Page 54 - The Decorative Painter Fall 2014

Indian corn (Zea mays indurata) is an American cereal grass also known as maize or flint corn (because of its long-lasting, hard-shelled kernels). The first settlers of the
New World were introduced to multicolored corn by Na- tive Americans. It was a staple in the Indian diet and saved the lives of many starving colonists. The first Thanksgiving was celebrated in appreciation of the kindness of the Na- tive Americans. They had helped the colonists survive the harsh conditions of the wilderness by showing them how to plant and harvest corn.
A bundle of Indian corn is a wonderful subject for an autumn painting. The corn is easy to find, inexpensive, and can be used to decorate almost anything. It adds a splash of rich, earthy autumn colors to any home. A pretty fabric rib- bon tied around the bundle can make it an irresistible paint- ing opportunity. Keep in mind that less is sometimes better when painting in watercolors. Don’t overwork or overthink the techniques, and don’t worry about making your painting look exactly like the original. Take your time, have fun, and enjoy the journey of painting an Indian Harvest.
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WATERCOLOR
Painter’s Checklist
SuRFACE
Quarter sheet (11" x 15", or 28 x 38cm) of Arches Cold Press 140-pound watercolor paper and 12" x 16" (30.5 x 40.6cm) mat of choice
PALETTE
GRUMBACHER FINEST ARTISTS’ WATERCOLORS
Alizarin Crimson Burnt Sienna
Burnt Umber Gamboge Quinacridone Rose Sap Green Ultramarine Blue Yellow Ochre
BRuSHES
LOEW-CORNELL
LA CORNEILLE GOLDEN TAKLON
Series 7020 nos. 8, 10 & 12 Ultra rounds Series 7050 no. 1 script liner
Series 7550 3⁄4" wash
SuPPLIES
Basic painting supplies (page 159) 4H pencil
Cotton towels (2)
Light box or window
Sharpie Ultra Fine Point Permanent Marker (black) Waterproof board
SOuRCES
■ Arches watercolor paper and Grumbach- er Finest Artists’ Watercolors are available at Dick Blick (www.dickblick.com), Cheap Joe’s (www.cheapjoes.com), or Jerry’s Artarama (www.jerrysartarama.com).
■ Loew-Cornell brushes are available at Cupboard Distributing, 1463 South US Hwy 68, Urbana, OH 43078; (937) 652-3338; info@cdwood.com; www.cdwood.com,
or at Hofcraft: The Painter’s Source, 1-800-828-0359; www.hofcraft.com.
52 The Decorative Painter • ISSUE NO. 3, 2014