Dear Artist Friend:

I am both an on-location and a studio painter and find that they complement and feed off each other. While working on location I find that my eye becomes enlivened to nature’s true color. My focus and concentration on nature’s elements deeply reveals hues that are not apparent on first glance. In fact, many times I can sense rich color in tree shadows and energy radiating from living forms. Painting outside helps me fine-tune my awareness of the landscape, an experience I then bring to the studio.

In the studio I am more apt to work large, focus more on the abstract shapes and composition, and emphasize color and various water media applications and combinations. Handling these elements in the studio helps me to see more abstractly when I return outside. These two approaches play off each other, and it is always a balance.

Whether in the studio or painting on location, the process is ultimately about the energy and the marks. These marks are the culmination of artists’ knowledge of craft and lifetime experiences. No matter the subject matter or whether the painting is loose or tight, we are creating at the most an illusion of the image. I feel that the greatest marks come when I have released my mind and analysis and simply let the immediacy of the moment come through. In the end a great painting emerges almost in spite of the painter and once finished, cannot be repeated.

There is magic in the process! Look at a good Richard Diebenkorn painting and then a good Andrew Wyeth. These painters have completely different directions in style but both have great marks.

Last November my book Water Media Painting With Stephen Quiller was published by Watson-Guptill Publications of New York. I feel it is an important text for any painter. There is vital information on transparent watercolor, gouache, acrylic and casein, as well as how to use them to advantage in combination. There is information on how to work outside and how to work large in water media. There are important thoughts on composition and developing your eye to see abstractly. Finally, there are excerpts from my journals that make this work more personal. With an order you will receive a signed copy.

In addition you will find in this catalog what I feel is the best of fine art water media materials and products. Please explore this catalog and give the products a try. All of our products reflect a 30%-35% discount from retail. We have many loyal customers and truly appreciate your patronage. This year we are making changes that we hope are wise and consistent with our prevalent thoughts that will help our planet. We are making a smaller catalog that will use much less paper and cut down on mailing costs. We are hoping to transition to a secure mailing site on-line and use it for the majority of our business. Please take a few moments to look at my paintings, products and workshop schedule.

I wish for you a great year with rich experiences and many new and great marks!

With warm regards,