GUEST ARTIST: “Passionate For Bold Watercolors” by Penny Gutman Link

My name is Penny Gutman Link, and thankfully I have lived in two great cities in the USA, that have inspired and keep my creative juices flowing. I grew up in Boston, not too far from the beautiful Atlantic ocean, what more inspiration can there be?

I adore the beach, marine life, lighthouses, seagulls and just the sound of the waves. I now reside in Minneapolis and we have 10,000 lakes and gorgeous scenery. My love of watercolors started here in Minneapolis after taking an art class at the Edina Art Center. Just one class of beginning techniques, wet-into-wet, value studies and just how to have fun with watercolors, and I am still hooked.

Maker:L,Date:2017-9-7,Ver:5,Lens:Kan03,Act:Kan02,E:Y

As a very young girl however, my mother saw I loved drawing and doodling, enrolled me in after school art classes. We visited museums as often as possible, and I knew at a young age I would always be creating art. I was a Medical Social Worker, my major in college, but now that I am retired, I paint, doodle, and take classes. Each presentation has its own unique presentation.

Flowers And Their Bold Beauty

Perhaps my main love is painting flowers, I never cease to be amazed by water lilies, poppies, the tantalizing hues and soft paper-like petals. My biggest seller has been the poppy. Below are some florals I have done. My biggest advice, don’t be afraid to use bold colors, detail only part of the flower, and use various greens.

If you look at stems and petals on most flowers, there are many greens in them, not just one hue of green.

Lighthouses And Marine Scenes

When I get a chance to travel, preferably near the ocean, a visit to lighthouses is sheer delight. I like to tour the lighthouse, take lots of pictures and notes, breathe in the fresh salty air. When I get home I start sketching the structures of the lighthouse very lightly, then paint.

I love adding different hues to landscapes. My favorite color to drop in is purple. Grass has different hues depending on lighting. Don’t be afraid to experiment with bold complementary colors to make the landscape “pop”.

My Love Of Nature

When traveling, just at home, or walking around the lakes or parks, inspiration is everywhere. I also love making mini paintings.

I love getting blank paper and envelopes, by Strathmore, watercolor cards or postcards, and make greeting cards. It also allows me to keep a journal of our trip.

My Favorite Art Materials

There is a vast array of painting materials. I love small brushes that allow me to paint great detail. I love my sketching pencil by Zebra HB 0.7mm, pencil/brush combo, Wonder White Script brush, Winsor & Newton Cotman Sketcher’s Pocket box, half pan. Pentel Aquash Water Brush. Old cut up charge cards for palette knife painting.

My Favorite paints are Dick Blick: Indigo, Sap Green; Daniel Smith: Kyanite Genuine, Undersea Green; Winsor & Newton: Dioxazine Purple, Raw Sienna , Permanent Rose.

Unexpected Outcomes And Why I Will Always Love Watercolors

I continue to be excited with outcomes I am not always expecting. The beauty of this medium by using more water, less water, bold color or allowing the white of the paper to dominate is key. Trying new brushes and art products is important.

I also like to try themes very new to me aside from florals. I started painting animals, birds, rocks. It keeps my work fresh and, for me, learning is progress. Keep having fun, keep painting and explore all possibilities. Join a watercolor club near you. I am a member of the Minnesota Watercolor Society.

Thanks to Charlie O’Shields for inviting me to participate and for showcasing artists from around the world.

Penny Gutman Link
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Charlie O'Shields

Creator of Doodlewash, founder of World Watercolor Month (July), World Watercolor Group, and host of the Sketching Stuff Podcast. Sharing watercolor illustrations and stories while proudly featuring talented artists from all over the world!

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