Category Archives: Uncategorized
LEATHER BOUND EDITION to be released early October, 2019
SAVE TIME WITH DIRECT LINK: select Leather Option https://www.acclaimpress.com/books/back–roads-memories/
Upcoming Release!
The time has finally arrived to announce the upcoming release of Back Roads and Memories, the Art of Don Rankin. The large format book, 9″ x 12″, will contain at least 200 images of my work spanning the past 5 decades. There will also be a leather bound edition, autographed, signed and numbered limited to 300 copies.
For orders please contact www.acclaimpress.com or call toll free 1-877-427-2665
In Loving Memory
Geneal M. Rankin June 1944- January 2019
A number of you have wondered why this site has been vacant. For the past 27 months my wife was seriously ill. Geneal suffered from complications of Type II Diabetes. She had been diabetic for a number of years. Finally the complications began to pile up with her suffering complete kidney failure that led to dialysis. At first we trained for home dialysis and that worked for about 18 months. In May of 2018 that suddenly failed and we had to go to Hemo-dialysis. The complications continued with amputations and a series of surgeries. Our battle was over on January 24.
I chose this picture of a happier time when two beautiful strangers graced our deck for part of a day. Sasha and Sitka decided to leave their fenced in back yard. Someone left the gate open! After about two days of wandering they swam the creek and came knocking, literally, on our front door. We decided to bring them into our backyard with our two dogs. Praying that no one would claim them, we knew we had to call the local vets. Sure enough their owner came around later that day.
I will resume posting paintings soon
Meanwhile you can see work at don_rankin_watercolor.com on Instagram.
Painting Memories
B
Morning Mist, Boundary Waters 22″ x 30″ watercolor
The older I get the more memories I tend to paint. I did some of my final graduate research work in the Boundary Waters not far from Ely, Minnesota. My mode of transportation was by canoe and hiking. Ever carried a three man canoe up a steep cliff? It can be exhilarating! That is, if you don’t fall. In those days we could portage and paddle into Canada; no questions asked. 9/11 changed a lot of things. These days my travel is limited but my sketchbook is full.
We would take turns paddling and dead heading. Dead heading was the term we used for the fellow in the middle who sat while the other two worked the bow and stern. I got a lot done when it was my time to rest. I had plenty of water all around and my small travel kit of paints and brushes. Now I find myself poring over old sketches and photos from those days. Time has acted as a filter and helps distill the images I recall so well.
Maybe the color is a bit more intense or maybe I’m a little more generous with it these days. I still have other images to refine. Imagine, if you will, leaning against the trunk of a pine tree, peering over the edge of a stone cliff at a sea of blueberries glowing in the dappled light of the sun. I can still see those berries. Thankfully, at this stage I don’t have to concern myself with momma bear who would bring her cubs to dine on the succulent treasures. I’m not sure which one of us liked the wild berries more.
This tree in this painting, like an old friend, was one of our sentinels that marked our way and let us know we were nearing camp on our return. I hope it is still standing. It stood on the far side of the lake adjacent to our camp site. These days I’m living on another lake and I am blessed to enjoy the ever changing light and the glow of evening as well as morning. These are the subjects that lend themselves so well to multiple layers of watercolor washes.
Want to know more about watercolor glazing techniques?
Mastering Glazing Techniques in Watercolor, Vol I by Dr. Don Rankin is available direct from the artist at www.createspace.com/3657628. A revised edition of the original classic.
On-line classes coming soon on a new platform:
The new classes will be available in two versions. Students will be able to choose to participate in a fully interactive version or a view only version. We are in the editing phase of all new content. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions.
Now on View
Taffy II, watercolor 35″ x 25″ unframed
A lot has happened since my last post. I’ll not bore you with all of the details, except to say I have a new studio, not yet fully operational, recovering from two surgeries, a new home and a new email provider. Taffy II is an older work that has never been publicly exhibited nor offered for sale. Why you may ask? Well it just wasn’t. Taffy was the first of many cats to grace our home and she was very special. In fact, all of our pets, cats and dogs, have been individual family members; all with their own unique personality. I recently posted a shot of the painting on my Instagram site. Ms. Barbara Moore of Barbara Moore Fine Art Gallery in Chadds Ford, PA saw it and requested that I send it to her. So if you are in or around downtown Chadds Ford be sure to drop in.
New Gallery/ Familiar Faces:
I have known Barbara for quite a while, dating back to 1985 as I recall. Barbara was Director of the Chadds Ford Gallery in Chadds Ford and has over 40 years experience in specializing in Wyeth works. She recently opened her own gallery and will be hosting her usual Christmas in Miniature exhibition carrying on the tradition. If my memory serves me correctly she is the lady who inaugurated the Christmas in Miniature Exhibitions that seem to be popular across the country these days. The exhibition will open on the evening of November 29, 1-8 PM. The Gallery is located at 1609 Baltimore Pike, Chadds Ford, PA. (barbaramoorefineart.com Tel 484-776-5174.
Five Miniatures of mine will be shown:
Quiet Stream
Paradise Creek..AKA Marley’s Place
Acadia
Old Hackberry Lane
Callie in Sunlight
All five pieces are framed ready for hanging. Framed and matted they measure around 14″ x 12″. Feel free to contact Barbara for more details.
Want to know more about watercolor glazing techniques? Mastering Glazing Techniques in Watercolor, Vol 1 by Dr. Don Rankin is a revised updated version of the original best selling book published by Watson-Guptill. Available at http://www.createspace.com/3657628
2017 Recipient of the Marquis Who’s Who Lifetime Achievement in Art and Art Education
The Surface Makes a Difference
Have you ever noticed that some watercolors by the same artist have a different look or impact? While there are many possible variables there is one element that can have a profound impact on the effect. All else being equal, that is the same quality paint and brushes, the choice of paper can really change the dynamic. Most painters paint upon either cold press or rough watercolor paper. A few adventurous souls work on hot press and/or plate surface paper. What is the difference? Basically, one is more absorbent than the other. Hot press and especially plate surface or finish paper is slick. The moisture and the paint have a tendency to crawl and creep across the paper rather than blooming or blossoming across the paper in the usual expected way. A slick surface brings on a whole new series of effect. Some of it can be quite magical while for some painters the whole thing becomes a nightmare.
My first encounter with the idea of painting watercolor on a less absorbent paper surface came about while learning to paint with egg tempera. While the gesso ground for traditional egg tempera is absorbent to a degree; it can be modified by the degree of polish one produces on the surface during the layering of the gesso. By the way this is NOT the canned gesso you buy in most art supply stores. Traditional gesso is a mixture of hide glue and and ground chalk with or without pigment and requires a rigid support to prevent cracking. Very often beginning painters develop their painting skills on plate finish papers using watercolor washes. After a few maddening hours, if the student is willing, they began to see some intriguing results.
I would encourage any watercolor painter to work with hot press and plate finish papers and boards for the effect that can be achieved. Yes, it is different. I’m going to share a few examples of watercolor on hot press boards. I keep a decent supply of the paper in my studio for those times when I want to get a different feel to a subject. Often the color is brighter and more vibrant. The reason is that the color dries mainly on the surface and has less tendency to sink into the sheet. One word of caution. Since the paint is on the surface it can easily be disturbed and create mud. Melting Off , 16″ x 7″ (40.64 x 17.78 cm ) Watercolor on High Surface/ Plate Finish paper board. From the Collection of Sonat, Inc.
The palette was simple combination of vermilion, thalo blue with some gamboge and a dose of black India ink in the foreground, with much of the tree line poured onto the dampened surface and allowed to blend and puddle.
Compare that with the following effect on a traditional sheet of watercolor paper with a coldpress surface.
March, 18.5″ x 32.5″ (48 x 38 cm) Watercolor on 140lb. D’Arches paper. Private Collection
While the palettes are similar the dark passages are softer, the blending is more subtle, creating a quieter image. The basic message is that the paper surface can contribute to making a big difference in the presentation and the feeling in a work.
The Quarry, 10.5″ x 21.25″ (27 x 54 cm) Strathmore hot press rag illustration board. Artist Collection
The mood and the palette are different. But note the sharp edges in defining the rocks on the edge of the waterline. If you look carefully you can see hints of Gamboge in the upper edges of the treeline and in the limestone rock of the quarry’s edge. The colors in this work are Thalo Blue, Gamboge and Winsor red blended in with blue to create the darker passages.
Want to know more about watercolor glazing techniques?
Mastering Glazing Techniques in Watercolor, Vol I by Dr. Don Rankin: BUY DIRECT at http://www.createspace.com/3657628
ON LINE WATERCOLOR COURSES: Join Don and learn more about watercolor glazing techniques at your own pace in your own home. Level I covers the basic techniques for developing wonderful glazing effects. The course is designed using simple exercises to acquaint you with the underlying principles of watercolor glazing. It also directs you in the better choices of color selection and the proper sequence of application. You can stop the video, do an exercise, master it and continue or review as you wish.
https://www.Udemy.com/mastering-glazing-techniques-in-watercolor/
Level II is a full (real time) demo in the artist’s studio. The only editing is the omission of the drying time between some of the washes. See the progression from beginning to end.
https://www.Udemy.com/mastering-glazing-techniques-in-watercolor-level-II/
2017 recipient of Marquis Who’s Who Lifetime Achiever Award in Art and Education
Are your paints fresh?
From time to time I get questions about the strength of color in my paintings. Some want to know how I get such powerful luminous washes in watercolor. While the glazing technique plays a large role in the creation; there is another component. This is something that perhaps I have neglected to mention.
Old Hackberry Lane approx 8″ x 6″ watercolor*
FRESH PAINT: In order to fully explain I must digress to 1983. I was writing one of my first books on watercolor. Since I was writing I felt that I should get some technical data from the manufacturers that made what I considered to be the best watercolor paints. While there are a number of excellent paints these days; in 1980 there were two very popular brands in the USA. I made contact. Winsor & Newton was very open to discussing their paints with me. Wendell Upchurch was my contact. When we first began to talk, I asked him what was his job. His reply shocked me. He stated that his primary job was traveling around the country correcting all of the erroneous information that was found in so many of the watercolor books that were being written! He was delighted to spend time with me explaining the processes and the actual facts concerning producing and using quality watercolor paints. Needless to say we spent many hours discussing watercolor paints.
Two Choices: Most watercolor painters in America tend to use watercolor that comes in a tube. Many painters in the UK and parts of Europe prefer to use tub colors. What is the difference ? Aside from the consistency the most important aspect is the degree of binder and preservative found in the paints. The colors that are packaged in tubs are a bit more tacky and they allow for constant re-wetting in daily use. Tube colors have less preservative and binder and it is suggested that one should only put out as much color as will be used in a day’s session. Many are accustomed to putting the tube colors on the palette and wetting and re-wetting the color until it is used up. Then more color is applied to the palette and the cycle resumes. In my early years I followed this pattern myself.
Everybody Does it or Do They? Be honest, most people follow this pattern. However, a lot of painters have found a better way. You can test this yourself. Put out a little fresh paint, dampen your brush and apply a wash to a piece of paper. Rise out your brush and moisten a portion of the same color that has dried on your palette. Look at the results. Surprised?
Old Hackberry Lane is a memory painting. Years ago it was one of the routes that would bring you to the eastern edge of Shades Mountain. The narrow two lane chert road made several switchbacks up the side of the mountain. At times you would feel hemmed in as the orchard tree branches would scrape across the fender or roof of your car. Luckily, I never encountered an oncoming car. There were no street lights and often in the fall and winter as the night began to fall the bare branches would be cloaked in the gathering gloom of mist and the settling of smoke from the numerous fireplaces. Painting luminous darks can often be a challenge. I prefer to create the dark using a wet into wet technique, layering fresh dark colors over a vibrant under painting. The fresh color is more powerful and luminous. Simple to apply yet profound in effect. If you are new to this the power of the color can be scary. However, it is a good idea to practice and see what it can do. *Original on view at Andrew Wyeth Gallery, Chadds Ford, PA
Want to know more about watercolor glazing techniques ? Mastering Glazing Techniques in Watercolor, Volume I by Dr. Don Rankin is available.
Just go to http://createspace.com/3657628
Watercolor Classes online: Mastering Glazing Techniques in Watercolor with Dr. Don Rankin. Lifetime access of beginning principles at http://www.Udemy.com/mastering-glazing-techniques-in-watercolor/
LEVEL II: an in studio demonstration of the watercolor glazing technique. Preview at: https://www.Udemy.com/mastering-glazing-techniques-in-watercolor-level-II/
Let’s Celebrate Light and Life !
Let’s face it; without light things would be pretty dismal. In fact without light there would be no life. In my painting career I have celebrated light in all of its incredible manifestations. Light and life go hand in hand. Toward that end I want to share a recent painting, actually this is a watercolor study. This study will be used to develop a larger egg tempera painting. This study has a story; so here goes.
Callie in sunlight 8.5″ x 6″ watercolor on paper
Animals have always played a large role in our household. Almost all of our furry children are rescues of one sort or another. The first cat came into our household when my daughter was around 8 years old. That has been more years than I wish to think about. So a little over 16 years ago my daughter, Carol, came to visit from one of her business trips carrying a furry ball in her arms. She had already been named Callie since it was obvious that she was a Calico. Callie had been rescued from starvation in a town where my daughter had been sent to do some field work.
Callie needed a home and like others before her, we welcomed her into our home. As everyone knows cats are not like dogs and pretty soon Callie became pretty much the dominant pet in our home. There was one exception, our Golden Retriever mix didn’t like cats. There was always barking and snarling and threats but no bloodshed. Detente reigned. In fact it was quite comical.
A little over a year ago Callie became quite ill and we went to the vet. They did a number of things for a cat that had been lethargic and with little appetite. Callie pulled through. Her personality changed. Our fairly quiet cat had become vocal and demanding, always seeking food. She started slipping out onto the deck in our fenced in backyard. She would sit for hours on the deck gazing and dozing in the fresh air. She would even brazenly strut close to Marley, our retriever, as if to say, “What are you going to do about it?” Talk about chutzpah, she displayed it in her final days. About two months ago Callie died and now rests under a stump in one of her favorite haunts in our backyard.
At this point in our life she will be the last cat to grace our home. This watercolor was inspired by one of those moments when she sat in the sunlight in our den gazing out onto the deck she loved. The light seemed to illuminate her as she melded into the light. Little did I know that she was nearing the end of her days.