Biker Dude - Watercolor in Progress

This is my first watercolor of 2012 that I have named Biker Dude. Just wanted to update my work as I go along. Each painting is always such an adventure. It's always a joy to be able to paint local people and businesses.

Prepping for the First Painting of 2012 by Kathy Michels

Happy New Year! Time sure seems to fly when the holidays are here. Now it is time to get back to my art. This is the drawing for my newest big project. This wonderful storefront caught my attention in Middletown. I happened to see a man peering in several windows as he waited for the bus. I had him look at the bikes
and snapped a few pictures. The reflections of the signs across the street were great. Inside the shop you could see all the bikes, picture frames, and various
items. It has been fun and a challenge to draw with so much going on. When I paint and fade out the bikes and put in the glass and reflections you will get a better idea of what is going on. I have just a few more things to finish drawing this weekend. I can't wait to start painting.

My adorable model with my "Degas Project" painting

Sophia taking her original pose - sooo cute!

So much fun! This was a once in a lifetime opportunity. Through the York Art Association, 30 artists went to the Greater York Dance studio for a photo shoot. These students were running back and forth working their little hearts out. They did numerous costume changes, stopped by the make-up station, posed, jumped and had a blast. They were the greatest bunch of children and teens. They were all so polite and just so happy to be there. Shown with my painting is my dear little model. She was a darling girl full of smiles and giggles enjoying each moment. It is so much fun to paint someone who is truly enjoying the occasion. There are moments in your life that you will never forget . . . one is when a mom cries at seeing a piece of art of their child. Just such a precious time. Even her brother thanked me several times for painting her sister saying it made his whole family so happy and they loved it. How sweet is that for that child to take the time to say that. It doesn't get any better than this. I am so blessed to have this wonderful opportunity.

Watercolor Painting by Kathy Michels

Happy New Year - 2011

As we start the new year I plan to be on here doing updates much more frequently. It is so much fun to share tips, ideas and thoughts with others. This is another little ballerina I

began working on at the start of the new year. I plan to have her done at the end of the week and will post the updated photo then. I wanted to do her as she is so fair skinned it presents a bit of a challenge. Yet there seemed to be so many colors reflecting off her little face that it was just intriguing. With watercolors you have that ability to keep the paintings real yet add these beautiful mix of colors. I will

have to get a photo in better lighting so you can see the purples and greens. I am getting ready to add some pinks and bring this little thing to life.