Painting in Alaska!

Join me in Alaska at the
Fairbanks Summer Arts Festival

July 10-11 2015 is a wilderness workshop en Plein Air
at the Chena Hot Springs in conjunction with the
Fairbanks Summer Arts Festival.

July 13-17 the studio class will cover
Texture and Color in the Landscape and
July 20-24 is Painting Alaska's Wildflowers in Watercolor.
For more info and to register visit www.fsaf.org


 

Week 1 July 13 - 17 2015 Texture and Color in the Landscape

Week 2 July 20 - 24 2015 Painting Alaska's Wildflowers in Watercolor
 

Seasons of Change...

I've always loved the change of the seasons. Spring popping with new fresh color after a long cold winter where color seems to take a vacation, summer exploding with even more vibrant and bold colors as the birds and flowers grow and mature. Then the warm colors of fall as the summer comes to a close and everything begins to prepare for the winter again. And so goes the cycle... As for me personally the seasons of my life are changing too! I find that I can't keep the pace with the schedule I set for myself in the past. Not necessarily a bad thing...but definately a change. Speaking of change, I'm about to make a big change in where I live and paint. My husband and I are moving back to Texas to be closer to our family. We have lived in the Great Northwest for almost fifteen years and have grown fond of the landscape, the people and the climate. Yes, it will be like going home. I will continue to paint and share my love for watercolor with more DVD workshops. Hopefully the transition will help me find the time to devote to the DVDs without being distracted. Time will tell. I want to thank all the wonderful students and artists friends I have met up here for letting me be a part of your artistic journey. We must keep in touch! I hope you will feel free to comment and share your successes with me too! Please watch this blog and my facebook pages for updates on what I'm up to. And remember to keep those brushes wet! Susie

April is Tulip Time!

Spring is just around the corner...can't you feel it? I'm so ready!!!!
Today the sun is shinning and the birds are happy and chirping outside.
Of course the weather forecasters say rain is only a couple of days away BUT today there is sunshine!
The tulips in the Skagit Valley of the Great Northwest are said to be on time this year. Yippee!! The daffodils are blooming now and it won't be long before the early tulips fill the fields with color too. When you look out across a field of glorious color you can't help but want to get a paintbrush in hand and have a go at splashing on some paint. And I have a fun way to paint those colorful rows of tulips. 
At the First Tuesday Watercolor class in Seattle and the Second Wednesday Watercolor class in Bellevue my students and I will be painting tulip fields similar to these examples I'm sharing here. If you are in the area and interested in joining us there are still a few seats available. Call me! Or visit my website for more information and to register online or by snail mail. Class is from 11-4 @ the Daniel Smith Store Classrooms in Seattle and Bellevue.
ALSO...If you are interested taking a day trip to sketch and photograph the tulips fields later this month give me a call or shoot me an email and I'll let you know when I'm going and would love to plan a  rendezvous. 
Keep those brushes wet! 
SUSIE

Understanding Color when working with Watercolor DVD

UNDERSTANDING COLOR
when working with WATERCOLOR

to be released 

MARCH 15, 2013 

Pre-Orders being accepted 

until March 14, 2013

Pre-order NOW and save $10!

For more information and to pre-order you DVD

After March 15, 2013 click here

for this and more DVDs   artstore.susieshort.net/dvd-store.html   

Butterflies, Dragonflies & Bees Workshop in Bellevue

New!  Watercolor Workshop with Susie Short
hosted by the Bellevue Daniel Smith Store

Butterflies, Dragonflies & Bees 
 

Susie Short’s  BUTTERFLIES and BEES Watercolor Workshop is perfect for those of us who are tired of the winter grays and ready for springtime color. Susie will show you some interesting techniques and share some tempting options for painting spring flowers attractive to the Butterflies and Bees. Learn to master wet-in-wet backgrounds and mix strong rich dark's using selected transparent Daniel Smith’s Extra Fine Watercolors.  Photos and patterns will be provided for your use during the workshop and available for purchase if you want to take them home for future projects. This exciting workshop is for artists with some watercolor experience.  Bring your favorite palette of colors and be prepared to try some new pigments that are fun and exciting to paint with.  Space is limited…Register today!

See Susie’s suggested supply list for this workshop.     http://learningcenter.susieshort.net/supplylist312013

BUTTERFLIES and BEES WATERCOLOR WORKSHOP

Bellevue Daniel Smith Store

Thursday, March 28, 2013
11 am to 4 pm
$75 for the workshop

Space is limited for this workshop,

please register early to make sure you can attend!

To register, call the Bellevue DANIEL SMITH Store at: 425-643-1781

Getting Started with Watercolor 2013 starting soon!

Do you want to learn how to paint with watercolor?
Knowing where to start is the first step in learning how to paint in watercolors. This class series is designed for the artist who is new to watercolor,  those who are coming from another medium, or anyone who wants a refresher course in the foundations and fundamentals of watercolor basics.
The Getting Started with Watercolor series is divided into 7 classes. With each class Susie provides easy to follow step-by-step written instructions complete with color illustrations. You will start your own watercolor notebook (included) that will serve as great reference for your use as you continue on your watercolor journey.
(YES! this class included the popular color mixing class everyone is asking for!)

The Getting Started Class curriculum is covered in seven classes,
 
The Seattle Class meets March 22, April 12 and 26, May 10 and 24, June 7 and 21.

The Bellevue Class meets March 27, April 17, May 1 and 22, June 5, 19, and 26.

There will be additional exercises to be completed as homework between each class.

Cost is $325 in advance   or $350 @ $50/ class if you wish to pay as you go.
Notebook and printed material is included. Painting supplies are not included.

For more details: http://susieshort.net/getting-started2013.html
253-833-7646

Studio Watercolor Classes for 2013 in Seattle and Bellevue

Seattle Watercolor Classes are the first Tuesday of each month                                     
(See calendar above)

Bellevue Watercolor Classes  are the second Wednesday of each month

(See calendar above)
 
This years classes are geared for advanced beginners to intermediate painters. Newbies with no previous watercolor experience will be welcome to join us providing they complete a brief introductory class to get acquainted with their watercolor supplies. (Call Susie to set up an introductory class 253-833-7646)  If you have already learned the basics techniques for painting with watercolor and are ready to continue your studies and develop the ability to compose your own paintings by exploring the principles and elements of design these classes are for you! 

OPEN STUDIO CONCEPT

• You will have the opportunity to work with your choice of topics.  

• The class artists will select the following months subject/project. Topics will be printed  prior to class date when available.

• Taking every class in the series is not required but is certainly helpful.

These are my personal classes (not sponsored by Daniel Smith) so you must register with me.  CLICK HERE to print the form to register by mail or PAY ONLINE

Goals for Monthly Classes: Learning and applying the basic skills and techniques to establish a firm foundation for painting with watercolor. Have fun painting with others in a group setting. Personal attention is given to each student at their personal skill level.

 

Watercolor WORKSHOP in Bellevue January 15, 2012

Warming Up Your Watercolor Winter Landscapes
One Day Workshop
Sunday, January 15, 2012    11am - 4 pm

$75   Register with Daniel Smith Bellevue Store  (425) 643-1781

Most of the time when we think of a snowy winter landscape we envision a crisp clear sunny winter day where the colors of winter shadows are cool hues of blues and lavenders. On an bright overcast day a soft blanket of clouds will warm up a snowy landscape with gentle shades of gray and soft tones of browns and pinks. These scenes are not always dull or dreary but glowing and alive with rich diffused color setting the mood of peace and calm. Daniel Smith Extra Fine Watercolors with several selected colors of Daniel Smith’s Prima Teks are excellent pigment choices with properties that work well for many different watercolor techniques Susie will demonstrate in this workshop. Test your skills at working wet-in-wet, lifting, glazing, and working with Daniel Smith Masking fluid as you learn to paint soft transitions between snowy shadows and a Northwest sunbreak. This workshop will cover some advanced skills to challenge the experienced artist but Susie also will have patterns and simplified subjects to accommodate a beginner as well. Photos will be available for use and/or purchase (payable to Susie) or bring your own winter photos to use.
This workshop is not limited to advanced watercolor artists but some watercolor experience will be helpful.
Seating is limited. REGISTER TODAY! 425-643-1781


Preview Demo January 8, 2012   12noon and 2pm

Bellevue Daniel Smith
15112 N.E. 24th Street
Bellevue, Washington 98052


See you there!   SUSIE

HAPPY NEW YEAR! Hello 2012!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

As we bid farewell to 2011 and say hello to 2012

I wish you all the best!

May 2012 offer you time for adventures to inspire you, time for creating your best paintings ever, and time to share the love of family and friends. 

Thanks to all my friends and followers of my blogs, facebook and website. I appreciate your encouragement more than I can say!

Keep those brushes wet!

SUSIE

Watercolor Demo -- Bellevue, WA

Warm Up Your Winter Watercolor Landscapes

with Susie Short

2 FREE DEMOS

Sunday, January 8th, 2012

at 12 pm & 2 pm @ Daniel Smith Bellevue Store

Come see my examples of warm winter landscapes painted with DANIEL SMITH Extra Fine Watercolors and selected DANIEL SMITH PrimaTek Watercolors. Watch my watercolor paintings come to life as I demonstrate techniques showing how to use DANIEL SMITH Masking fluid
to reserve warm whites when working wet-in-wet. I will also share tips for
lifting and retrieving highlights and sun patterns when using selected PrimaTeks.
If you are a landscape painter….You do not want to miss this demo!

One Day Workshop January 15, 2012
11am - 4pm
Call Bellevue Daniel Smith to register  (425) 643-1781

Bellevue Daniel Smith
15112 N.E. 24th Street
Bellevue, Washington 98052 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The December Greeting Card Give Away Winner

Congratulations go out to this month's winner

Nellie Krams

from Wilmington, Delaware

When I spoke to Nellie this morning to let her know she was the lucky winner of the

December Give Away she told me she is also a watercolor artist with visions of

painting portraits of her grandchildren.

I predict she will be very successful in her pursuit!

Congratulations Nellie! Enjoy the assorted Christmas Cards.

Happy Painting and Happy Holidays!

Susie

12/11/11 Watercolor DEMO @ Daniel Smith Seattle

Calling all Watercolor Artists!
Sunday, December 11, 2011
Two FREE demos -  12:00 noon and 2:00pm  - Daniel Smith Seattle Store

You are invited to join me, as I unravel the mysteries of Watercolors!  My "Short-Cuts" include my special tips, tricks and techniques as well as sharing ideas for repairs and fixes for your paintings.  Come and find out more ideas for unique approaches for painting watercolors with tips for executing both basic and advanced techniques in both traditional and experimental watercolor!

If you have ever attended one of my demos or workshops, you know that I always has lots of tricks and new things to share!

This is a great demo for all levels of watercolor painting so bring your watercolor questions and join me!!

A few of the supplies I'll be using at these FREE demos:

DANIEL SMITH Watercolors

Susie Short Watercolor Brush

DANIEL SMITH Masking Fluid

DANIEL SMITH Watercolor Ground

Series 23 DS Platinum Brushes

Double Ball Stylus:

1)  Small - 125 130 002

2)  Medium - 125 130 003

3)  Large - 125 130 004

Stephen Quiller WC paper

The December Give Away is almost here!

HURRY!  Only two days left!

Register for the 

December Give Away 

before 12:01 December 1, 2011.

Just in time for sending to your friends and family....the December Give Away 

is nine of my most popular watercolor Holiday/Christmas Cards.

As a reminder: The names are cleared after each drawing. 

You must re-register for each months give away. 

Thanks for your interest!   Good Luck!

Enter now.

NEW DVD! Release date 11-11-11 PREORDER NOW!

Release/Ship   Date 11-11-11

Pre Order the latest DVD! (click here)

List Price $34.95  $29.95  Save $5.00

Winter Creek DVD Workshop

Techniques for Painting a
Winter Landscape Greeting Card
in Watercolor

"This Winter Landscape Card has been one of my most popular eLessons on my website. I've received many requests to make a DVD to show each step...so here it is!" ...Susie Short

Along with the DVD I'll include the written guidelines and tips along with the painting layout guides and pattern from the original 5 x 7 greeting card e-lesson. I'll also include a copy of the original card used for this e-lesson plus a copy of the card I painted while filming this DVD.
See a Preview Clip of this DVD

Holiday/Christmas Card WORKSHOP @ Daniel Smith-Seattle

Join me for two HOLIDAY CARD WORKSHOPS

What:   Holiday/Christmas Greeting Cards
Where: Seattle Daniel Smith Art Store
When:  Saturday, November 5, 2011  Winter Landscape Cards
             Sunday, November 6, 2011  Winter Bird Cards
Time:   11:00 am til 4:00 pm  (either day)

Cost:     $75/day

There are a couple of seats available....HURRY!


Call Daniel Smith to register
206-223-9599

October/November Give Away Winner!

Congratulations!

The October/November Give Away

winner is

Jean Brooks

from Wellsboro, PA

Jean will receive a boxed set of

Autumn Leaves Notecards

To see more Fall/Thanksgiving notecards

visit my Gift Gallery

The next Give Away is Assorted Christmas Cards

Click Here to Register

Holiday/Christmas Card DEMO @ Daniel Smith-Seattle

2 FREE DEMOS

 Sunday, October 16th   

12 pm and 2 pm  
Come see a demonstration and

watch me paint a few of these

Christmas Cards!

Winter Birds and Winter Landscapes

make beautiful cards that everyone on your list

will enjoy receiving.

I'll share tips on painting individual cards as well as tips painting a special card for reproduction.

I hope to see you Sunday at the

Daniel Smith Seattle Store

Call 206-223-9599 for more details

Workshops for Painting Winter Landscapes and Winter Birds -- November 5 & 6, 2011
See my next post for more details!

IPAP Worldwide Plein Air Painters 9th Annual Paint Out - Day Three

Sunday, September 11, 2011
Highline SeaTac Botanical Garden, SeaTac, WA

Susie Short and Ann Breckon painting watercolors .

Today is day three of the WORLDWIDE Paint Out.  My painting partner for today is Ann Breckon. We enjoyed the sounds of songbirds and water falling gently over the rocks in the little stream while we painting our watercolor skeches. The weather (sunny 86 degrees with a nice cool breeze) was perfect!
As usual, I visited with the guests in the garden as much as I painted so my sketch of this little waterfall and water lilies still needs some finishing touches.

________________________________________________________________________

Today also marks the 10th anniversary of the attack on America on 9-11-2001. As we listened to the airplanes taking off and landing at the nearby SeaTac Airport, we were reminded of the changes that day made in our own lives.

We are so blessed to live in this amazing country and have to freedoms that the brave men and women in our armed services fight and give their lives for us to enjoy.

THANK YOU!

Words not quite adequite for all the represent, but sometimes simply the best way to let them know they are appreciated. We will never forget the sacrifices made on 9-11. 

Watch for the scans.....I'll post them in the next few days.
Till then...keep those brushes wet!  
SUSIE

IPAP Worldwide Plein Air Painters 9th Annual Paint Out - Day Two

For day two of the paint out weekend I chose the Soos Creek Botanical Garden in the Auburn/Kent area. It was a solo painting day so I looked for a spot close to home.  I have to admit the day didn't have as much time for painting as I would have liked but I did get in some quick sketches and took several photos. I've never visited this garden before today so it was an adventure! This is an established private garden that only recently was opened to the public. This lovely garden is more of a strolling garden. While quick sketches from the paths are possible, painting for several hours in a single spot could prove to be challengeing. 

I need to scan my sketches so I can post them. 

SUSIE

The WORLDWIDE PAINTOUT is happening simultaneously in international locations and I am proud to be a part of this 9th WORLDWIDE group event hosted by International Plein Air Painters.

International Plein Air Painters (IPAP) is a blanket organization created for the sole purpose of advancing the execution and enjoyment of plein air painting without the restrictions and limitations of borders or regions. IPAP's members are the quiet activists in the ongoing environmental struggle.

More about IPAP:
They call attention to the threatened urban scene and the vanishing farmland for history. 
IPAP members share inspiration and encouragement both on the Internet and at "paint outs".
They encourage other artists to get out and do it, to paint with other artists and share ideas.
  

You can join or show your support for IPAP or learn more about the group and see some of the many events happening posted on the website www.i-p-a-p.com 

IPAP Worldwide Plein Air Painters 9th Annual Paint Out - Day One

Friday, Sept 9, 2011 -- Day one of a three day weekend of Plein Air Painting

Woodland Park Rose Garden, Seattle, WA

My painting partner joining me for the day was plein air artist Mike Mallory of Everett, WA

Susie Short and Mike Mallory - Charter members of IPAP 

The weather was warm and sunny and the location was the perfect setting for painting on location. Mike selected the sunny lily pond as his subject, while I found a shady spot with a great view of the quaint gazebo.  It's always fun to share our joy for painting with the people who stop by to see what we are doing. It goes without saying, compliments and encouragement is always welcome, but for most of us who paint on location it's rewarding to be able to freely express our impressions of an inspiring spot and use the talents we are blessed with. And having a nice painting pal to share the day with doubles the pleasure!

Thanks for joining me Mike! It was fun and we both ended up with good paintings to boot!