"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!

Fiery Abstract 1, ACEO

©Becky Brocato
"Fiery Abstract 1" ACEO
2.5" x 3.5"
Watercolor on Arches 140 lb CP

I just posted four little Fiery Abstract Landscapes on my Etsy shop. This one is my favorite, but they were all great fun to do! Lots of wet on wet technique, layering and fusing. These little paintings are ACEOs, which stands for Art Cards, Editions, and Originals. They are miniature works of art the size of a trading card or playing card - 2.5" x 3.5" (6.35 x 8.89cm) - and they're an inexpensive way to buy original art.

I have the approved drawing ready for Duncan and Tucker's portraits, so I'll be starting the painting tomorrow.

Abstracts, a little different style for me

©Becky Brocato
"Abstract Landscape 1"
3.5" x 2.5"
Watercolor on Arches 140 lb CP

Today I had a great time painting some small ACEOs for my Etsy shop. ACEO stands for Art Cards Editions and Originals, and they are 3.5" x 2.5". Collecting ACEOs is a great way to start a little original art collection on a budget. I had some Arches 140 lb watercolor paper left from a larger painting, so I decided to do a series of small wet-in-wet abstract landscapes. I used indigo, cadmium red deep, quinacridone gold and burnt siena. So fun! A bit different from my usual tight realism. I love the way the pigment blended and feathered. I tore the edges for a contemporary look. They would look great either float mounted or matted in a simple black frame. If you are interested in purchasing one or more of these little delights (four in all), visit my Etsy shop. Enjoy!

Visual Arts Alliance 25th Open Juried Exhibit at Williams Tower in Houston

©Becky Brocato
"Winter Light on Fruit"
13" x 17.5"
Watercolor on Arches 300 CP





















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

Today I delivered my two paintings that were accepted in the Visual Arts Alliance 25th Juried Open Exhibition, juried by Sally Sprout. "Winter Light on Fruit" and "Mykonos in May" were both accepted. I had also entered "Gandering Geese", but it didn't make the cut. I'm excited and honored to be in this show! The Opening Reception is Thursday, May 1, 2008, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Williams Tower Gallery, 2800 Post Oak Blvd., Houston, TX 77056. The show will be on display May 1 to June 5, 2008. Williams Tower Gallery is on the ground floor and is open for public viewing Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. The building is closed on weekends. There is no charge to visit the gallery. It is a beautiful space, and I hope you will make time to come see this well chosen exhibit which includes a wide variety of media. And while you are there, you may as well walk out to the amazing Water Wall, a must-see attraction for anyone visiting the Williams Tower! Hope to see you at the Opening Reception!