-nQGmW0bHlxlQQyiafKA9zniuBlsIXLPaHG-16MdZk8iNEYkb-Zp3XA7WMZzskMQcLmEZDDotE0De4DpvtHTYWchuSA8mU/s1600/sally+medium.jpg" height="237" width="400" /></a></div>
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As I finished this painting last week, I was reminded of a nice day this past fall. </div>
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I spent an afternoon at a local cider press to do some "painting" research. </div>
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It was a busy day at the press. People that waited to have their apples pressed shared stories about gardens, seasons and families. </div>
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For me it was a chance to slow down and appreciate these seasonal traditions.</div>
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This is a family run cider press and they all work together with a comfortable ease. </div>
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At first I thought I would do a painting about the men that work there. </div>
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But as I watched and photographed the workers, I saw that the real energy came from Sally. </div>
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She went from job to job seamlessly and was welcoming to all. </div>
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I am sure that is why the cider press has her name on it!</div>
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Sally at the Cider Press, 17x29 inches, Watercolor on 330 lb. watercolor paper</div>
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Update- May 9th </div>
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This painting won the Evelyn Nicholas Portrait Award at the 71st Spring Show </div>
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at the Associated Artists of Butler County</div>
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July 10th</div>
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Also won third place in the AABC Invitational in Cranberry Twp, PA</div>
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Maria Kovalenko Leysenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08041148792086830724noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2792425227938680061.post-82753840913264750462013-11-25T20:40:00.002-05:002014-02-17T10:21:01.565-05:00Buy Local, Paint Local!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbhhq8SkvVpFDCVR_uWeT9hAG5tDX7errF169Y2GBteT76Jz4kmMnm_e_B9NH3B5CTp5JaT-GUYWWZBqRN3PcvDnozu_XFbD2uZjhI5W_IS5sSjN-SNTnik9rp_xWthWbU52vIrMWDB8c/s1600/cider+press+color+almost+done.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbhhq8SkvVpFDCVR_uWeT9hAG5tDX7errF169Y2GBteT76Jz4kmMnm_e_B9NH3B5CTp5JaT-GUYWWZBqRN3PcvDnozu_XFbD2uZjhI5W_IS5sSjN-SNTnik9rp_xWthWbU52vIrMWDB8c/s320/cider+press+color+almost+done.jpg" height="188" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha9IlAfEZKNaOC4GndPC-3ec_39IYLvjxnTCrt5tq12VleLI-XG2_apr9PPljU-5gccO0haY5kyJSCnPbQhIpdgn0IJpH8_yMwglwbyq8PusvdNkPQyjrw_WCXoPTfumdrWKnIiUMKTy8/s1600/cider+press+bw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha9IlAfEZKNaOC4GndPC-3ec_39IYLvjxnTCrt5tq12VleLI-XG2_apr9PPljU-5gccO0haY5kyJSCnPbQhIpdgn0IJpH8_yMwglwbyq8PusvdNkPQyjrw_WCXoPTfumdrWKnIiUMKTy8/s320/cider+press+bw.jpg" height="188" width="320" /></a></div>
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I photograph and turn my paintings to black and white to see if the values work. Then I make any final changes if needed. This one is almost done.</div>
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17x29 inches watercolor</div>
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I also wanted to introduce my "Buy Local, Paint Local" series.</div>
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I have been visiting small local businesses, farms... and have met some hard working people with a strong sense of community. They run farms, cider presses, markets, raise chickens, bees, are yarn/weavers, bakers... I interview, photograph, sketch and paint what I find at each location. </div>
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These paintings are about people, opportunity and community.</div>
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I will include a short story of each painting as I finish. </div>
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I look forward to sharing this journey with you!</div>
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<br />Maria Kovalenko Leysenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08041148792086830724noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2792425227938680061.post-41758179570656018982013-10-03T09:43:00.001-04:002013-10-16T10:04:58.466-04:00More DemonstrationsJust a few demos that I did for some classes.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpUL7duQbFbxfGO3etYoDeUVrceVpybwiTonhK_ZdNl9ANMow3VMdgCvXjcS1qzdfCpzCzWOghDKBPonZBEeB7RIt85UaPNnZl6sV2Ihgj2EcwlV07pioCgjaZrBqV8DF07IgfVsmDdMM/s1600/woven+maria.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpUL7duQbFbxfGO3etYoDeUVrceVpybwiTonhK_ZdNl9ANMow3VMdgCvXjcS1qzdfCpzCzWOghDKBPonZBEeB7RIt85UaPNnZl6sV2Ihgj2EcwlV07pioCgjaZrBqV8DF07IgfVsmDdMM/s320/woven+maria.jpg" width="297" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggjcz4CHXq5g2kVQE7bp3AEx00jcaAqzSwmfS42I7fZCplCge7wcWc-9z3_8TQZc2ZT4MzPBhRlNN-Xm_qnWxALnwkRdakv_dfqrekwyhjbzHmdak52QtF0vKDp6sZufi_Nw4OE7ipIUk/s1600/bird+drip+maria.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggjcz4CHXq5g2kVQE7bp3AEx00jcaAqzSwmfS42I7fZCplCge7wcWc-9z3_8TQZc2ZT4MzPBhRlNN-Xm_qnWxALnwkRdakv_dfqrekwyhjbzHmdak52QtF0vKDp6sZufi_Nw4OE7ipIUk/s320/bird+drip+maria.jpg" width="249" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb5top4PQzM5f109foug_8MAv_VlUPoPyOAW6IQbNkg2cJrTD2mNH7TP_fq2RYdtAhLQPqqkLy4_YibQQFdJNDlIIcIj_yuhYB09ftcwIuD-TdLtbe3y8sI4vUl0P9KCf3UornekihwnY/s1600/wc+ink+bird.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb5top4PQzM5f109foug_8MAv_VlUPoPyOAW6IQbNkg2cJrTD2mNH7TP_fq2RYdtAhLQPqqkLy4_YibQQFdJNDlIIcIj_yuhYB09ftcwIuD-TdLtbe3y8sI4vUl0P9KCf3UornekihwnY/s320/wc+ink+bird.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT5HpNbz0DkvSNxPe4HPctR_V1xZnrtY9Ph2ABtZsbIR_Y1UakeBGU6m0G33xhmeoAwL6eaXuNPLZ3kTvTGGjmPXLzgzO9yNQlE-lXuYCMMOGZkSe1IckCDcfnYkR4c3OjJ8MNSXi06iA/s1600/wc+ink+woodpecker.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT5HpNbz0DkvSNxPe4HPctR_V1xZnrtY9Ph2ABtZsbIR_Y1UakeBGU6m0G33xhmeoAwL6eaXuNPLZ3kTvTGGjmPXLzgzO9yNQlE-lXuYCMMOGZkSe1IckCDcfnYkR4c3OjJ8MNSXi06iA/s320/wc+ink+woodpecker.jpg" width="226" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRsDULP14mCBqCEpLnyn1ngMjrPywelcQAUZ5SVRf8Hwgl4ZyVO651EMGi0b5bF2mh9l7DF0oMVknvNVYdGFc1f1SZRZ_3sF5rf9GgRV84SJZWLNvlXtp8MfxREv2ogHzDp8JYkgyiUcU/s1600/value+butterfly.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRsDULP14mCBqCEpLnyn1ngMjrPywelcQAUZ5SVRf8Hwgl4ZyVO651EMGi0b5bF2mh9l7DF0oMVknvNVYdGFc1f1SZRZ_3sF5rf9GgRV84SJZWLNvlXtp8MfxREv2ogHzDp8JYkgyiUcU/s320/value+butterfly.jpg" width="198" /></a></div>
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and this value butterfly.</div>
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I wish I got the name of the artist that inspired this project to share with you.</div>
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It was a good one for the adult class to do.</div>
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<br />Maria Kovalenko Leysenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08041148792086830724noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2792425227938680061.post-87944162981983829162013-09-06T10:35:00.002-04:002013-09-06T10:45:41.175-04:00Route 65 from Bakersfield to Sequoia<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijHVk7OOUjMKA2yEWNNrw676B4w72UZuNWnsXIRe2jsWrsCs14eDLaJN4DLHM9VGZ4oV5AHcahZ3_xeBhl-HcZNRhIkrZU_W2TWKpDnltoTQjItiw9KBtYN0OxvoBJaRydxs358GEfijA/s1600/bakersfield+tree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijHVk7OOUjMKA2yEWNNrw676B4w72UZuNWnsXIRe2jsWrsCs14eDLaJN4DLHM9VGZ4oV5AHcahZ3_xeBhl-HcZNRhIkrZU_W2TWKpDnltoTQjItiw9KBtYN0OxvoBJaRydxs358GEfijA/s320/bakersfield+tree.jpg" width="320" /></a> </div>
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A quick watercolor study of the landscape on the road from Bakersfield to see the big trees in Sequoia a few weeks ago. We took a short tour of Central California with the boys while visiting them for summer break. It was so dry and dusty, more that I remembered. And the light was so sharp and crisp. I exaggerated the warmth/color of the grasses with the intent of balancing the deep shadows. Too much? What do you think?</div>
Maria Kovalenko Leysenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08041148792086830724noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2792425227938680061.post-1439612350891585892013-09-06T10:14:00.000-04:002013-09-06T10:15:43.094-04:00Back to art!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNQ0LxVsquqxTO6uhLnYsb8SJ8EWz46Wrwvii1wIHuPmLR8jB0lJvOMsHtG8ifGnuG21bA3zu87dvUTLipoLdnZmvvGnEgnc-qoLdB0Fitu5uTux6h4UF2R8YFOKYu2_Hk9b0_HMqYTQc/s1600/wide+trees.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="97" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNQ0LxVsquqxTO6uhLnYsb8SJ8EWz46Wrwvii1wIHuPmLR8jB0lJvOMsHtG8ifGnuG21bA3zu87dvUTLipoLdnZmvvGnEgnc-qoLdB0Fitu5uTux6h4UF2R8YFOKYu2_Hk9b0_HMqYTQc/s640/wide+trees.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Sometimes I get busy with other stuff... Sometimes I just have nothing to say... Sometimes I need a break to redefine where I want to go with my art and blog.<br />
So I am back today with a demonstration from one of my summer classes. This is a format that I would love to explore... possibly with my nighttime ideas. Stay tuned! Acrylic on 4 x 24 inch canvas boardMaria Kovalenko Leysenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08041148792086830724noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2792425227938680061.post-13717506290286199532013-03-24T11:09:00.000-04:002013-03-24T11:12:30.750-04:00Tissue Paper Watercolor<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiE7Fi9oLqvK-yE0XF-GlkroNzGpW52qu9zCM9fdGPNr-mE6Fjfip17I2jhjBdvGq77NV64mvc6BXqnKbjF6wGkk_AJebsRMcP8kLHyT4R7-wFj0HEJk1i5Cj1JXRhKxPT1CD4FmwQ6nQ/s1600/tissue+paper+heinz.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiE7Fi9oLqvK-yE0XF-GlkroNzGpW52qu9zCM9fdGPNr-mE6Fjfip17I2jhjBdvGq77NV64mvc6BXqnKbjF6wGkk_AJebsRMcP8kLHyT4R7-wFj0HEJk1i5Cj1JXRhKxPT1CD4FmwQ6nQ/s320/tissue+paper+heinz.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZUoIPQALhFX6gXS_VVF1RJ6cxhfwzUiyFLmdSnegBH7kvckUgaNp_ioKwQZtT8oPC7SIlFZZ820dBkwwjYQCaoY1paHa1zpCDepqzbgi2exFht0XOFJGHYENSMERrwvFaBuNkoMltVQ8/s1600/tissue+paper+rooster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZUoIPQALhFX6gXS_VVF1RJ6cxhfwzUiyFLmdSnegBH7kvckUgaNp_ioKwQZtT8oPC7SIlFZZ820dBkwwjYQCaoY1paHa1zpCDepqzbgi2exFht0XOFJGHYENSMERrwvFaBuNkoMltVQ8/s320/tissue+paper+rooster.jpg" width="230" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6BMK1zgqI39EZmr4WkQB6rKGBTLTax4Ozlz0_lpiIZzlvsj71dIMvB2PxmVdBha6B4sPHX-agr69mtETo7PyYbpS7PT2oEYTejnywidsxQIOl4825vMAPPJoeM-QLoYIbBrdXUkYvS3s/s1600/tissue+paper+sunflower+done.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6BMK1zgqI39EZmr4WkQB6rKGBTLTax4Ozlz0_lpiIZzlvsj71dIMvB2PxmVdBha6B4sPHX-agr69mtETo7PyYbpS7PT2oEYTejnywidsxQIOl4825vMAPPJoeM-QLoYIbBrdXUkYvS3s/s320/tissue+paper+sunflower+done.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgihjb5Y6K1LJg6pJ00rFx6ZxYXvNfe0SAUwtU6wLnP3skzZoMcCcsk29T4wl7bFQFWHqQQDT1yV0yPxu71VhxpDCQ3iTJtBsiVC45jUTaEvpNFh8VCzd-2wKI1H3H1bkUvoK023VkCn-0/s1600/tissue+paper+sunflower.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgihjb5Y6K1LJg6pJ00rFx6ZxYXvNfe0SAUwtU6wLnP3skzZoMcCcsk29T4wl7bFQFWHqQQDT1yV0yPxu71VhxpDCQ3iTJtBsiVC45jUTaEvpNFh8VCzd-2wKI1H3H1bkUvoK023VkCn-0/s320/tissue+paper+sunflower.jpg" width="247" /></a></div>
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I thought I would publish all of my tissue paper watercolor projects together to show you all the variations that my students have explored so far. The top one is industrial/architectual. </div>
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I found a rooster calendar that served as inspiration for the second one. The students used different types of papers to layer and then use watercolor ground in the shape of the rooster and then watercolor over top the ground to get the vibrant colors.</div>
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The third one is the original sunflower exploring the shape of the sunflower from different angles. </div>
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And the last one was from a children's class, just gaining experience with painting on texture. We used acrylic paint for this one.</div>
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The technique is described here </div>
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http://mklart.blogspot.com/2012/10/tissue-paper-watercolor-texture.html</div>
Maria Kovalenko Leysenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08041148792086830724noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2792425227938680061.post-52858167138777400982013-03-24T10:49:00.003-04:002013-03-28T10:05:39.701-04:00Ukrainian Easter Eggs<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-M68GPiR140QuzCYZAp-L8aHfBN7qeZELSWcpDGAYewPJW44TFq2wJGgcLrNHjQ4Kum9TqbdG4L5-bK_5w_wa0iMgBQb4tuxzI7WZOYj5myQ9OJvHRe4reZdzXO95caM1bT1nmrriyB0/s1600/eggs+ukey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="307" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-M68GPiR140QuzCYZAp-L8aHfBN7qeZELSWcpDGAYewPJW44TFq2wJGgcLrNHjQ4Kum9TqbdG4L5-bK_5w_wa0iMgBQb4tuxzI7WZOYj5myQ9OJvHRe4reZdzXO95caM1bT1nmrriyB0/s320/eggs+ukey.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I usually make Ukrainian Easter Eggs every year to share with my family and as demonstrations for my classes. This year I found some wonderful blue and green eggs that came in wonderful sizes. Two of the eggs in the center are the natural color. The other two have the first layer of wax and are ready for their first dip in dye. The usual bright colors that I use just didn't feel right so I chose some off colors and am really happy with the natural color and look they have. Another batch below.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikDB-UGDZRzn-Nw65VER9SvBkGv28O26igJLGr4GDEo4nAbNWA2AycRnuDvhIIe2JhJCR8hgisp0e9s47KtBl3tPpiTM-xhTy50Y9sCDjbpH7vMq8PZtA1HGR9kubyuiwRG0nYcHF1XP0/s1600/eggs+ukey+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikDB-UGDZRzn-Nw65VER9SvBkGv28O26igJLGr4GDEo4nAbNWA2AycRnuDvhIIe2JhJCR8hgisp0e9s47KtBl3tPpiTM-xhTy50Y9sCDjbpH7vMq8PZtA1HGR9kubyuiwRG0nYcHF1XP0/s320/eggs+ukey+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Maria Kovalenko Leysenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08041148792086830724noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2792425227938680061.post-34330335496570874762012-12-30T11:16:00.002-05:002012-12-30T11:25:04.375-05:00Value Portrait in Watercolor<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAPxNM-L_y0QDxp97QDYEmji7xmjYf9KEw1J6yogVZqNuqrs_Yq2OGyVNwoyzyiC5nWSxWw44K3piJdYFg5PAdC50fVqCCXGogexrM1L6kCHBZhKpDdsL9l37u73o9QpwkFn4qniTaEg4/s1600/value+portrait.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAPxNM-L_y0QDxp97QDYEmji7xmjYf9KEw1J6yogVZqNuqrs_Yq2OGyVNwoyzyiC5nWSxWw44K3piJdYFg5PAdC50fVqCCXGogexrM1L6kCHBZhKpDdsL9l37u73o9QpwkFn4qniTaEg4/s320/value+portrait.jpg" width="257" /></a></div>
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This is a demonstration that I did for my watercolor students when we were working on portraits. I wanted them to see the shapes using values and then think of color later. It is a nice quick exercise to do before any portrait... or painting for that matter.</div>
<br />Maria Kovalenko Leysenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08041148792086830724noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2792425227938680061.post-18910202727272981942012-12-21T10:17:00.004-05:002012-12-21T10:18:55.265-05:00Acrylic Poinsettia Painting<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4ml5ciWvnc2O6ROuQjuoa0Z0MPcJ7nNGxZwHxf4ca27PsSpLy2DBdp3m0VDKBdte6B9_NDcSwodxZ6lPEI6P7zeLCfQCmdtzu5jER26IAd1bg98jLEu-oIm2t00KONRhbX6QDgwva4PI/s1600/pointsettia+acrlic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="261" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4ml5ciWvnc2O6ROuQjuoa0Z0MPcJ7nNGxZwHxf4ca27PsSpLy2DBdp3m0VDKBdte6B9_NDcSwodxZ6lPEI6P7zeLCfQCmdtzu5jER26IAd1bg98jLEu-oIm2t00KONRhbX6QDgwva4PI/s320/pointsettia+acrlic.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">I had my students try acrylic instead of watercolor for our poinsettia class.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f3f3f3;">It was fun to try something new, twist our minds a little with a different way of painting.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f3f3f3;">This was my demonstration... 8x10 canvas board.</span></div>
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<br />Maria Kovalenko Leysenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08041148792086830724noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2792425227938680061.post-74760037060382075642012-12-04T20:37:00.001-05:002012-12-30T11:18:25.481-05:00Watercolor Portrait from Life<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqNvg2eYlurY2LpkoItPX1W1jbid9HM9n-mCgL3UJqqF7EvkMlT2kqYoJ_LRv1dBz-LbTE3hKEGHrreINE36gkD4A_RcwB2HtnIC72UWWuh7kGTSp-6Tzt38v82ANReSI6Y-DeHvs_IbQ/s1600/julies2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqNvg2eYlurY2LpkoItPX1W1jbid9HM9n-mCgL3UJqqF7EvkMlT2kqYoJ_LRv1dBz-LbTE3hKEGHrreINE36gkD4A_RcwB2HtnIC72UWWuh7kGTSp-6Tzt38v82ANReSI6Y-DeHvs_IbQ/s320/julies2.jpg" width="221" /></a></div>
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My adult watercolor class has been working on portraits from live models</div>
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and this is the demo that I did for the class today.</div>
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Watercolor, 11x14 inches</div>
Maria Kovalenko Leysenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08041148792086830724noreply@blogger.com1