BEHIND-THE-SCENES of California Visit - My Watercolor Workshop, Zach's Murals, & Parrots on the Patio

Had a great time in California a few weeks ago -- the weather was beautiful (of course), the food everywhere was so good, I had a wonderful visit with my son and his girlfriend in downtown Long Beach, and my two-day watercolor workshop at the Art Exchange was a success.

This slideshow of the two days will give you a feel for the workshop.  Our projects included Negative Painting of Trees, Radial Floral Design, and Flowers (and one parrot) Painted with Mixed Media on Aquabord:

Joining me for the workshop were 11 artists -- which included many new friends and some family, too!

This is the outside of the Art Exchange, where the workshop was held.  That's my son, Zach's, mural on the building.  

DAY ONE: Negative Painting of Trees & Radial Floral Design

We started on our underpaintings right away, and were working on two projects at the same time . . . 

Lunch was provided by Sweet Dixie Kitchen, from across the street.

DAY TWO: Painting Flowers (and one Parrot) with Mixed Media on Aquabord

On the morning of the 2nd day of the workshop, while still at my son's place in downtown Long Beach, two parrots landed in the kumquat trees on Zach's patio.  

The parrots hung around awhile, eating their breakfast -- so Zach and I were able to get some great photos.  I was hoping that someone today would want to paint them.  

After drawing with liquid acrylic, everyone used Q-tips, paper towels, and water to un-paint the shapes (lift the color back to the white).

and Zach's parrot . . . 

During the week, I was also able to see all of Zach Howard's murals, around downtown Long Beach.  

Inside the Renaissance Hotel in Downtown Long Beach:

More murals of Zach's, on the streets of Long Beach:

And a surfboard . . .

All in all, it was a wonderful week -- I will definitely do this again next year!