MEETING REPORT: March 15, 2018

Demo by Nels Femrite:

“Painting Watercolor On a Gessoed Surface”

Returning from a recent visit to the island of Kauai, Hawaiii, Nels Femrite worked from a plein air sketch he had made of a scene near Lost Lake. Nels was drawn to this scene because of the red dirt which is typical of the area.

He had spread gesso with a roller over an old full-sheet painting on 140 pound Arches paper – “a good way to make use of those paintings that just didn’t work!” This approach provides a smooth surface that is not absorbent.

He first painted shadows under the clouds with neutral tint, then brushed in the sky with two different blues, defining the cloud shapes. Then he worked his way from top to bottom, painting mountains and canyons with local color.

Asked why he chose to paint on a gessoed surface, Nels said that it was “just a different route. I’ve studied art all my life and I still don’t know what it’s all about. I just like to try different things. That’s what makes it interesting and I’m having too much fun!” After letting the painting dry over the break, Nels put in some dark areas and defined the shapes.

The completed painting had a lot of texture because of the gessoed surface. As a founder and faithful NorthStar member, Nels Femrite continues to share his enthusiasm and talent.