Work samples
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Birch Trees in Snowy ForestMasking fluid was used to preserve the pristine white of the birch trunks while the darker forest structure was painted. After the mask was removed, the signature Birch tree markings were applied with Lamp Black watercolor. White India ink was used in a splatter technique to create snow. -
Snowy EveningThis snow scene employed wet-in-wet technique to create the soft luminescence of the cold winter sky. Dry brush was used to give the snow a crystal blue hue. -
Bolton Hill SunscapeThis is a watercolor rendering of a photograph taken in a Bolton Hill residence. The reflections on the floor are challenging, but when the white surface of the watercolor paper is successfully preserved, it is incredibly rewarding. The rays of sun were created by pulling diluted white India ink over the painting. -
Bow-Tie Gull and the Violin EpisodeBow-Tie Gull is an endearing character the artist created, and he has enjoyed many cultural and humorous experiences on his familiar stretch of the beach. Sophistocated in his red bow tie and conductor's suit, in this episode, Bow-Tie Gull is pondering more cultured pursuits. Even the artist is curious about how Bow-Tie Gull will play this one out....
About Kas
Experimenting with Liquid Watercolor
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Muffin in the Mornin'Liquid watercolor gives this muffin a realistic butter glazing effect due to the luminescence of the paint. This painting was created as a prototype for a watercolor workshop, "Brunch and Brushes," the artist conducted during which students enjoyed muffins and coffee while experimenting with liquid watercolor paint.
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Red Poppy #1The artist used liquid watercolor to create this painting, first by using a dropper to place 3 or 4 drops of brilliant red ink on dry watercolor paper. The paint is spread into petals, and then a single drop of black watercolor is pulled into the wet petals to bleed and blend with the red.
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Blue Flox with Metallic PaintThe artist used undiluted blue liquid watercolor with a brush already dipped in yellow. While still wet, metallic gold Koi paint was dropped into the base of each petal.
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Cinnamon ToastVibrant yellow and raw sienna liquid watercolor gives this "Cinnamon Toast" piece bright dimension. And real cinnamon sprinkled on the still-wet painting adds an olfactory experience as well.
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Orange Poppy Single FlowerLiquid watercolor was slightly diluted to create a more transparent image. Black waterproof ink was used to create the center of the flower.
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Fish - BlueUsing liquid watercolor medium for a fish seemed appropriate, and this was created as a prototype for a "Fish Odyssey" watercolor workshop the artist conducted. Clear water is carefully brushed onto the paper in the shape of the fish, while retaining some natural white space. While still wet, cobalt blue liquid watercolor is dropped on the surface of the water. The paint spreads beautifully on its own, magically taking the shape of the fish, but is also gently coaxed with a brush into opaque and transparent sections, after which yellows and gold metallic paint are added for highlights.
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Mountains and ReedsLiquid turquoise watercolor is layered in multiple steps (with drying times between steps) to create this soft flowing background. Masking fluid was used in advance to protect white space where the reeds would eventually be painted with raw sienna liquid paint.
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Bull and the ButterflyThis "Bull and the Butterfly" piece combines liquid raw sienna watercolor with soap bubbles (yep, the kind kids love to chase around the yard!) to create a somewhat abstract image. Because of the soap content, the piece took several days to dry, but the artist considers this a true example of "good clean fun!"
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Wisteria SprayRandom droplets of cobalt blue and lavender liquid watercolor were dabbed and pressed into wisteria flowers on a flowing branch. Once dry, a wet background of lighter blues and purples was added to create depth.
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Bird NestBird nest created with masking fluid to protect white space and liquid watercolor ink.
Fauna Experiences
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Honey BeeOne of the most detailed paintings by the artist, this honey bee sports tedious detail in capturing the minute specs of pollen on its legs and abdomen. One never learns so much about an animal's structure than intensely studying its image for a painting such as this. -
Bow-Tie Gull Volleyball RefThe artist created a series of "Bow-Tie Gull" adventures, blending her love of painting birds with her desire to include a sense of humor in her works. This episode demonstrates Mr. Bow-Tie Gull's best "side out" signal during a lively game of beach volleyball. -
HummingbirdSometimes the oddest things inspire us as artists. This hummingbird was inspired by a small night light plugged into a wall at a bed and breakfast. The backlighting through the bird was beautiful, and the artist tried to capture that luminescence with liquid watercolor ink. -
Dog on the BeachFashioned after a friend's dog, Murphy, this is one of the rare acryllic paintings by the artist. Murphy, who spent his life near the beach and loved the sand between his toes, appreciated the regal stature reflected in his portrait. -
ElephantThe artist enjoyed the challenge of achieving the effect of etched and wrinkled skin on this elephant. Pachyderms have an unusual skeletal structure that was also challenging. -
Giraffe in GolashesThis whimsical giraffe was designed as a gift for a toddler. The characteristic pattern in the giraffe's fur was adapted to allow the child's name to be written inside the pattern shapes. It was a big hit, with the exception of the toddler's mild distress at seeing the giraffe lose its green rain boot. -
OtisOtis is a bartender's charming friend. The artist managed this portrait in between generous Manhattan cocktails, but in self defense would like to clarify that the dog did actually have blue fur around his face! -
WillowA neighbor's charasmatic dog inspired this painting of "Willow," the neighborhood mascot. Willow showed great patience posing for this portrait. -
Cotswold SheepThe Cotswold Sheep is native to the United Kingdom. The artist was captivated by the somewhat surly but handsome expression on this breed of sheep. The medium is watercolor, but fibers were also added prior to framing under glass to enhance the texture of the painted wool. -
Buttercup CowThis painting was adapted from a black and white photograph of a cow. It reflects the whimsy the artist often employs, such as adding the buttercup to the cow's mouth. This is watercolor with a touch of acryllic to enhance the buttercup flowers.
