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Brenda Swenson (and upcoming CCP artist- add your name here to learn more when her video comes out!) is an artist, author and watercolor instructor. Her artwork has been featured in numerous publications including Splash, Watercolor Artist, Watercolor Magazine, Plein Air Magazine and many others. Brenda has achieved signature status in WW, NWWS, and SDWS. An active participant in the arts community she has served on the board of directors for the National Watercolor Society and Watercolor West. She is in demand to judge shows, demonstrate and teach workshops to groups nationwide and abroad.
What does watercolor give you as an artist?
The best description of watercolor is it’s alive. It’s a dance between you, paint and the surface moisture on the paper… stepping into or pulling back. Watercolor requires you stay awake and respond to what’s happening on the surface. Never turn your back while the paper is wet…stay awake! I once heard someone say, ”Oil is like a dog, it wants to obey. Watercolor is like a cat, it does as it pleases”. I couldn’t agree more!
How important is it to understand materials in watercolor? Why?
Let’s start with paper. Understanding the materials can save a lot of frustration, wasted time and money. Watercolor paper isn’t something you want to skimp on. Every surface (cold press, hot press, rough) acts differently. Knowing how surfaces will react will save a lot of frustration. The weight of watercolor paper (90lbs-300lbs) varies greatly. Too light the paper will warp, too heavy and the pigment soaks deep into the paper and slows drying time. Lighter paper 90lbs is fine for watercolor sketches, dry brush or light washes. Heavier 140lbs to 200lbs cold press is my preferred weight and surface for painting.
Where do you see students struggling with materials?
Student grade materials are a recipe for frustration. I would rather see students attend workshops with limited supplies that are artist grade than an abundance of student grade paint, paper and brushes. In the past, good brushes were very expensive. With modern technology synthetic brushes can fool an experienced painter. You don’t have to over pay to have quality. Most people own more colors than necessary. You will learn more with a limited palette of 8 colors. But don’t be cheap with watercolor paper!
Could you walk us through your process? What do you need to have figured out at each stage?
Step 1: Find my Inspiration
Step 2: Know my focus
Step 3: Creating a interesting design with a compelling value plan
Step 4: Draw
Step 5: Paint
Step 6: Know when to stop
Where in your process do you do your thinking? What does that look like?
Where do I do my thinking? Before the paint touches the paper. When I’m draw and laying out a painting I am literally walking through the painting in my mind. I’ve always thought of watercolor as a thinking man’s (woman’s) medium. There’s no wiping off a section and starting new. I failed painting is a humbling experience. With that being said, a failed painting is a great teacher.
“Think like a turtle, paint like a rabbit.” ~Sergei Bongart
En plein air:
I am drawn to the strong presence of light and shadows. I start with a pencil drawing of the major shapes. I map out the shadows with light value pencil marks. I often use shadows as a way to link shapes together. It may have to lengthen or adjust shadow shapes to unify a scene.
Studio:
I use my plein air paintings as inspiration for studio work. The hard work is already done.If a plein air study didn’t work small..it won’t work big. In the studio I’m able to refine and make corrections where necessary: design, values, shapes.
For your reference: What do you take more or less directly and what do you translate? Why?
I’m not restricted by what I see. If I need to move a building, add people, change a color…I do so. As a painter it’s my job to create a scene or tell a story. If I’m not willing to change things I might as well frame a photograph and be done.
When I use a photo reference it will be in addition to a sketch. Either a watercolor sketch or value study. I will refer to the reference photo if necessary for architectural accents or signage. Black and white photo are the best for simplifying shapes and values!
“Don’t state the truth, tell me a beautiful lie”.~Gerald Brommer
What’s the biggest challenge you see with students and color?
Color is complicated. The task of understanding pigment as it relates to watercolor is compounded by understanding paint characteristics: granulating, staining, transparent, opaque and semi-opaque. Once someone wraps their head around these characteristics the possibilities of watercolor opens in new and exciting ways.
What kind of pigments do you use and what do those choices allow you to do?
I mainly use transparent paints and a few semi-opaque pigments. I like the freedom of being able to develop a painting with transparent colors without worrying the colors will go flat or muddy. I can create glowing surfaces with multiple glazes while creating interesting and complex shapes with each glaze.
There’s nothing wrong with opaques but they do not work for negative painting. My plein air palette has several opaque colors. Why? Opaque pigments are perfectly suited for creating body color and atmospheric perspective (fog, distance, skies…)
How important is drawing? Why?
You learn to see through drawing. Drawing is the first thing people should be concerned with. Watercolor requires more forethought than other mediums. You can’t correct things like oil or acrylic. Drawing is where design is learned and values honed. Without drawing skills I have nothing. Perhaps that sounds drastic to some, but not to me!
In the mid 90’s I was challenged by a teacher to do a sketch a day in ink for 70 days. The experience propelled my artwork more than anything I had done before. I learned so much about design, edges, perspective and values. I wanted to give the gift of that experience to others. I created the “75-Day Sketch Challenge”. Within a short time it took off across the US and overseas. I was rewarding people with an ARTISTIC LICENSE that looked like a drivers license with their picture on it. It was so popular I couldn’t keep up…people were sketching daily across the US: Men and women, Young and old. People in foreign countries all across the world…even a teacher in the Ukraine. She would send me pictures of her students sketching after school, meeting in hallways to share between class. It was a rewarding experience for everyone.
You paint en plein air and are sketching constantly from life. What has plein air painting and sketching given you as an artist?
I used to dread plein air and would cringe when someone looked over my shoulder. Today I absolutely love it! I love being surrounded by my subject, feeling the warmth or chill on my skin, the smell of the earth or a coffee shop and the sounds that surround me. My love of light and its effect on a subject came from plein air. Learning to sit and observe my environment has given me a stronger awareness and understanding of my world. I literally feel a shot of adrenaline and have a heightened awareness of everything around me. Painting plein air is addicting!
Learn more about Brenda Swenson's upcoming video workshop when it comes out by adding your name here.
I would absolutely love to take online classes from Brenda, big please. Her work never ceases to amaze me, it’s beautiful.
Certainly looking forward to seeing your video workshop
Yes, I am interested in Brenda’s video workshop.
Brenda is a gifted teacher, and it’s an inspiration to watch her work. I’m looking forward to this experience.
I’ve followed Brenda’s work for years! I’ve not been able to attend her workshops but would love to be on the list for her new video!!
Look forward to this video. I love Brenda’s work.
Can’t wait to learn from your video! Your paintings touch the heart and feed the soul.
Interested in brenda Swenson class
I love Brendas work and her teaching! So looking forward to the video!
Ooohhh yeessss …. LOVED my workshop with last September with you, Brenda, & looking forward to your video workshop –
hurrah !!!
Interested in the video workshop
Interested in video instruction.
I’m definitely interested in a Brenda Swenson video!!
Thanks to Brenda for ongoing inspiration!
Excited about Brenda’s video. Have both books and have taken 2 workshops from her!
Please sign me up for the video workshop
Enjoyed an in-person class with Brenda. Lots to learn! Would love a video class that I could pause, backup and play over & over!
I am also interested in the instructional video. It’s great that you are making one! I don’t think I’ll be traveling for quite awhile so it’s nice to be able to learn at home.
Looking forward to our new video
Travel Journal workshop was the best I have ever attended! I learned SO much. Sign me up for more!!
Me emociona y me contagia tu trabajo y tu estilo, tu amor por la pintura en acuarela
Would love the video
I love your painting style. Looking forward to anything you offer.
DEFINATELY INTERESTED
Love your work Brenda as I have loved your workshops I’ve been lucky enough to attend. This was a very interesting interview and I look forward to your new video and next year’s workshop.
I am definitely interested in a video(s).
Great interview. I am interested in the video.
This was so interesting and exciting. I took a waterlcolor class years ago and didn’t follow up afterwards. I let a busy life get in the way and have regretted it so much. Watercolor is my favorite media and 80 years old I would love to try again.
I love Brenda’s art! Haven’t been able to attend any of her workshops, so would love to get her video workshop!
Loved our class at Daniel Smith
I’ve been greatly influenced by your work, thank you for generously sharing tips and advice.
I love Brenda’s work and have been following her for years! I’m looking forward to her next videos and workshops!
As a new watercolor artist, I’ve discovered Brenda’s artwork and am so inspired to learn from her. Looking forward to viewing her new video.
I always learn something from Brenda’s observations. Please sign me up.
I would love to know more about your video classes
I am interested in the video! Love your work!
Have admired your work for a while.
Interesting interview! I love her work. Interested in the video when available.
Looking forward to your videos when they are available. Thank you!
Would love to be notified of Brenda’s video.
Interested in video instruction.
Love Brenda’s work- would love to see the video workshop.
I’d like to sign up for Brendas video workshops
Very happy to see that Brenda will be sharing a video workshop ! Looking very much forward to see it.
I’ve followed you for years and can’t wait to see your video.
As a past student of Brenda’s and a big fan, I look forward to more opportunities to learn from her!
I love your work and the play of light , would love to learn this vibrant watercolour technique from you .
Brenda generously shares her valuable insights. Can’t wait for her video!
I admire your art!
Great article! Very insightful! Would be interested in her videos.
very interested in learning!
Am very interested in Brenda’s video workshop.
I’d love to know more about Brenda Swanson’s workshop. The video would be a super opportunity to study her way of working.
I am captivated by Brenda’s work and can’t wait to see her video workshop.
Please let me know when Brenda Swenson video is out.
I so admire and respect Brenda Swenson’s art work and I would love to see video instructions on her techniques.
I have been wanting to take a Negative Shapes workshop with Brenda for a long time. Love her use of color and emphasis on transparent colors.
Yesssss! Definitely interested.
Huge fan of Brenda’s/ so interested in the video workshop ❤️❤️❤️
You and your paintings are a huge inspiration.. thanks big n God Bless..
Yes, please. I love her teaching and style.
Brenda is an amazing teacher…..I’d really like to take her video workshop.
Interested in hearing more about your video workshops
would be intertested in brenda sweinsn’s video workshop. please let me know the details.
I am looking forward to finding out about Brenda’s upcoming video workshop. Her work is beautiful!
Please let me know when Brenda’s workshop video is available.I have been following, learning and enjoying her work for sometime now.Thank you.
Am really excited to see your new vidieo.
Brenda’s interview is a real inspiration. Please let me know when the workshops are available
Oh, yes. Please!
Wonderful interview, cant wait to see video workshop.
missed your workshop in Tenn (?) last year…this will be nice.
Brenda’s work is beautiful.
Looking forward to these. You are a great teacher!
Please sign. Me up
love her work and teaching style! eager to see her latest video!
Looking forward to your video workshop, Brenda!
I love your work!
Yes want info on videos.
I love Brenda’s work and would be very interested in her video workshop.
I’m interested in learning, learning, and learning!
I am interested in the video workshops
I would definitely be interested in an online workshop with Brenda. Please let me know the details!
would be interested in Brenda’s video. Thank you
Please let me know when Brenda Swenson’s video workshop is available. Thanks.
I am a fan of Brenda’s work, will want to see her video workshop
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Mary Murphy
July 09, 2020
I am in awe of Brenda’s gift and talent as well as her love for colors and life. I look forward to her video workshop.