Watercolor Challenge: Origami

This week, we’re folding inspiration into brushstrokes—literally! Our challenge theme is Origami, and while paper might crease, your creativity has no limits.  Why paint Origami?  Origami has crisp lines, folds, and shapes that naturally lend itself to dramatic shadows and highlights. Painting them trains your eye to see structure, shapes and values — great practice! …

This week, we’re inviting you to capture the rolling majesty and charm of hills in watercolor.  Why paint hills?  They’re the perfect subject to practice aerial perspective, gentle gradients, and subtle color transitions.  They’re a wonderful way to improve your understanding of composition and depth, especially with foreground vs background.  Plus, let’s face it — painting…

The Golden Hour is that magical slice of time just after sunrise or before sunset when the world is bathed in soft, warm, golden hues. The light becomes richer, shadows stretch long, and everything takes on a dreamy glow. It’s nature’s most flattering filter. Whether you’re capturing landscapes or cityscapes, golden hour light can turn…

Why paint a street sign? Because an artist sees what the world rushes past.  Street signs are like the punctuation marks of a city—they anchor us, direct us, stop us, send us on our way. Most people pass them by without a second glance.  By choosing something overlooked, you’re not only sharpening your artist’s eye—you’re…

This week, we’re going tiny… but mighty:  Ladybugs!  In many cultures, ladybugs are symbols of luck and wishes come true.  They are also nature’s protector: one ladybug can eat up to 5,000 aphids in its lifetime, making it a superhero for plants! Whether you go whimsical or hyper-realistic, this subject lets you play with textures,…

This week, we’re taking a trip down memory lane. Our theme is Antiques, items over 100 years old.  Here are a few objects to spark your creativity: an antique pocket watch, an old radio or Victrola, old rocking chair, a vintage camera, Grandfather clock… — any object over 100 years old. Watercolor challenge:  Antiques Include…