This time of year staff are invited to take home produce from the Folk School gardens. What I gather often spends a morning in my studio before being served for dinner, like this green pepper I painted yesterday.

The Less is More Series reflects my intention to reduce distractions, slow down and savor simple moments. I’m currently working small, painting easy subjects in watercolor from life. Before I begin, I ask myself, what is the least complicated approach to getting the essence of the subject?

I begin with a thoughtful pencil sketch. Next, a light yellow-green wash and a simple shadow at the base.

Before touching brush to paper, I look at shapes within the subject considering value, hue, intensity and temperature. I consider edges and do my best to live up to the series name of less is more. Less brushwork and less manipulating what I’ve previously put down.

I’m realizing with this less is more intention of slowing down, there is actually more thought, more depth and more joy. And I love that the subject doesn’t have a perfect shape. Much more character and true to life.

From the art,

June