Seamless Expression - super blog!

Its a wonderful resourse for those who wants to learn more about watercolor painting. Stephen Berry who runs the blog is doing very detailed reviews on various watercolor lessons with deep understanding of difficulties of mastering watercolor technique. http://www.seamlessexpression.com/

Just now he made a review on my relatively new video that is available on demand on Vimeo. Enjoy reading and watching!
Read here: http://www.seamlessexpression.com/blog

Watch here: https://vimeo.com/ondemand/noonnap/188012594

Konstantin Sterkhov. Noon Nap. 27x37 cm. 2016

Also available the following tutorials: Reflections

https://vimeo.com/ondemand/sterkhovreflections/190563396

Konstantin Sterkhov. Quiet Dusk. 27x37 cm. 2016

https://vimeo.com/ondemand/sterkhovart1/179191170 Cool Summer

Konstantin Sterkhov. Cool Summer. 27x37 cm. 2016

Andrey Esionov - Interview

How did you come to watercolors?   

Six years of study in Republican specialized music and art boarding school, specialty graphic artist, six years of study in Tashkent Ostrovsky `s State Theatre and Art Institute on poster department, at both Alma Mater the subject of the painting at the department of graphic was taught only in watercolor. So this is how I came, but first not to the watercolors, but via watercolor to oil. At the end of training I shifted to easel painting. I returned to watercolors 5 years ago.

Andrey Esionov

How do you select a subject?

The plot is built according to requirements of a classical composition, ie, I select a theme and I work through searches, sketches, sometimes trial washes. The work includes preliminary sketches without fail, if we talk about watercolors based on complex composition.

Andrey Esionov

Which colors in the palette are necessary for you?

Currently, no more than 12 colors: cadmium red, kraplak, ocher, iron oxide, Naples yellow, cadmium yellow, umber, blue, ultramarine, indigo, yellow-green and black.

Andrey Esionov

Is there a preference in the choice of paper, paints, brushes?

Paper by any manufacturer of 600 g. rough. Paints "White Nights" (Russia) in pans and any paints by European production in tubes. Squirrel brushes by any known manufacturer.

How do your individual features are manifested in your watercolors?

If you do not copy off from other artists' works, and stay yourself, your personality manifests as your personal painting style.

Do you think that the easy "incompleteness" only benefit watercolor work?

I do not like the word "incompleteness". If you mean, conscious use of paper white, untouched by paint, why not? If - it does not interfere with the integrity of the picture, or the composition solution, or just intuitively "delicious." If we go on the impressionistic style of writing, so watercolor in my opinion is very thereto.

Andrey Esionov

Full version of the interview read in my new book in series "Masters Of Watercolor" - "On Both Sides of the Great Wall".

Workshop in Finland

31, July - 4, August, Ita-hameen opisto, Hartola. 

5 days workshop on varity of subjects such as landscape, cityscape, animals, flowers and portrait. Nice area for walking, swimming, exelent cusine, sauna and opportunity to paint 12 hours a day. Contact Arja kurssit@ihop.fi 

 Constractive critiques, relatively small group of students

 Demo of various approaches and subjects in watercolor

 Nace and convenient historical location

 Consultation on painting materials

Up to 3 step-by-step demos daily

Intensive Workshop in US - Book Now!

Intensive workshop with me at MISA (Madeline Island School Of Art), USA
19, June - 23, June, 2017

Class #: SPKS061917
Dates: 06/19/17 to 06/23/17
Level: All Levels 

Instructor: Konstantin Sterkhov

Class Description:

During this five day workshop, you will learn how to use the Alla Prima approach to create expressive works in watercolor.  Konstantin will share his knowledge of this classic approach while utilizing contemporary techniques including wet-on-wet, dry brush, glazing, splashing, masking, and many others. Students will also learn how to create convincing works without needing advanced drawing skills.

The class schedule will include 2-3 painting demonstrations per day and opportunities to paint a variety of subjects. Students will learn distinct approaches for still lifes including florals, landscapes, seascapes, interiors and portraits. This class will be mainly studio based with some opportunities to paint en Plein Air throughout the week, using Madeline Island’s amazing landscapes and seascapes as inspiration.

Students can choose to bring two or three of their own paintings for personal critique, or specific objects of interest to receive feedback on the right approach to use, and mistakes to avoid when painting the chosen subject matter. Class will conclude with a critique exhibition of student and teacher’s works at week’s end.

Enroll here: https://secure.madelineartschool.com/Classes_detail.cfm?recordno=1&Product_CatalogID=467&ProductNumber=SPKS061917&ProductCode=71&NewProduct=0

New workshop with David Poxon

My Blog is No 20 among Watercolor Pages on Web!

I have just got an e-mail that This blog is among 60 top sites about watercolor in Web! I checked and it is No 20! Well done! See it here: http://blog.feedspot.com/watercolor_blogs/

Watercolor Workshop in Helsinki

17-19, March, 2017 in Esbo Arbis we are painting Water in Landscape around the year. Join us now! It is my only workshop (in English) near Helsinki this Spring!
Informationhttps://ilmonet.fi/#fi/search/txt=EA170008
Location: Leppävaara, Karatalo
Kotkatie 4, 02620 Espoo

New Video On Demand

I am happy to present a new video on demand on Vimeo. This time it`s a boat and reflections. Quite simple but need some tips to be painted. Check it on Vimeo!
https://vimeo.com/ondemand/sterkhovreflections/190563396

Konstantin Sterkhov. Quiet Dawn. 26x36 cm. 2016

Paint with me!

https://vimeo.com/ondemand/sterkhovreflections/190563396

New Workshop with David Poxon

Check a new workshop with David Poxon. You can read his interview on my blog or in my book "Masters Of Watercolor. From classic to contemporary art"

Some Personal Thailand Impressions

There was a great event organized by La Fe in Thailand. Actually that was 2 events. One exhibition of IWS Thailand in Huahin and Masters Exhibition in Bangkok. I spent only 4 days and the day when I came was the last day in Huahin. So I missed painting on location and many other moments but still there is something to share... Part I. Maybe there will be Part II...

 Prafull Sawant (India), Selma Todorova (Bulgaria), Joe f. Dowden (UK), K. Sterkhov (Russia)

 Liang Gang (China) and K. Sterkhov (Russia)

 Among participants are La Fe (Thailand), Rajesh Sawant (India), Igor Sava (Italy) and myself

 In front right - Ali Abbas (Pakistan) and myself

 Igor Sava (Italy), myself, Ali Abbas (Pakistan)

 Participants of the Master`s exhibition in Bangkok

Jansen Chow (Malaysia), Joe Dowden (UK) and myself

New Video On-demand

Dear reader,
I am happy to introduce my new video on-demand in series "Northern Summer. Island Life"
Both videos are over 30 minutes each and contain my comments on the process and nice original music. You will see which paints and brushes I use. Try to paint together with me in real time!
Every video has a trailer that can help you to consider to purchase the full version.

https://vimeo.com/ondemand/noonnap/188011034

Konstantin Sterkhov. Island Life. Noon Nap. 27x37 cm. 2016

https://vimeo.com/ondemand/sterkhovart1

Konstantin Sterkhov. Island Life. Cool Summer. 27x37 cm. 2016

Welcome to download the full version!

Secrets of Russian Masters in 5 days

Madeline Island, USA

5 day Workshop - 3rd week of June, 2017

Madeline Island School of the Arts (MISA) is ranked among the top five art and craft schools in the country.  The school is located on beautiful Madeline Island, the largest of the 22 Apostle Islands in Lake Superior.

Konstantin Sterkhov. Harbor. 2015

During this five day workshop, you will learn how to use the Alla Prima approach to create expressive works in watercolor.  Konstantin will share his knowledge of this classic approach while utilizing contemporary techniques including wet-on-wet, dry brush, glazing, splashing, masking, and many others. Students will also learn how to create convincing works without needing advanced drawing skills.

Konstantin Sterkhov. Hope For Future. 2015

The class schedule will include 2-3 painting demonstrations per day and opportunities to paint a variety of subjects. Students will learn distinct approaches for florals, landscapes, seascapes, interiors and portraits. This class will be mainly studio based with some opportunities to paint en Plein Air throughout the week, using Madeline Island’s amazing landscapes and seascapes as inspiration.

Konstantin Sterkhov. Magnolia. 2015

Students can choose to bring two or three of their own paintings for personal critique, or specific objects of interest to receive feedback on the right approach to use, and mistakes to avoid when painting the chosen subject matter. Class will conclude with a critique exhibition of student and teacher’s works at week’s end.

https://secure.madelineartschool.com/Classes_Teachers.cfm?StaffID=253

https://secure.madelineartschool.com/Classes_detail.cfm?Product_CatalogID=467&ProductNumber=SPKS061917&ProductCode=71&NewProduct=0