It seems to me that even in tough economic times, Art is not a luxury, but a
necessity. We need the healing value of Art as well as its uplifting qualities.
As Barbara Blair has pointed out: “By placing images in your home and
office that allow you to experience a moment of quiet reflection, or sense
of joy or upliftment at any time of the day, it will help you combat stress
and stay more balanced.” Hopefully, this is what some of my Watercolor
Landscapes and Seascapes will do for you.
Instead of dreary and
outmoded pictures hanging on your walls, try something that transforms
your mood and calms your spirit. Pick a painting that makes you feel
better or inspires you during these drab and snowy days of a terrible New
England winter. I’ll even give you a break with half-price on any painting
that makes you feel good or lifts you out of your winter doldrums. Just type
in the promo code SPIRIT when ordering an original watercolor from my
website.
~ Jer
2.5.11
As I continue my journey in watercolors, I would like to share a few ideas that
have recently had an impact on my paintings. Following a Fine Arts Show & Sale in
which I participated, I came away with the importance of the proper lighting in displaying
one's work. Without it, the colors in a painting do not pop out for the possible buyer and
so he or she may simply pass by to another booth.
What I also noticed was the importance of good composition and design — especially
the need to make several small sketches of the scene, particularly in regard to values.
According to Edgar Whitney: “Design is like gravity — the force that holds it all together.”
Another important factor is the need to repeat colors throughout the composition and to
choose a variety even within the same shape. In other words, a red barn is not just red!
When I checked what people were buying during this Art Show, I was once again
reminded of an old Latin maxim: “De gustibus non disputandum” or “you can’t argue
taste.” To each his own, but keep on painting.
~ Jer
10.18.10
Like Odysseus on his journey, I continue to pursue the adventures of Watercolor painting and discover new and exciting ways to enrich my own experience of painting and to present my ideas more forcefully. As Renoir once said: “I like paintings which make me want to take a stroll in them if they are landscapes…”
As a result, I am adding new paintings to this site and to celebrate Spring am offering a 40% reduction on all previously posted paintings. To take advantage of this offer, simply type in the word SPRING when submitting your order.
I hope you will avail yourself of this generous offer and take the “scenic route” through my site and find something pleasing and interesting. Let me know what you think and feel free to offer your suggestions.
~ Jer
4.19.10
Being an artist opens up a whole new way of thinking, feeling, and living, and expands one’s appreciation of nature that surrounds us. I am constantly in the process of refining my art and philosophy but still have a lot to learn.
Recently, I took some Watercolor courses from the nationally known artist, Ms. Phyllis Rutigliano, of Englewood, New Jersey, at the Silvermine Guild Arts Center in New Canaan, Connecticut. She has been both helpful and inspiring, and she has given me a whole new way of looking at watercolors and painting Wet-on-Wet.
Currently, I am pursuing Life Drawing at Silvermine Guild Arts Center where I eventually hope to display some of my sketches and paintings of models. When finished, I will include a few on this site and make them available for purchase.
~ Jer
9.1.09