"Santa Fe Sky, Early Evening"

I have recently started painting again after a bit of a hiatus. Life got in the way, as they say. So here is my most recent effort. I took a workshop from Iain Stewart at the Watercolor Art Society-Houston a couple of weeks ago, and I really enjoyed learning from him! I love his teaching style (very laid back and FUN!) and his work is just phenomenal. I am feeling revitalized in my art.

"Santa Fe Sky, Early Evening"

Original Watercolor by Becky Brocato

10 x 8

©Becky Brocato

"Mo," a recent pet portrait

©Becky Brocato
"Mo"
11" x 14"
Watercolor on 300 lb Arches CP


This pet portrait commission that I recently completed is of an amazing Chocolate Lab named Mo. He was such a special pet for his family for many years, so after he passed, his owners wanted a really special remembrance of him. The lady of the house was especially close to Mo because he was her constant and faithful companion when the kids were at school and her husband was at work, which included a lot of business travel. I was so happy when she received the portrait last night and she teared up. She said I had captured his image, his personality and the light in his eyes. Mission accomplished.

I used several photos as reference material for this painting. The out-of-doors background was not in the original photo, as it was taken inside their home. Also, the lighting was from a flash, which flattened out his features and changed the color of his eyes. So I really had a challenge making the shadows, highlights and his eye color look more natural. I really enjoyed painting this portrait, and I am very happy with the results!

Watercolor Commission "Marcus at 9"

©Becky Brocato
"Marcus at 9"
12" x 9"
Watercolor on 300lb Arches

Here is my most recent portrait commission. Marcus is my niece's son, so he's my great nephew. My source was a photo that his mom said is one of her favorites. Marcus is now 13, so this is a sweet reminder of when her little man was not a teenager!

Here's what she had to say: "You are amazingly talented!! I LOVE my painting "Marcus at 9"."

Watercolor Portrait Commission

©Becky Brocato
"Steve: To a Well-Lived Life"
8" x 10"
Watercolor on Arches 300 CP

This is a very special portrait commission that I recently completed. It is titled "Steve: To a Well-Lived Life." The subject of this painting passed away suddenly several years ago, and it was such a shock to his family. When his sister, Chris, commissioned me to paint a portrait from one of the last photos that was taken of him, I was a bit nervous at first, hoping that I could capture the essence of his personality.

The photo had been taken by a friend while on a vacation to Lake Travis, so it was a fun and relaxed time. I simplified the background to make his image the focal point of the painting. I am happy to say that the client was very pleased with the completed painting. Here is a note from Chris: "...I wish I could express how much joy this project has brought me. I hope for you as an artist, you will find satisfaction and happiness not only in your incredible artistic ability but in how profoundly you will touch the lives of our entire family by bringing this portrait to life."

This is one of the reasons I enjoy doing portrait commissions. It really means something to the person who commissions it. If I've done a good job, it brings them joy. That is indeed fulfilling.

"Mykonos in May" receives the Jack Richeson Merchandise Award!

©Becky Brocato
"Mykonos in May"
23.5" x 17.5"
Watercolor on Arches 300 CP

My watercolor painting, "Mykonos in May," has been accepted in the Watercolor Art Society-Houston 40th Annual Members Exhibit. It also received the Jack Richeson Merchandise Award, so I am very pleased that this painting has finally been given a nod of approval from a nationally known juror, Jan Fabian Wallake, author of Watercolor: Pour It On. I hope you will make plans to attend the Opening Reception on Friday, October 9, 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm, at the WAS-H Gallery, 1601 West Alabama, Houston TX 77006. Wine and refreshments will be served. Judge Jan Wallake will be giving awards at 6:30 pm. This wonderful show will be on exhibit from Tuesday, October 6 to Friday, November 6, 2009, so if you are unable to attend the opening reception, try to make plans to see the show at some point over the next month. You will not be disappointed, I promise!

"Mykonos in May" has a new home

©Becky Brocato
"Mykonos in May"
23.5" x 17.5"
Watercolor on Arches 300 CP

"Mykonos in May," which was accepted in the Visual Arts Alliance 25th Open Juried Exhibit in 2008, is now at it's new home. I painted this watercolor from a source photo taken by my friend and neighbor. It is now gracing the wall of their home, and hopefully it will be a wonderful reminder of their Mediterranean Cruise for many years to come!