Plein Air for Members
Alla Adams, Coordinator
Monday, November 11 (Veteran's Day)
9 am - Noon
Topic: Flowing Fountain
Location: Scanlan Fountain in Sam Houston Park, 1000 Bagby Street
Houston, TX 77002
Additional information is emailed to those who register.
Painting a flowing fountain in bright sunlight
with watercolor captures the dynamic interplay of light, water, and structure. How to go about it? You might want to begin by sketching the fountain's form, paying attention to the details of its design and the surrounding environment. Use light, transparent washes to depict the sparkle of sunlight on the water, highlighting the fountain's streams and splashes. Bright, warm tones can illustrate the sunny atmosphere, while cooler, translucent blues and greens can convey the clarity and movement of the water. The contrast between the bright highlights and the deep shadows in the fountain's structure and water creates a sense of depth and realism. The fluidity of watercolor beautifully portrays the fountain's lively, ever-changing nature, capturing both the stillness of its form and the motion of the water.
Scanlan Fountain is a cast iron fountain in Sam Houston Park. The fountain was cast by J. L. Mott Iron Works in 1891 and held by a private individual before being donated to the city of Houston by the family of the owner. It was installed in the park in 1972.
This Plein Air event will focus on painting a flowing fountain.
Plein Air - Recommended Supply List: Plein Air - Supply List.docx
Below are some helpful YouTube video demos to practice at home before going to this event on location. With YouTube videos, I usually first watch the entire demo to see the result and make notes of important points. Then, I start the video again and paint along. I like the convenience of YouTube demos that they can be paused and so I can paint and learn in my pace.
I hope you enjoy practicing in advance and are excited about our topic – painting a flowing fountain in Plein Air!
University of Lund, the Fountain, a Watercolor Painting by Erik Lundgren
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TMwTIvx7p6c
Fountain in watercolor by Grant Fuller
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bcy3bNGmuFo
Full Watercolor Demo: Pool and Fountain in a Madrid Park by Tim Wilmot
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OrZ6m_ZT0yA
Kingfisher Water Splash in Watercolor Painting by Kembart Drawing
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gVamGjiR5d8
