New Painting Not Revealed!

I have decided to not reveal the full image of the painting just yet!  Why?  Well I don't want to show it probably until sometime next year because I would like to save it for entry into a major show.  This is a tease I know. All I can say it that it is another one of my "Venetian Mask" themes that I love to do.  The masks are my favorite subject.  This will be my fourth painting.  Between visits to France and Italy, I have gathered up fabrics, papers, and objects of all kinds that I use in my paintings.  Love the patterns and the colors.  Not to mention the cuisine of both countries!  The size of this painting is "22x30" done on Cheap Joe's Kilimanjaro watercolor paper which I happen to use quite frequently now.  I will show the complete painting in due time.  Or maybe I will cave and post it anyway.  I like to get feedback from other artists which is always interesting and informative.

67th Michigan Watercolor Society

 The 67th Michigan Watercolor Society had its opening reception on Saturday June 7, 2014.  Paul Jackson was the juror for this show and it was held at the Flint Arts Council.  This was my first time meeting Paul Jackson who I have admired for many years.  My painting was selected to be included in the traveling show!  From here it will be in display in Charlevoix, MI  at the Charlevoix Circle of the Arts.  From there it will travel to Lowell, MI and be displayed at Lowell Arts.  The last place in Michigan will be in Port Huron at Studio 1219.  

I am thrilled that my painting will be doing some traveling this year!
Schedules of the exact dates can be found on the Michigan Watercolor Society web page or at the above galleries.

Accepted into Michigan Watercolor Society Show 2014!

My painting "Pearl River Mart" has been accepted into the 2014 Michigan Watercolor Society show!  This painting was inspired by a trip to NYC and entering into a SoHo Asian market called "Pearl River Mart".  It is located on Broadway.  I loved the colors, rich textures and patterns of everything Asian in this store.  Paper dragons hang from the ceilings along with bamboo bird cages and paper lanterns.  The show runs from June 7-July 3, 2014.

Pearl River Mart

5th Arr.

5th Arr.

When traveling through France last year, I am continuing my series of paintings from that experience.  This is one from the city of Paris!  Found this interesting Parisian street art when wandering into the Rue de la Huchette area located in the 5th Arrondissement; hence the title of the painting 5th Arr or 5th Arrondissement.

The texture and shadows and the challenge of getting the graffiti to look spray painted in watercolor I thought would be an intriguing study and lesson.  No that is not me looking on!  A passer-by taking time to stop and look.

Discovered some new technique in texture. Might take a second look to make some additions yet but thought I would see if  I receive any feedback or reaction from this painting inspired by the streets of Paris.

Lot Gourmand-Finished Painting

So here is the finished painting.

Lot Gourmand

Here is another painting in my series from France.  I am showing how it was developed.  The area of "Lot" is the name of the region where the Village of Sarlat is located.  This was a merchant selling local delicacies.  Next door to his stand is a shop selling bolts of material.  I thought it made for an interesting painting showing the typical scenes of the village.

Overhead was a canvas canopy which put him in a shade of yellow ochre.  So I laid down a wash of yellow ochre over the areas that where shaded by the canopy.  The whites I kept for the bright sunlight that cast light on some of the objects.  As you can see, I went on to develop the burnt sienna shades of the wood sign and table.  Then I went on to develop other areas in this sequence.

Late Afternoon in Sarlat

I have just completed another painting in my series that I am doing from my travels to the Southern region of France.  This one is entitled "Late Afternoon in Sarlat".  It was a scene that I observed while in the medieval village of Sarlat roaming through the streets.  I saw this man holding his dog.  They both looked tired and ready to go home after a long day of walking around.  He was standing in the shadows of this old facade while further down, the sun was filtering in around the old stone buildings.   Hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoyed being there.

Perigord Truffles

I am starting to create some paintings from my travels to the South West corner of France known as the Quercy Region. I am experimenting to get the texture on the old stone wall buildings found in almost all of the quaint, medieval villages in this region.  This is a scene from the town of Sarlat.  They are known for their truffles and foie gras.  This is just one of many shops along the way that sell the truffles.   I love the old stone buildings.  You have to be there to appreciate how the town looks and feels to a new visitor.

I hope to create at least 3 more in this same size format as I have the perfect subject matter for this series.  I have to do some artwork from this trip.  It was too special and unforgettable to not put into watercolor.

A Couple More Sketches

I had fun with this sketch book!  As you can see from the photo below, I did a sketch of the grounds at Haut Baran. I intend to fill it up with small scenes in and around the country estate.  I was so impressed with it all, that I would like to devote this book just for that.  They are light, and decorative motifs with a little french flair.  It felt good to loosen up a bit from my usually tight, finished watercolors.  It is summer after all!

Watercolor Workshop at Haut Baran

I know it has been awhile since I posted something of significance on my blog!  You probably wondered what happened to me.  Well a lot happened.  I was out of the country and traveled to France.  There for 10 days, I signed up for a watercolor workshop with fellow watercolor artist, Judy Morris.  As you can see, we were at a beautiful location in the southwest region of France.

All I can say is that it was a wonderful, inspiring experience with the company of one of the most  accomplished contemporary watercolor artist of our era.  We gathered ideas, reference photos, and shared techniques.  I observed Judy teaching her workshops and it was marvelous. 

We traveled to local villages and saw much history in the region.  We saw outdoor markets and went to a brocante, (french flea market). Here is a sample of some of my sketches and watercolor studies from the trip.

The following are photos of our studio.

Hope you can enjoy these shots as much as I loved taking them and being there.  This was an experience of a lifetime.  Now on to doing some serious artwork.

New Website

I have been spending the last few months in re-designing and updating my website. It is finished and on the net.  I learned how to use DreamWeaver from my Media & Communications classes so I am able to design and make my own.  I don't care for the "canned layouts" that several company's offer and I don't have to pay anyone else to create it for me.  A win, win.  I have left room on one of my pages for future paintings purposely to get me into the mode of new projects.

To take a look, click on the following:  http://paulafiebich.com/

On my contacts page, I have a column of interesting related links.  One of them being a tour of General Motors Design Center video of where I go to work everyday.  It is a behind the scenes tour that is not seen by the public as it is a very much a high security building.  Don't want all those future designs leaking out.

"Going Green" going on Traveling Exhibition in Shanghai!

I received a very special present on Christmas Eve this year from the Shanghai Zhujiajiao International Watercolour Biennial Exhibition.  I was requested to have my painting be part of a traveling exhibition in Shanghai!

From 1.19.2013--1.27.2013 it will be on display at the CWI Children's Palace Shanghai.

And from there it will travel to the Oriental Pearl Tower Shanghai.

It will be on display from 2.7.2013--2.17.2013

My painting is currently doing more traveling than I am at this moment.What an incredibly interesting opportunity!

NYC Deli

I have been working on a series of paintings of scenes and places in NYC. This one was something that attracted my attention not only for the large chocolate chip cookies in the window of a deli but also for the figure of this  man starring out the window.  The marquees were running their daily news stories and I imagine he was watching the news go by from his spot at this deli.  The reflections in the window show the news going by.  Let me know

you think.

Up to 25,000

Views that is! I am able to track the countries that view my blog the most.  Germany held the most views for many months this year.  The tiny island of Malta must love watercolors.  Spain!  There are a lot of watercolor fans there.  Everybody is interested in the Shanghai Biennial being held this year.  I was lucky to be a part of it.  I love seeing people from Italy and France especially looking at my blog as I love visiting there. Did I mention Belgium??  I should as both of my grandparents came from there and settled in the Detroit area in the early 1900's.  And of course the USA, my fellow American artists and friends across the country taking a look from time to time to see what I have been up to.

 I will try to add going forward not only my art but other things of interest connected with watercolor painting and will let you know what becomes of the Shanghai Show due to start at the end of November.  I would like very much to travel to all of these countries.  They are all in my bucket list of things to do.

"Going Green" made it

Received word today that "Going Green" will be part of the 2012 Shanghai Biennial! Another accomplishment only to make me more determined to do better in the years to come.  I have not been able to devote my time to painting as some of the masters have been able to do but I see that there is nothing holding me back now.  I have been off to a good start.

Artists are their own worse critics at least I am.  I guess that is what makes you continue to press on.  Anyway, I look forward to seeing all the works of art accepted into the show.  I hear that the catalog is well done and am honored to be a part of it.  To think that 4000 entries were submitted and mine was one of the ones chosen.  That is stiff competition.

Typhoon Haikui

I know that watercolor artists from around the world have been anxiously awaiting the results of the exhibit for the 2012 Shanghai Biennial along with myself.  Well here are excerpts from a recent email received from Shanghai as to why the selection process and show has been slightly delayed:

"We understand that you have been waiting for the results of the stage 2 and/or awards selection. Thank you very much for your patience.

However, we have experienced some very severe weather in Shanghai during the past month, as the result, all schedules have now been delayed. We have been trying very hard to keep the opening on time; however, as of today, many paintings have still not been delivered; and the re-scheduling of all the events prove to be extremely difficult. We are aiming to do the stage 2 and awards selection on 25th and 26th September. Hence delaying the opening to around 13th October. Paintings will still be returned within the previously proposed time frame.

This decision has just been made, we are still working out all the details, and hope to have everything confirmed as soon as posible. I will keep you updated.

We understand this change must be extremely difficult and inconvenient for you, and we will try our best to make amends. It is very unfortunate that the opening have to be delayed, but we are determined to put on a stunning show. Your understanding would be greatly appreciated.

Please let me know if there is anything I can do for you."

Thank you very much.

Typhoon Haikui hit!  Thank god that "Going Green" made it in early safe and sound.  Hopefully the ones missing will show up soon.

New Painting

Have a new painting to add to collection.  This one entitled "Blue Bowl", is from a still life that I put together some time ago.  It is 23x30 done on Kilamanjaro watercolor paper from Cheap Joe's Artist Supply.  When I had won the Gold Medal back in 2007, Joe whom I had met at the reception for the AWS Awards Ceremony had sent me some watercolor supplies.  In the packet that I received, which I was thrilled to get, were different grades of Kilamanjaro Watercolor paper which is Cheap Joe's signature brand.  I have to say that I really like it!   It gives some surprising textural qualities. What attracted me to doing this subject was the color in the cloth and the text printed on it.  It added to an interesting composition. Lighting, to me, is everything and the shadows created by the whisk and the folds in the cloth added to a unique design.  I'll put a link to Cheap Joe's under interesting websites on my blog.

Shanghai Zhujiajiao International Watercolour Biennial Exhibition

My painting, "Going Green" has made it through Stage I of the selection process for Shanghai, China Biennial Exhibition at the end of September!  I am thrilled! The show will have a collection of 200 to 250 paintings open to the world to participate.  From what I gather, the competition has been stiff because of 4000 entries from around the world.  To have made it this far and to be asked to send it to China for them to judge is an honor.  This is not a done deal yet as to whether it is a definite to be added to the show.  It has to pass stage II.  My thinking on it is this: they probably want to see if the real painting lives up to the digital images that were originally submitted.  With Photoshop enhancements available to everyone, an image could be worked on to look more of what it actually is.

After passing stage II, a select group with than determine the 15 awards to be given out.  All in all an extremely interesting event.  I will keep you all posted as to the progress.  Now to figure out how to wrap this baby up and send it to China!

Painting a Picture of Mom

Ok, This is so not easy.  It is not suppose to be.  My Mom past away last Sunday evening at the age of 96. A good long life this is true.  And when you think that she was born in the year of 1915,how monumental can it be to have experienced and seen all that she has seen in the changes to the world up to 2012.  This new age was not neccessarily to her liking not so much because of all the technology which senior citizens have a problem with but more to the change in people.  She was part of a golden generation in which it was common to make friends easily with neighbors, co-workers, and to be understanding and concerned about each other's problems and to try to help out.  That generation knew the importance of having each other's backs.  She was beginning to see a lack of that in the new and upcoming generations simply because now it is possible to communicate without coming face to face so how can you truly develop the deep emotional bonds with others.  She knew something about communicating.  In fact, I would call her an expert as everyone close to her knew.  And she had something to say.  She kept up with current affairs, politics, and was an avid reader.  Albeit, it was mostly romance novels which could transport her to another world while not leaving her apartment.  And being the  home body that she was, that was just fine with her.

Her company was enjoyed by many because of her lively sense of humor something that her children benefited from and learned to develop at an early age.  She encouraged it!  She worked up to the age of 80 and her "boys" that she worked with were very important to her as they enjoyed her as well.  Quite a statement for a company that was willing to keep an 80 year on their payroll.

She drove her 1990 Ford Escort up to the age of 93.  It only had 35,000 on it.  She missed that car when she recently had to give it up.

The most spectacular aspect that has left us all amazed was her mental agility even up to her last days.  She was smart even though she would never label her self as being smart with finances, paperwork or math, but her street smarts were right on.  Her ability to size up people was remarkable and 9 times out of 10 she was right on.  I depended on her wisdom more times than I care to say.

I guess I am on my own now to fend for myself.  But I have been trained well and the beneficiary of a very wise woman.  She was an exception to the rule.  I love you Mom and I will miss  you till the end of my days.  With love Paula.

The Year Of The Dragon

It is finished!

First one of the New Year!

Hope this year holds happiness

and prosperity for 

everyone.
Opinions and reactions
to this piece will be welcome.
It should read "The Year of the Dragon
Reduced"