Holiday Wish List 2018
This year the holidays caught me by surprise. I have been busy in the studio working on a double portrait commission that I hope to finish before Christmas. When the commission is in its drying stage, I work on finishing up demos that I did in my workshops. All in all it is a blissful time in the studio. That said I wanted to get out my holiday wish list for 2018. This year it is short, but there are some wonderful items to share.
A recent demo finished in the studio.
Little Luxury Handmade Watercolor Sketchbook
The first is a beautiful sketchbook designed by my friend Debra Zamperla. She is the owner of Artensity, a workshop hosting company who sponsors my painting workshops in Italy.
When Debra gave me this book, I was in awe of its beauty. This is not your average sketchbook, everything about it says “special”. Each book is made by hand and stitched by a local craftsman in Ann Arbor. The book is filled with handmade paper by Twinrocker, a paper company in Indiana. It comes in hot press, cold press or a mixture of the two papers. I took it to Italy with me this year and saved it for painting special sites, such as the Roman Forum and the Boboli Gardens. The paper is wonderful to work with. The pigment does not sink in and the colors stay vibrant It is available from her Etsy store where she is currently running a sale. From now until December 31st you can buy the sketch book for $15.00 off and free shipping in the continental U.S.
For the special discount use the code ARTENSITY15.
For a complete description and ordering info click here: Little Luxury Handmade Watercolor Sketchbook.
Faber Castel Soft Pastels- 72 piece set.
This is a great set for a begging pastel painter who wants to try out the medium for a very reasonable price. I buy this set for three particular pastel colors, the light yellow, orange and pink. These colors are light in value and neon in color, and are my go to for sunsets and areas where I want a color “pop”. Online they are priced anywhere from $25 to $32 and are a bargain- even if you just use the three colors.
Here they are on Blick website for $27.05
Vianna Szabo Terry Ludwig Still Life AND Landscape set
(As I use each stick I tip it in it's box)
For years people who have bought my Terry Ludwig Still Life Set have told me that they use it for landscape. This fall I started putting it to the test and using it for my own landscape paintings and I LOVE it. It has a full value range and brilliant hues of primary and secondary colors plus enough "ishy" colors to create a beautiful palette that works for any landscape. I currently have three in stock and can get those in the mail this week. I will have more the first of the year and can send a gift certificate, then mail them as soon as they are available.
To order click here
I also have my Vianna Szabo Terry Ludwig Portrait Set available.
Tate Watercolor Manual: Lessons from the Great Masters.
This is a beautiful book for all things watercolor. It describes in detail, the materials and processes of some of the great masters such as Turner, Constable, Ruskin and Corot. The book features step by step exercises that you can do to learn the methods of these historic masters.
Order from Amazon for $19.50
Tate Watercolor Manual: Lessons from the Great Masters
Paint The Light of Croatia A 10 day intensive painting holiday in Croatia
May 22nd 31 2019
Whether you work in pastel, oil or watercolor, join me for this all inclusive trip to the beautiful island of Korcula in Croatia. Located on the Adriatic Sea across from Italy, Korcula sparkles with crystal clear water and ancient architecture. It was described to me as “Tuscany on the sea.” We will study capturing light and simplifying landscapes through a mixture of quick sketches, longer plein air sessions, and photography shoots. Each night we return to our comfortable accommodations to sample the local cuisine and wine. This is more than painting lessons; it is a personal mentorship that will help you find your artistic voice.
The Tour Package includes:
- Transfer from airport to Cavtat on arrival
- Accommodation the night before the tour starts
- Transportation to/from Dubrovnik
- Transportation to/from daily excursions
- Accommodations, instruction, all meals, plus gratuities associated with meals at restaurants in Ston, Cavtat and Dubrovnik.
The package includes a tour of the historic city of Dubrovnik then a car ferry ride to the Island of Korcula where you will settle into beautiful and comfortable accommodations. Our painting sites will include vistas rich in vineyards, quiet coves, small beaches, flourishing olive trees and quaint architecture. This part of Croatia is unique in its beauty, encouraging one to take pleasure in painting and sketching.
Pricing (all in USD)
Tour Cost: $2700 + single supplement fee (most people will pay this if you are not traveling with a spouse/partner)
Non-painting partners: $2500
For more information and to register visit https://www.slikamilina.ca/
