plein air and more

 I had a wonderful time painting en plein air at Winterthur during the Wine Tour and sold several paintings while enjoying perfect weather for painting. 

Koi, 12x16 watercolor by Annie Strack

And in other news, I'm thrilled to learn that my painting "Tug at my Heart" juried into the Missouri Watercolor Society International Exhibition, and earned Signature Status for me in MOWS -- which makes it the 28th Signature that I've earned! 

Tug at my Heart, 20x14 Watercolor by Annie Strack

Online Painting Demo

 I'm demonstrating watercolor painting online on Thursday, December 7th, at 7 pm Eastern Time. This will be on Art Chat, hosted by Linda Fisler of Artistic Harmonies Association. I will painting this sailboat, live, and you are all welcome to paint along with me! You can download the reference photo and copy or trace my drawing to get started. 

Sign up for this free paint-along demo HERE!

My drawing on 6x6 watercolor paper

reference photo

I'll be applying masking fluid and letting it dry before I start my online demo. This is a small painting, just 6"x6", so I'll be using some very small brushes -- #4 or #6 round, a tiny round for the details, and maybe a small mop for the background. 

I'll also be giving away a door prize to one lucky participant! Register in advance and be sure to be present to win a set of Sennelier Aqua Mini Watercolor Half-Pans! 

I'm using my favorite art supplies for this painting -- Sennelier watercolors, Dynasty Brushes, and Hahnemuhle paper! 

shows and awards

 I'll be exhibiting new plein air paintings for sale at the annual Unionville Art Gala at the Unionville High School November 17 - 18. 

I'll also be painting en plein air at Winterthur for the annual Wine Trail event on Saturday, November 18. 

I'm thrilled to learn that I won Merit Awards for my paintings in the Montana Watercolor Society 41st National Exhibit and the Kentucky Watercolor Society 48th National Exhibit. 

Last week I went out to paint en plein air with the Philadelphia Watercolor Society at Grace Vineyard in Pennsylvania. I had a lovely time painting with friends, and afterwards I gave my painting to the owners of the vineyard to thank them for their hospitality. 

In other news, I'm getting a LOT of inquiries about where I'm going to take artists to paint in Europe next summer. I'm thrilled that everyone wants to travel with me, but I have to tell you that I'm taking the year off - 2024 - of international travel, so I can devote more time to my work as Exhibition Director of the National Watercolor Society. I will be planning a trip for 2025 soon, and I will probably go back to France (unless I can find a tour operator for the Caribbean) -- so just hold your horses for a year and stay tuned for details ;)