WaterCHROMA

As a painter my medium of choice is mainly acrylic, however there is a growing infatuation for all things watercolour! There is something about the delicate lines and playful interaction with water that creates an airy quality that melts my heart. But the real kicker is the unexpected range of VIBRANCY you can create with this medium. And It's not just flowers and sunsets. This post was inspired by my personal love for the medium and the unexpected "Decorating with: Painterly Storkes" section of LivingETC's April issue. Here's a round up of watercolour popups ! 

Silk Scarf - Desira Pesta via Etsy

 I have an obsession with scarfs, however this amazing one is not in my collection yet!

Watercolour Palette Iphone Cover  - CRAFIC via Etsy

 This Iphone cover is my favourite! Definitely an inspiration to get painting. Now I just need an Iphone.. ?

Watercolour map - Michael Tompsett

 Such a wonderful watercolour by Michael Tompsett. Rich in chroma but still delicate and beautiful.

Watercolour Lessons Tank - Mod Cloth

 Love the idea of this tank, however I'm much more compelled to try my hand at making my own version with a nice hot day and some painterly fun! I'll keep you posted on that future DIY project.

Diamond Watercolour Broach - Emily Green

 This broach were definitely made for me. Diamonds and watercolour! GENIUS! Another wish list item.

 

Watercolour Landscape  Fabric - Pedroso & Osorio via LivingETC

 This was the loveseat that inspired this post. The image is taken from LivingETC's April issue. The fabric is from a Portuguese company selling to most of Europe with showrooms in Lisbon and Madrid. It would be a dream to check out their gorgeous fabrics in person one day.

Assorted Painted Cups - Lowri Davies

This collection of cups by Lowri Davis is playful and delicate like a traditional watercolour, but she adds some stronger accented areas to hold the images. Lovely. 

The Alley - Monique Medeiros

Avo's View - Monique Medeiros

These two paintings were done by me after my trip to Terceria, Azores, Portugal last summer. Best trip so far. My favourite feature of the island was the cobble streets and little houses piled up along the sides.

 

Chroma Artist Spotlight: Anges-Cecile

I love discovering a new artist online, someone who is mastering their craft thousands of miles away but inspires you so much. Recently I have been following the paintings of Agnes-Cecile (Silvia Pelissero) from Italy. She uses a variety of mediums, but I have found her watercolours to be the most delicate and intriguing. I caught her "speed paintings" on YouTube and then further investigated her full body of work. Mostly painting human figures, Agnes plays with application and weight. The negative space is usually interrupted by drips and splashes, exploding into a colourful composition. Fantastic work. Here are a few examples.

Conspiracy of silence

Just one in a thousand

Loss

Loss (detail) 

Check her out on:
deviantART

Facebook
YouTube

OOAKS '12

This weekend is the One of a Kinda Show at the Direct Energy Centre in Toronto and I had the pleasure of cruising the hall last night. I always love going to the OOAKS because you really see the hard working and talented artisans active today. The show has so much variety, you'll likely be surprised with a few things you find and enjoy! Here's some of my favourites of the event. 

Cori Lee Marvin, Preserved Light 

 My favourite artist of the show was Cori Lee Marvin. This watercolourist is a true master of her craft. I purchased a card print of the painting above and I'm just in love with it. Watercolour and Mason Jars, how can you not? Cori Lee has some pretty unique compositions, playing with fun animal expressions and situations. The humourous settings will catch your eye, but the talent will truly hold you attention.

Check out more of her fantastic works here.

Daina Deblette Scarola, 2012

My second favourite artist of the show was Daina Deblette Scarola. Her 6" x 6" canvas works were my show gems. I love smaller works of art for their compact size and instant punch! They prove that you don't need extreme sizes to create an impact on an audience. They're also extremely easy in transportation. Daina's paintings are mostly of surf scenes and lovely chroma rich sunsets.

Check out more of her great oil paintings here.

Bike Wine Rack  by Jesse Herbert

This bicycle wine rack was one of the most innovative creations I saw at OOAKS. Jesse Herbert is the creator out of Montreal with this wonderful invention. I could see many, many hipsters of Toronto strapping this rack on their eco-friendly bikes this summer and why not? This is fun and practical. Great idea Jesse. 

Check out Jesse's other unique inventions or purchase a bike wine rack here.