Quality Supplies Make a Difference

From my August Newsletter:

The first time I tried to paint with watercolors I thought I would save money and buy just a few cheap supplies. Nothing turned out right. I was constantly struggling, and my paintings looked terrible. I gave up!

I stopped doing watercolors for a couple of years until I started to read a watercolor instruction book by Jan Kunz. In her books, Jan recommends using top quality, brand name supplies. Well, this should have been a "no brainer!" You can't get professional looking paintings with cheap supplies no matter how good a painter you are.

The pigments in the high quality paints are much more vibrant and longer lasting. The professional quality watercolor paper (such as Arches) has a very unique and beautiful texture that accepts the paints much better than the "discount" brand.

I was lucky enough to take a week long course with Jan Kunz years ago and learned many wonderful techniques. However, the most important thing I learned was "quality, quality, quality". Now that I am the teacher, I only use the best supplies (no matter what medium) to teach my classes so I can save my students lots of headaches!

For a list of supplies that I recommend and sell at Painting Paradise please visit http://www.kauai-artist.net/art_supplies.htm

Two New Watercolor Paintings!

Bird of Paradise Original Watercolor Painting from Kauai Hawaii
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=13660167 $55

Bird of Paradise flowers are so much fun because of their exotic shape and colors. This particular one was found in the Japanese garden at the Kukuiolono Park in Kalaheo on Kauai. Enjoy the lovely rainbow of colors!

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Wireless Mermaid Original Watercolor Painting from Kauai Hawaii
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=13660443 $65

If you are lucky enough to see a mermaid in paradise, she would probably have come ashore to catch the best "hot spot" on the island. Well, mermaids have to check their e-mail too!!! This is the first in a series of funny mermaid illustrations that I am working on. Enjoy!

Aloha,
Marionette
http://www.kauaiartist.etsy.com/

Painting Paradise - One Year Anniversary Celebration "Free Craft Day"

It's been one year since the Painting Paradise Art Studio has opened! To celebrate, I am hosting a "Free Craft Day" on Saturday, August 9, from 1-4pm. Join us for an afternoon full of free craft making, cake, and fun! Crafts are suitable for all ages! For more info please visit www.kauai-artist.net