"Sweet Cherries", my demo for the Intro to Watercolor Workshop on Thursday, July 31

"Sweet Cherries"
Original Watercolor by Becky Brocato
Arches 140 lb Cold Press
5x7"

Just a quick update on the Summer Boredom Buster: Introduction to Watercolor One Day Workshop last Thursday, July 31. I had a great class of five eager and enthusiastic learners. We started out with the basics:

•how to tear the full sheets of watercolor paper down to quarter sheets for a lovely deckled edge
•how to tape the sheets of paper to the base board (Gatorboard)
•how to mix water and paint on the palette to fully load the brush
•several basic techniques to get the paint onto the paper
•basic wash techniques
•how to use a "thirsty brush" to control the excess water in a painted shape
•glazing

Then I took them step by step through the painting of "Sweet Cherries," while the class painted along. This 5x7 painting utilized the basics that were covered, with emphasis on the "thirsty brush," and how to keep an eye on the bead of paint at the bottom of a painted shape, etc.

Mark your calendar now for Thursday, September 18, 2014. I will be teaching another Introduction to Watercolor One Day Workshop at Katy Contemporary Arts Museum in Katy, Texas. It will build on the same techniques, helping to reinforce those basics to complete another small painting to take home and hang proudly in your home. Stay tuned!

"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!

Original Watercolor by Becky Brocato "Sticking Close"

©Becky Brocato
"Sticking Close" 18" x 18"
Watercolor on 140 lb Arches CP

We had a great time at the Opening Reception of the Texas Watercolor Society 62nd Annual Exhibit in San Antonio, Texas, this past Saturday evening. It was held at the San Antonio Art League and Museum, which is located at 130 King William Street in the beautiful King William Historic District. I am so pleased and honored that my watercolor painting, "Sticking Close," is included in this Exhibit. A big "thank you" to all who came to the Opening Reception. I truly appreciate your interest in and support of my work! This Exhibit has around 50 beautiful water media paintings by artists from all across the United States, and it will be on display throughout the month of June, so I hope you will make time to go by and see it if you are traveling to San Antonio this month.

On Sunday, before heading back to Houston, we browsed the shops in La Villita Historic Arts Village in Downtown San Antonio. I totally enjoyed meeting and visiting with Ugur Kilic (photographer, graphic designer and web site designer) and Susan Carlin (artist and owner) of Nueva Street Gallery. This is one of my favorite galleries in downtown San Antonio, and they always have a wonderful variety of high quality art pieces from 19 amazing artists. The next time you are in San Antonio, you should definitely stop in.

A watercolor portrait of three sisters

©Becky Brocato
"The 3Cs: Carli, Celbi and Cirby" 11" x 14"
Watercolor on 300lb Arches CP

I really loved painting this portrait of three sisters when they were young. They are in their late teens and early 20s now, so it's a poignant look back at their childhood, as they enjoyed a beautiful fall day in the Texas Hill Country. It was so fun watching them come to life with paint and brush!

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.

New Family Portrait Commission "Attitude is Everything"

©Becky Brocato
"Attitude is Everything"
15" x 15"
Watercolor on Arches 300 CP

This is a recently completed family portrait commission. I am very pleased with the way it turned out. This family loves to go snowboarding together. They are very outdoorsy, so this fit them to a T. And they are very happy with it! What I love about this image is the attitude of the kiddo in front, ready to tear down the mountain!

Do you have a great family photo that would make an even better watercolor painting? I would love to create a family portrait to be featured in your home or office! Contact me for details. beckybrocato@earthlink.net

"Teamwork" accepted in International Exhibit

©Becky Brocato
"Teamwork"
18" x 18"
Watercolor on Arches 140 CP

My original watercolor, "Teamwork," has been accepted in the 33rd Watercolor Art Society-Houston International Exhibit 2010. As this is my third painting to be accepted in this prestigious exhibit, I will now be awarded Signature Membership status at the Opening Reception on Friday, March 12! I am very pleased and honored to finally reach this goal.

This painting was composed from a photo that I took at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo a couple of years ago. The event that is depicted here is the Team Penning Event. Perhaps these three fellows were discussing the competitors on the arena floor, or talking over strategy for their own go at it. Whatever the situation, I loved painting this composition, lots of fun shadows and highlights in their shirts and jeans.

Here's the info:
Watercolor Art Society 2010 33rd International Exhibit
March 12, 2010
Opening Reception and Presentation of Awards
6 to 8 pm
WAS-H Gallery
1601 West Alabama
Houston TX 77006

This show is on exhibit until April 9, 2010.

I hope you can come to the Opening Reception or stop in sometime soon to see this fabulous exhibit of some of the very best in watermedia art!

"Beth and Billie: A Radio Flyer Day"

©Becky Brocato
"Beth and Billie: A Radio Flyer Day"
9" x 12"
Watercolor on Arches 300 CP

This commission is complete and has been presented to the family. I painted the kids using a photo taken when they were little. And the background was composed from one of my photos that I took of a pretty country road a few years ago. They are very pleased with how it turned out. The mom had this to say about the new painting, which will hang over their fireplace:

"This was one of my favorite photos of the kids when they were young; unfortunately the background was a dirty garage. The painting captures the kids perfectly and now they are surrounded by a scenic background. I smile every time I look at it!"

Thank you, Sherry and Paul, for entrusting me with this wonderful little moment in Beth and Billie's young lives!

By the way, blog readers, if you were going to have a painting done of a family member, would you prefer a formal portrait or a slice-of-life painting? Just curious.

"Gandering Geese" at Rice University Water Conference Art Exhibit

©Becky Brocato
"Gandering Geese"
24" x 20"
Watercolor on Arches 140 CP

My watercolor painting, "Gandering Geese," is on display at Farnsworth Pavillion in the Ley Student Center as a part of the "Water-Effects on Life in the Houston Area" Conference at Rice University in Houston, Texas, USA. The art will be on exhibit until October 28.

About my painting: this watercolor was painted in 2007 using photos that I took at the Duck Pond on the campus of Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, Texas, USA. I was really pleased with the way the sunlight was just glowing on this white goose. So fun to paint! And of course, the white of this goose is the white of the paper. This is a transparent watercolor painting.

Fall is in the Air

©Becky Brocato
"Fall Mums"
7" x 7"
Watercolor on Arches 140 CP

This is a watercolor of a mingling of mums, in all the colors of a crisp fall morning! This image, titled Fall Mums, also appears in my set of Floral Seasons note cards in my Etsy shop.

I've also recently started on a new commission of a couple of cute kiddos, a sister and a brother in a little red Radio Flyer wagon. Such a timeless image! It is from a photo taken several years ago by my client. I think they are around 1 and 5 in the image. So fun! I will be posting that when it is complete.

I have been in two Art Shows recently, selling my note cards, prints, bookmarks, small pocket note books, etc. Both shows were successful, and I will be in two more this fall. I am looking forward to meeting and visiting with new people in my community, and sharing information about my art.

In the Garden - Caladium Note cards

I thoroughly enjoyed painting these four varieties of Caladiums: Gingerland, Miss Muffet, White Queen and Red Flash. The fused and blended colors of watercolor fit these lovely garden favorites to a T.

I just listed a set of note cards for purchase on my Etsy shop featuring these four paintings. I'm a bit of a paper snob, so the quality on these are premium: Classic Crest 80 lb Solar White with matching envelopes (not cheap see-through envelopes!). Blank inside for your personal message. They are great as a treat for yourself (everyone needs to send a handwritten note from time to time!) or as a gift for a special someone: teacher, new bride, birthday girl, gardener.

"King Me!"

©Becky Brocato
"King Me!"
18.75" x 12.5"
Watercolor on Arches 300 CP

As you may recall, I painted a portrait commission of Lily and her doll a few months back, "Breakfast With 'Nochio." Here are her two brothers, Tucker and Duncan, playing a game of checkers out on the back deck at their grandparents' home. Just another little moment in time. I hope the family will cherish these paintings for a lifetime!

Summer is on its way-Caladiums!

©Becky Brocato
"Caladiums-Miss Muffet"
Image size: 5" x 5" (12.7 x 12.7cm)
Paper size: 8.5" x 11" (21.59 x 27.94cm)
Paper: Classic Crest Solar White 80 lb acid free card stock
Unmatted and Unframed

I just listed some new items in my Etsy shop. They are reproductions of several varieties of caladiums that I painted in watercolor. This one is my favorite - Miss Muffet variety. I loved painting these! The colors were fun to blend and fuse.

I also painted on Duncan and Tucker's portraits today. They are looking nice! Will post when completed, and after delivery to their family.

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.

Great first day of the Judy Morris Watercolor Workshop

Today, we learned a new technique for a smooth wash, very different and definitely faster than my old way! Can't wait to use it in a painting. Also, the use of different kinds of salts to make wonderful textures on subjects such as adobe buildings, rocks, etc. I already feel I've gotten my money's worth, and it's only the first day! Can't wait to see what is in store tomorrow....

Judy Morris Workshop, Spring Azaleas and other things

©Becky Brocato
"Spring Azaleas"
7" x 7"
Watercolor on Arches 140 CP

I am excited about attending the Judy Morris Watercolor Workshop next week at Watercolor Art Society-Houston. She is an amazing watercolorist, writer and workshop teacher, so I look forward to learning new things from her.

Today, I've been photographing my new note card series for my Etsy shop. I just listed them today. They are a series called Floral Seasons, and they are reproduced from four of my paintings depicting flowers of the four seasons: Winter Pansies, Spring Azaleas (shown above), Summer Zinnias and Fall Mums. I hope you will go visit my shop and look around at my latest items. Mother's Day is coming up. I know any mom would love these lovely little note cards. Go see for yourself!

And speaking of Azaleas! Mine are just beginning to bloom. I would say within a couple of days they will be putting on quite a show. I did have to replace one of my big azalea shrubs last week. It had slowly lost its leaves and passed on to the big garden in the sky, so Covington's Nursery got a little of my business this week.

I'll be finishing up my Runnymede Country Inn commission soon. It's coming along, but not quite there yet. I'll post it when complete, probably after the workshop at WAS-H is over.

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!

"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!

I'm on Etsy!

I've recently opened a shop on the online selling venue, Etsy. I have a few items for sale right now, and I will continue adding things gradually: prints, note cards, limited edition Giclee prints, originals, etc. I love the fact that I can now offer items for sale to anyone in the world, with payment through PayPal. It is so easy and quick, and you don't even need a PayPal account to make a purchase. So convenient!

I hope you will go visit my Etsy shop. My favorite item right now is my most recently posted: a set of 8 note cards from a series of 4 Texas Wildflowers paintings. I use them myself as thank you notes or keep-in-touch notes to friends and family. In this wired world, it is something special to get a nice note card in the mail, and I try to do that as often as possible.

NEWSFLASH: I just got approval on a preliminary drawing for a commissioned double portrait of Lily's two older brothers. (See Lily's portrait below.) It is of the two of them sitting on the deck outside playing a game of checkers. A very fun little image. I'm looking forward to painting it. I'll post it when I'm done.

I'm also working on a preliminary drawing of Runnymede Country Inn, a B&B in Fredericksburg, Texas. I went on a girlfriends trip there in November, and I showed the owner some prints and note cards of some of my paintings and asked if they would like some note cards from a watercolor of their B&B. She agreed, so I'm getting a drawing ready for approval.

Please leave a comment below regarding my Etsy shop. Is it well designed? Are the Profile and Shop Policies easy to understand? I would love to hear your thoughts/suggestions.