CATALYST In Westminster

Catalyst is an art space. A gallery. A Studio. A classroom. An experience. It was developed as a place for creativity, creation and fun. I believe there primary focus is class instruction. They have a lot of art instruction classes which include Life Drawing. The 3-hour sessions include live models and are only $15 per session. Their sessions are offered Wednesday afternoon and evening and Sunday afternoons from 4-7 pm. Pretty hard to beat. They’re located at 6630 Westminster Blvd., Westminster, CA 92683 and their phone number is 714.891.3626. A very informative website is provided at http://www.artsupplywarehouse.com/catalyst.php. The Catalyst is part of the Art Supply Warehouse, my favorite art store in Southern California.

Negative Painting

 

The floral watercolor composition shown here typifies an example of NEGATIVE PAINTING. It's a watercolor I completed several years ago. It's one of few examples I have that display multiple layers. As many of you know, I'm basically a direct painter. A very light yellow (Cadmium Yellow Light) and very light green layer (Sap Green) were applied first. These are evident in part of the background.


The second layer consisted of a darker green (Sap Green with less water) and some red. The application of this layer is carefully applied. It distinctly defines the irregular shape of both the flower and leaf edges.

The third layer fills in the remainder of selected leaves and flowers. Finally the shadow areas are applied. The very last strokes define the fine line of the flower's filament. 


A Rigger Brush works well for this very fine line. The character of this unique brush actually prevents us from creating a line that is too thick.