Flowers and Figures

This still was set up on my driveway on a sunny Spring morning.

My husband actually planted these beauties the previous Autumn.

It's a bit smaller than I usually work at 12" x 17" because it is for submission 

in a local show with size restrictions.

It took many layers of orange, reds and violets to get the very bold colors 

of the flowers themselves.  Also I used very little resist in this one.

I was using it so much that it was beginning to feel like a crutch.

And in leaving it out I found the painting looked more fresh and I really 

enjoyed painting around all the complicated shapes.

"Redheads"

Watercolor, 12" x 18"

©Carmella Tukiszewski

Up until now I have put all my focus on submitting to the national and international exhibits and have not participated in the local art community.  I entered the fine art spectrum backwards from the way most would advise but it's what worked for me.  A good example of you dont know until you try.

This year I focus locally and hopefully meet some of the fabulous fellow artists 

the Philadelphia area has to offer.

And some good news!

"Bourbon Street Chess Master"

12' x 18". Watercolor

©Carmella Tuliszewski

My "Bourbon Street Chess Master" has been selected as a finalist in the

2018 Richeson75 International Figure and Portrait Competition!

This is a tough one to gain entry into so I'm pretty darn excited!

What's on my table now?

Watercolor, 18" x 18"

©Carmella Tuliszewski

No title on this one yet.

It's from a scene in Republic Square in Florence, Italy.

Love the shadows here.

Obviously needs a lot more work and I see things to change or fix already 

but it's a good challenge and I'm enjoying it.

I'll be back with a finish and let you know how the local shows are working out.

Bottles, Buttons, Bouquets and Bourbon.

Oh No! Has it really been six months since my last entry here?

My poor blog gets very neglected from time to time.

I seem to focus all my attention on Facebook and Instagram these days.

But I still enjoy keeping the blog because it's a chance to show and say more.

So here we go with what's been happening.

This painting is from a scene I shot while in New Orleans a couple of years ago

for the Louisiana Watercolor Society Exhibition.

I love the feel of this.  

His repose in the middle of so much activity was captivating and that 

harsh southern sun added all the sharp detail and shadowing I most love to portray.

"Bourbon Street Chess Master"

Watercolor, 12" x 18"

©Carmella Tuliszewski

Speaking of the Lousiianna Watercolor Society,

this painting of my grandson enjoying a summer afternoon was juried into

the 2018 Louisianna Watercolor Society international Exhibition.

The show ran in the spring.

"Summer Showers"

Watercolor, 12" x 18"

©Carmella Tuliszewski

I was so excited to be juried into the 

Watercolor USA Honor Society 2018 Exhibition!

This is an especially difficult show in which to get past the judges

as they look for the unique and unusual.

I didnt make it through the past two times I tried so third time was the charm.

It is on exhibit now in Springfield, MO.

"Walks of Life"

Watercolor, 20" x 24"

©Carmella Tuliszewski

"Stitch in Time" will also be shown this fall at the

Pennsylvania Watercolor Society International Exhibition.

"Stitch in Time"

Watercolor, 18" x 28"

©Carmella tuliszewski

And "Sunset", which made it to the NWS show last year,

 has been selected for exhibition in the 

Northeast Watercolor Society Exhibition this Fall in Kent, Connecticut.

"Sunset"

Watercolor, 20" x 24"

©Carmella Tuliszewski

This is a rendition of a bridal bouguet completed recently as a gift to a friend of my daughter.

The background is a stylish interpretaion of her wedding gown and

the earrings are a gift to the bride from the groom.

"Lauren's Bouquet"

Transparent and Opaque Watercolor, 16" x 18"

©Carmella Tuliszewski

Now I am in the middle of another street scene but this time from

Florence, Italy.

A two hundred year old carousel with all the dramatic lighting and bright colors I adore painting.

I promise not to take another six months to share those results!

Stills, Flowers and Shows, oh my!

So far in this new year I have been very productive.

"Stitch in Time"

Watercolor, 18" x 28"

©Carmella Tuliszewski

I decided to take on another large still life.

This time making use of all my stashed away sewing items.

It took about three weeks from drawing to finish and I loved every minute of it.

I am currently planning another on this subject.

My objective here was to gain good practice in painting various textures to include glass (of course!)

but also metals, fabrics, paper and the weaved basket.

having everything sit on actual pattern tissue was a last minute call that I'm very pleased with.

This is a competition piece so I'll let you know how it goes :)

"Caladiums Alight"

Watercolor, 12" x 15"

©CarmellaTuliszewskiArt.com

After a large still I like to turn to florals for a bit to recharge.

This was taken from a trip to Longwood Gardens last Fall.

These beauties were at ground level of a stunning atrium.

They managed to capture a ray of sun, and my attention, 

 through the thick canopy above.

"Golden Trumpets"

Watercolor, 8" x 8"

©CarmellaTuliszewskiArt.com

And another painting from Longwood Gardens.

The backlighting on this was a little difficult for me.

So I plan to go in and fiddle with it some more.

But the light on this was just so spectacular that I had to try.

One of those helpful learning experiences.

"Lemomcello"

Watercolor, 18" x 24"

©CarmellaTuliszewskiArt.com

And I learned this month that I have been accepted into my second show of the year.

"Lemoncello" will exhibit in

The 2018 Georgia Watercolor Society National Exhibition

Saturday, March 17, 2018 - Sunday, April 29, 2018

Oglethorpe University Museum of Art in Atlanta, Georgia

This painting was in the 2016 Pennsylvania Watercolor Society International Exhibition 

and was awarded the M. Graham Award of Excellence.

It is coming to the end of it's show viability as exhibitions only allow a work to

be two to three years old to enter.

It will then go onto my website for sale.

If you are interested please contact me.

I'd love to see it find a good home:)

I have entered more competitions so far this year.

Here's hoping some of them make it through.

I do love all the opportunities 

watercolorists have to show their work through the various societies

and publications.  Of course, that multiplies the chances of being rejected.

But when you are accepted it's just that much more exciting.

I'll let you know how it goes!