Contemporary Botanical Watercolours by Artist Sheri Trepina

Are you one that works well under pressure? I didn't used to think I was, but now I do!  As I look back over my working life; a business professional in the environmental industry, to now a full time artist, the skill developed over time.

Life isn't any less demanding as a full time artist, I still have a family, friendships to nurture and chores here in Kalispell and at our 100+ year old family ranch in WA.  It seems there is more to do now than when I worked in a corporate world. Definitely no complaints.

The wonderful difference, now I get to choose all the events that fill up my calendar. Mostly, these are things I'm passionate about, and that is a blessing for sure. 

This summer I am preparing for two big shows in the fall (more to come on those), I am attending an artist residency in Sedona AZ, so thrilled about this opportunity and excited to share my experiences and the inspiration that comes from my time with other artists in a gorgeous part of our country. Summer is the time when we do projects at the ranch...if you follow me on Facebook I post lots of before and after photos. Also this year, my husband has been preparing for the National GTO convention in Seattle. He wants me to go....I love him, so I will go and meet new car folks!  And lastly, I've made the commitment to complete a certificate program; Montana Artrepreneur Program, An Artist MAP to Business Success.  

Have I bitten of too much?....well I'll just have to find out. Working under the pressure of a deadline or multiple commitments can weed out the unimportant real fast and centers me into a calm focus ......and you know, it usually all works out, maybe differently that I had planned but at the end of the day I know for sure that this life as an artist is a very good life!

New ways to see me and my art

I am honored to have been selected for the newly launched Artsy Shark Gallery.  This is a boutique online Gallery by Founder Carolyn Edlund and Gallery Manager Loren Garfolo. They have done an amazing job building the website and presenting this select group of artists. You can view the art works in situ  (click on the wall preview button) and shipping is free within the US.  YEA!

Visit the Gallery

Some of the new work from the 

Cashmere Studio

This piece with its soft palette is in the collage stage; I'm deciding which leaves to glue where....I'll do some shadowing and it will be ready to present. I'm open to suggestions for a name.

"Burdock Glory" 24" x 15"

I picked the large background leaves (Burdock) from the Cashmere orchard and the reeds are from the garden of artist friend Shelle Lindholm.  I also used some of Daniel Smiths gorgeous metallic watercolours as highlights.

If you're in or near my hometown of Cashmere WA you can see my work at Kashmir Gardens.  Sherrie Kill has a beautiful floral design business, and my enlarged giclee's present so well there.  

You can also see some of my originals at Two Rivers Art Gallery in Wenatchee.

I'm at my Cashmere studio on and off throughout the year, please give a call and stop by....would love to show you the studio....I make a good cup of coffee too.  Contact me 

Thank you folks for staying connected with me and my art work....I appreciate it!

Until next time,

Contemporary Botanical Art by Artist Sheri Trepina

I have been busy creating new art pieces. Experimenting with new mediums and techniques for watercolour. Also, considering the use of fabric as a collage element.....I have a  generous stash of colour coordinated fabrics in delicious hues and patterns, just calling to me....... 

Studio work in progress:  Watercolours on Arches 140 Lb, maybe some collage to be added...

Studio Work in progress: Watercolour & Acrylic on Canvas.  

Need to define the flowers, change the vase shape......I'll think of more as I continue with it.

From New Years to early Spring, I make every effort to stay "hold up" in my Kalispell studio.  Its a time to test new ideas, be productive & get my blogs back on schedule...I have more than one blog now.  Its also a time for me to take a class or two. I'm currently learning how to build repeat patterns using my own art, and a social media workshop...."When you know better, you do better" Maya Angelou. 

Definitely a favorite time of the year for me.  If you're in the area, please give a call...I make a great scone and cup of coffee. 

I've put together a short video thanking everyone for making 2015 an amazing year. I'm truly grateful!

        Click here to view the Video!

Want to know more about my process with leaves.....click HERE

Glacier Sun Winery and Tasting Room, Kalispell MT

If you're not out enjoying all that winter has to offer here in Montana, stop by the Glacier Sun Winery in Kalispell MT. I have several canvas giclee's showing in the wine tasting room, located in the Apple Barrel Country Market. 

I collected grape leaves from our family farm and used them to make initial marks on watercolour paper.  I also embellished with rice paper and some gold leaf.

The Winery offers a great location not only to enjoy great wine, but art as well.  Enjoy!

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There is Work to Be Done!

My Freezer is Full of Leaves.....

This is the time of the year where I get busy using leaves that I collected this past summer and fall. It's and exciting time creating new art pieces.  The results are always different when using a frozen leaf vs a fresh one.  I discovered years ago that if I was going to use leaves for "Mark Making" in Montana, I had better figure out a way to preserve them for use in the winter. My husband knows we have little meat in our freezer, and yet he still loves me....

 Fresh leaves collected around my Cashmere,WA studio. I will freeze some and of course, and I have to try some mark making with a few fresh samples.

A gathering of leaves, grasses and moss from the Tally Lake, MT area, ready to be frozen or dried.

The Freezer is full for the season and that means I need to get to work....
Get my Art on!

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Getting Ready to Celebrate

Getting ready to join family to celebrate the Christmas Holiday. I'm so looking forward to cooking together, catching up and remembering times past with laughter and gratitude.  Blessings to all of you, your friends and family.

Visit my new web site

Poinsettia Watercolour Collage / Gold leaf embellished

12" x 12"
Purchase Giclee here

Mark Making with Leaves

I have found that using leaves to make initial marks on paper or canvas  can be a magical process.  Over the years I have experimented with image making by using acrylic, watercolours and ink painted on to all kinds of leaves and then pressed to a surface. Sometimes the results are dynamic and detailed or the impression left can be lackluster requiring work on my part to be visually interesting.

I scrounge for leaves in the winter, and have wonderful friends who bring me bags of leaves from their gardens during the growing season.  I have found that freezing leaves allows me more play in the snowy winter months.  My husband says we have no meat in our freezer as it is full of leaves....and he loves me still :)

I have experimented with applying pressure to get the paint to release and merge on the paper; rolling with a brayer, applying a paper-towel over the leaf and pressing gently with my fingers to fully weighting down the leaves overnight.   

The pictures below show an application of watercolour to leaves that I picked from our family farm in WA recently.  In this project, I applied a solid surface weight (acrylic sheet over the leaf and then plywood on top) overnight to let the paint seep into the paper and do its magic.......

Grape Leaves 

Watercolour wash applied to the vein side of the leaf

Grape leaf imprinted onto 
Arches 140 Lb. paper

Grape leaf imprinted onto 
Arches  140 Lb.  paper

Sometimes I cut the individual leaves out and use them in collage, other times I work the background to complete the piece.