Notice: Function _load_textdomain_just_in_time was called incorrectly. Translation loading for the jonradio-remember-me domain was triggered too early. This is usually an indicator for some code in the plugin or theme running too early. Translations should be loaded at the init action or later. Please see Debugging in WordPress for more information. (This message was added in version 6.7.0.) in /var/www/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6114
Jacqueline’s Blog – Page 16 – Jacqueline Newbold

Jacqueline’s Blog

Tiny New Life

Tiny New Life

Monarch update!  As of today, I have seen four newborn Monarch caterpillars.  They are about as big as a piece of dirt.  They are very vulnerable to some predators such as ants and spiders.  I removed all little critters that I could find and then wrapped a mesh bag around each of these newly hatched caterpillars.  I took a few photos to share with you but since they are so small they are hard to see!  I learned why the female Monarch only deposits one caterpillar per plant – it is because these little guys are cannibalistic and will eat other eggs that are on their leaf.
I am working to get Bend, Oregon on the map!

Exciting News! Monarch Butterflies in Bend, Oregon!

Exciting News! Monarch Butterflies in Bend, Oregon!

Today was the very first time I have ever seen a Monarch Butterfly in my garden.  They have been here before because I had a couple caterpillars two years ago.  This is the first time I have actually seen an adult fluttering around checking out the scenery and various plants here in Bend, Oregon!  For almost ten years I have been working on making my garden attractive to these golden tiny creatures.  After a few moments, she found my butterfly plants and started laying eggs!

Laying eggs on my new butterfly weed starts

Taking a break just long enough for me to get a good photo!

Amazingly beautiful eggs.  They look like little space pods.

 These amazing creatures travel up from Mexico flying several thousands of miles each year!  Their host plant is milk weed.  Unfortunately the milkweed has been disappearing.  The problem is so bad that the Monarch is being considered for the endangered list.

My butterfly weed in bloom.  Gorgeous!
Asclepias Speciosa – Showy Milkweed
Closeup of an egg – just laid!

What can you do to help?  Plant butterfly weed in your garden!
Bend, Oregon does have a small population of Monarch flying through on their way north.  

So Much Fun

So Much Fun

We had so much fun last year in the Watercolor Fun online workshop that it is being offered again.  Today is the first day of 6 weeks of full access to the painting videos and online classroom with the Artful Gathering Online Workshop.  I have often been asked to offer online classes so this is it!   It is not too late to sign up.
I take you from start to finish for three different paintings.  I also have a warm-up exercise with each painting.  As a bonus, I show you how to fix problem areas in your paintings.  Here are some photos of the paintings we will do as well as a couple of examples from what the students did:

Helpful Drawing Tips

Helpful Drawing Tips

Hi everyone! Artful Gathering starts June 6th! In my Watercolor Toolbox 2 workshop you will learn how to do a contour drawing, make a color-mixing chart, and how to get volume and depth in your paintings.

 I go into detail on how to use your pencil as a drawing tool to get the proportions correct.

Here is my list of DRAWING TIPS:

1.  Start drawing and keep drawing – you will get better! 

2.  Observe instead of imagine, at least in the beginning.  Buy a sketchbook that you can devote to drawing.  No one has to ever see it but you.  

3.  Use your pencil as a measuring tool.  You can use it to compare, multiply, divide and create angles.

4.  The closer objects are to you, the lower they will be on your paper.

5.  For a watercolor painting, draw just the contour or outline of the objects.  Don’t put in a lot of detail.  It just gets more lead on your paper that can muddy your painting.

6.  Try to break up complicated objects into simple shapes: squares, circles, rectangles… A pear can be made by drawing a triangle for the top and a circle on the bottom.

7.  Overlap shapes to create the illusion of distance.

Pets and Art

Pets and Art

Bring your favorite pet into your studio!  I have been teaching watercolor classes in my studio in Tumalo.  My four legged friends enjoy being with us while we get creative.  Jan took time out from her painting to give Olive some love!

Online Classes – Watercolor Toolbox Two

Online Classes – Watercolor Toolbox Two

Online classes are starting soon with the Artful Gathering Online Workshop.  I am teaching a follow up to last year’s beginners class – Watercolor Toolbox.

Watercolor Toolbox Two is the perfect way to help you improve your beginning watercolor painting skills.  You will learn how to do a contour drawing, make a color mixing chart, and how to get volume and depth in your paintings.  I will share my easy drawing techniques that will make drawing fun and easy.  This online class is the perfect complement to Watercolor Toolbox, now available as a DVD!

Wine Tasting and Painting

Wine Tasting and Painting

On a recent wine tasting trip to Yamhill Valley, I found breathtaking views as the scenery opened up into rolling hills, vineyards and orchards.  Our morning was greeted with rising fog as the blue mountains in the distance started to show through.

The day brought dappled sunlight and warmth.

 It was fun to slow down and take it all in while savoring some of Oregon’s best wines.  I even learned how to blend my own Pinot Noir and came home with a bottle with my name on it!

I am Teaching at Art Unraveled, Phoenix

I am Teaching at Art Unraveled, Phoenix

Join me for the fabulous Art Unraveled Retreat in Phoenix, Arizona, August 4-11, 2015.  You deserve to treat yourself and immerse yourself in art!  Last year was my first year teaching with Art Unraveled and I had so much fun.  I am thrilled to be returning to teach three new workshops:

Friday August 7, 2015
Sunday August 9, 2015 
Monday, August 10, 2015

What’s on your Wish List? Part 3

What’s on your Wish List? Part 3

Here is a fun find for the traveling watercolor artist!  This is a lovely, tiny watercolor palette.  It is the size of a business card holder and can hold up to 14 colors- perfect for someone who likes to travel light.  It is metal and the pans are magnetic so that you can easily remove them if you want to change the colors.  Thank you Nancy for telling me about this great little palette!  I just had to order one to see how cool it was.   They are designed and sold by Maria Coryell Martin.  What a great stocking-stuffer this would be!