09Nov2017

Demo Artist: Ellen Diederich

7.00 pm to 9.00 pm

Christ Presbyterian Church

6901 Normandale Rd, Edina, MN 55435

Questions? Contact Tara Sweeney at tarasweeneyart.com.

Directional Brushwork with Ellen Jean Diederich RRWS, TWSA, WSA, WW

In watercolor pigments are mixed with water to flow onto paper. Our brush can create a river or a puddle on the painting depending on how much water is used. Pigments will flow in the direction of the brushstroke. This can be accented by changing the value, or color of the brushstroke or can be more subtle to suggest the movement of the brushstroke by using similar values or colors. My experience leads me to believe these pigments DO NOT WANT TO BE DISTURBED when they are setting up…yet if you do disturb them immediately, before they set up… you’ll gain a little wiggle room and can create volume in your shapes. I find this knowledge particularly helpful when painting animals. In the painting “Last Light” notice the handling of the barrel shaped body of the cow on the left. I will demonstrate how to use directional brushwork to give depth to paintings of animals.

Ellen Jean Diederich is a national award winning watercolor and acrylic painter from Fargo, North Dakota. Graduating with a B. F.A in Fine Art and a B.A. in Art Education from Moorhead State University, she has been painting professionally since 1985. Her rural and city backgrounds play a significant role in her choice of subject matter. Known for her Neo-Impressionistic style and wonderful use of color, Diederich particularly enjoys painting flowers, architecture and domesticated animals. Proud of her midwestern heritage, Ellen brings sincerity and love to each painting.

Diederich is a signature member of Watercolor West, The Red River Watercolor Society, The Transparent Watercolor Society of America and The Watercolor Society of Alabama. She authored and illustrated two Gold Medal Award Winning children’s book Where’s Petunia? and Samson’s Gift, along with Progressive Painting – Your Creative Journey. Diederich teaches watercolor workshops, speaks on the creative process and is a well-received juror. She has won numerous awards in national and international juried exhibitions.

“Ellen Jean Diederich has been that rarity, a successful artist for over 20 years. Her work embodies the heartland of America. She paints the beauty of everyday life from farms and fields to the cities and streets,capturing hope and beauty.” Jean & Stephen Danko, Jean Stephen Galleries, St. Louis Park MN.

November Meeting 2017