Personal Art Blog

Sharing the lessons I teach at the Artist Guild and the personal discoveries in my art.

Wednesday, May 20, 2015

Orchid Light - Waxing Watercolor


Orchid Light

6"x 6" watercolor on Aquabord  
waxed finish.
gifted.

The glow from these
orchids appeared to illuminate
the air around them.
What a truly beautiful flower
the orchid is.

Artist Note.
I have had several requests for information
on how I wax my watercolors.
Here is a link to my original post,
March 28th 2014 
showing the way 
I use wax, the brand I prefer, and a video. 


I like the wax finish better than a spray varnish, 
but it is entirely a personal choice.
I know I do not want to use glass so
Aquabord by Ampersand
has worked well for me.




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59 comments:

  1. Carol BlackburnMay 20, 2015 at 3:59 PM

    Beautiful Julie. I watched your video about waxing too. I never knew about this. Looks wonderful.

    ReplyDelete
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    1. juliefordoliver.blogspot.comMay 20, 2015 at 9:34 PM

      Glad you watched it. The wax gives a softer finish and I like that.
      Thanks for the visit, Carol. Love your azaleas.

      Delete
  2. Celia BlancoMay 20, 2015 at 4:21 PM

    The light is beautiful and the orchids just dance across the page! Gorgeous watercolor, Julie!

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    1. juliefordoliver.blogspot.comMay 20, 2015 at 9:47 PM

      Thank You Celia. Nice comment.
      I was intrigued by how you drew the mixer beaters. Not easy to get them to look like they could whirl at any moment.

      Delete
  3. jsicignano2.blogspot.comMay 20, 2015 at 4:43 PM

    Hi Julie, thank you for sharing. What do they say, when the student is ready the teacher appears. I have been experimenting with different surfaces for my watercolor and I was thinking about aqua board. Love the waxing as well. Julie, I thank you for all the great info you share on your blog.

    ReplyDelete
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    1. juliefordoliver.blogspot.comMay 20, 2015 at 10:10 PM

      How neat is that! Glad to hear the timing is right one the dot!
      It takes a bit of experimenting, but the aquabord produces a
      neat watercolor effects. Mixing washes and adding dry brush
      where you want to add depth or detail.
      You can use a spray varnish very easily. I just happen to like the
      wax.
      I would start with a smaller board size to get used to it.

      That is a beautiful still life on your post - with the blue and white - quite my favorite

      Delete
  4. Melle FerreMay 20, 2015 at 5:04 PM

    Gorgeous! I love how glamorous and intimate this seems at the same time. I'm not sure I ever put those 2 words together before, but it seems to fit. Rita Hayworth....

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    1. juliefordoliver.blogspot.comMay 20, 2015 at 10:33 PM

      Hi Melle, thanks for such a nice comment. I laughed!
      Your great sense of humor comes through on your blog.
      Love the way the sun its your hay bales.

      Delete
  5. UnknownMay 20, 2015 at 8:58 PM

    It's been said. They dance across the painting. Such great energy in this one!

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  6. Diana Moses BotkinMay 20, 2015 at 11:00 PM

    Oh my, Julie ~ this is simply exquisite. I love the simplicity of form and those colors really captivate. What a beautiful piece!

    ReplyDelete
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    1. juliefordoliver.blogspot.comMay 21, 2015 at 5:54 AM

      I could use the same words, simplicity and form, for your beautiful drawing of a woman's back in the new issue of Professional Artist. Congratulations, Dianna. You interviewed some big names about Open Studios and I am looking forward to reading the article.

      Delete
  7. Sue Marrazzo Fine ArtMay 20, 2015 at 11:42 PM

    I will check it out! LOVELY work!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Susan LilesMay 21, 2015 at 12:41 AM

    Thanks for the video...never heard of waxing a watercolor, been painting in this medium for years and only a few on aqua board. Love the way the whites in the orchids pop.

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    1. juliefordoliver.blogspot.comMay 21, 2015 at 7:55 AM

      Thank you, Susan. When I linked to your name above it took me to a blogger page but with no blog listed... so I googled your name and three Susan Liles came up and all are different. I wonder...which one are you?
      You said you had done watercolor and there was one with stunning portraiture and an amazing white flower so my bet that website is yours.
      Thanks for visiting my blog and taking the time to comment.

      Delete
    2. UnknownMay 21, 2015 at 11:28 AM

      Really like the luminosity of the orchids. Awesome!

      Delete
  9. MYSTELIOS May 21, 2015 at 12:41 AM

    Very wonderful flower painting with so amazing colours and light !!!
    Have a nice and creative day, Julie !!!

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    1. juliefordoliver.blogspot.comMay 21, 2015 at 8:00 AM

      Thanks and I hope I will.
      When I saw your wonderful blue windows - I thought the same as you wrote here...amazing colors and light. You really do capture beautiful light in all your paintings.

      Delete
  10. Gatepost productionsMay 21, 2015 at 1:16 AM

    I did leave a comment ...I did, I did!

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    1. juliefordoliver.blogspot.comMay 21, 2015 at 8:03 AM

      Where...where... Thanks mucho John. It happens to me too. I KNOW I have commented and then have to wonder where did the rotten computer fairy put it! Always good to hear from you and did I miss a 'funny'???

      Delete
  11. SMVMay 21, 2015 at 2:50 AM

    Wow, Julie! Quite apart from the stunningly beautiful flowers, I'm totally blown away by the light in this painting! It's super! You are pure genius!
    Sharon

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    1. juliefordoliver.blogspot.comMay 21, 2015 at 8:11 AM

      You make me feel great! Thanks so much. Especially coming from an accomplished flower painter. Lucky you being able to paint in Kew Gardens.

      Delete
  12. Autumn LeavesMay 21, 2015 at 3:15 AM

    You've said it when you refer to the light of these beauties, Julie! Really gorgeous and a sunlight effect is what I was seeing too. Stunning work!!

    ReplyDelete
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    1. juliefordoliver.blogspot.comMay 21, 2015 at 1:51 PM

      Hi Sherry - thanks for finding the time to comment. I know how busy you are and now that long commute.
      Hope you get chance to rest this weekend.

      Delete
  13. Libby FifeMay 21, 2015 at 4:27 AM

    They really are an amazing and beautiful flower aren't they? Your results are lovely as always:)

    I have the was idea tucked away. Thank you!

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    1. juliefordoliver.blogspot.comMay 21, 2015 at 2:07 PM

      They are indeed. I have some orchids with tiny pink spots on it and I am trying to figure out how to paint them. I love the arc but the green leaves are so far apart I tend to look for shorter ones.
      Congratulations on your blue ribbon - wonderful news.

      Delete
  14. hmuxoMay 21, 2015 at 5:22 AM

    These orchids are absolutely beautiful Julie! Perfect title for this painting!!!
    I took your last painting of your hydrangeas and used it as a study for painting flowers...Wow! did I butcher it up...lol. It looked so easy!! Needless to say, I trashed it . ! I'm waiting for my own hydrangeas to bloom so I can try again!!!

    ReplyDelete
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    1. juliefordoliver.blogspot.comMay 21, 2015 at 2:09 PM

      Thanks Hilda - I laughed reading that you found out how difficult hydrangeas can be. I had a few wipers on this one. Good job I had my colored sketch to go with the photos. I will look forward to seeing what you do when yours bloom.

      Delete
  15. AKMay 21, 2015 at 5:35 AM

    Stumbled on your blog by chance. Amazing work. So inspiring and so much to learn.

    ReplyDelete
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    1. juliefordoliver.blogspot.comMay 21, 2015 at 2:41 PM

      Hi AK - welcome. I enjoyed going to your blog and seeing the incredible work you do. The helicopter is brilliant. I feel you do not have to learn anything.
      You are already doing.

      Delete
    2. juliefordoliver.blogspot.comMay 21, 2015 at 2:51 PM

      Sorry AK - I finished without completing. ... doing fabulous work!

      Delete
  16. Jean SpitzerMay 21, 2015 at 6:09 AM

    Beautiful.

    I am volunteering at the local conservatory, so I now have much greater familiarity with these exotic plants. They are truly amazing. And sometimes, especially the hybrids, bizarre.

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    1. juliefordoliver.blogspot.comMay 21, 2015 at 3:55 PM

      Neat to know you are working with the plants...what a worthwhile volunteering job. Good for you.
      Orchids are totally amazing. I spent quite a few hours in the Singapore airport and I was thrilled with it having actual ORCHID GARDENS. I never had any idea that there were so many varieties.
      I was interested to read that you didn't paint the bird in the tree. It just happened. That is truly being in tune with your painting.

      Delete
  17. CoraMay 21, 2015 at 7:04 AM

    This painting is absolutely fabulous. I like very much the color combination, and the orchids really catch one's eyes to directly look at them. Thank you also for the information on how to use wax.

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    1. juliefordoliver.blogspot.comMay 21, 2015 at 4:16 PM

      Thanks, Cora. Happy you visited.
      I was admiring the colors in your new rose painting but it is the way you caught the structure of the rose which really impressed me.

      Delete
  18. Laurie MuellerMay 21, 2015 at 7:17 AM

    This is just beautiful, Julie! And thank you for sharing your technique. Can't wait to check it out.

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    1. juliefordoliver.blogspot.comMay 21, 2015 at 4:20 PM

      Hi Laurie - I adore your use of color and think what you do is extra wonderful.
      Thanks for the visit.

      Delete
  19. Chris LallyMay 21, 2015 at 10:07 AM

    My new favorite!!

    ReplyDelete
  20. Audrey HackmanMay 21, 2015 at 10:54 AM

    Julie,
    Absolutely gorgeous! You kept the painting so fresh.
    Audrey

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    1. juliefordoliver.blogspot.comMay 21, 2015 at 4:27 PM

      Thanks, Audrey - And I think you kept your building fresh and strong and your mark making is wonderful.

      Delete
  21. Kim StenbergMay 21, 2015 at 12:05 PM

    The painting is incredibly beautiful! My jaw will remain open for a while!

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    1. juliefordoliver.blogspot.comMay 21, 2015 at 4:36 PM

      Hi Kim - I hope you are proud of your new portrait. It is wonderful!
      Thanks for showing the WIP steps. I enjoyed them very much.
      Glad you like my orchid. I laughed at your comment...

      Delete
  22. watercolour by HyeSunMay 21, 2015 at 12:29 PM

    Thank you for the information! your orchid painting is beautiful Julie!

    ReplyDelete
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    1. juliefordoliver.blogspot.comMay 21, 2015 at 4:44 PM

      I appreciate your comment - especially from someone who is a master at orchids. Love your painting Chantelle's Orchids.

      Delete
  23. Joan TavolottMay 21, 2015 at 6:54 PM

    Beautiful light in this...just gorgeous.

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    1. juliefordoliver.blogspot.comMay 23, 2015 at 4:03 PM

      Thanks Joan, Just saw what beautiful hair you have on your blog. Your paintings in the show look lovely.

      Delete
  24. Celeste BerginMay 22, 2015 at 12:04 AM

    just gorgeous---what sublime color!

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    1. juliefordoliver.blogspot.comMay 23, 2015 at 4:15 PM

      Thanks Celeste. Color affects my heart like I can tell it does yours.

      Delete
  25. JaneMay 22, 2015 at 12:42 AM

    These orchids are glowing in the dark , a true beauty ! Went back to look at how to wax, great information.

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    1. juliefordoliver.blogspot.comMay 23, 2015 at 4:20 PM

      they did appear to glow so thank you, Jane.
      I like your new painting very much. I have stood looking out to sea exactly like that.

      Delete
  26. c.dingmanMay 22, 2015 at 12:50 AM

    I have some of these panel but never liked the spray varnish look. Thanks for sharing. Also lovely painting, it just amazes me how you can adapt to creating wonderful artwork using any medium on any surface.

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    1. juliefordoliver.blogspot.comMay 23, 2015 at 4:25 PM

      I agree - I do not like the spay look at all. I know some who prefer it and that is what is nice about art. Room for all tastes!
      Love your magnolia and lucky you being able to move from flower to portrait with such ease. Sounds like a great fund raiser.

      Delete
  27. Rita VaselliMay 22, 2015 at 8:29 AM

    Your orchids seem smiling , as some flowers that it is easy to superimpose faces (pansies, anemones, sunflowers...) or at least that happens to people like me who comes into resonance with flowers.. They will be happy those who receive this great gift because it looks so cheerful!
    (Wax finish also liked me more than varnish (tested by me) , too alien to" watercolor presence", again thanks for sharing).

    ReplyDelete
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    1. juliefordoliver.blogspot.comMay 23, 2015 at 4:36 PM

      I agree - orchids do have a smile. I know they bring a smile to my face.
      That is a heartwarming story about your father on your blog. I enjoyed it very much.

      Delete
  28. BhavaniMay 22, 2015 at 5:39 PM

    Wow! These orchids are stunning! They glow and that washy background is amazing. Really wow!

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  29. juliefordoliver.blogspot.comMay 23, 2015 at 4:39 PM

    Washy background - love it, thanks.
    How did you manage to make your chaerries look so moist and plump? I love the beautiful red color.

    ReplyDelete

I love that you are taking the time to comment and thank you for it. I am sure other readers will enjoy them too. If you cannot comment through this format then email me at juliefordoliver@gmail.com
Cheers,
Julie

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