Figures sketching watercolor course

 Our marathon on sketching figures in watercolor just started! You still can join it this week. Watch a free demo on my Instagram Sterkhovart IGTV

Konstantin Sterkhov. Sketching of Igor and Ekaterina Sava in Bangkok

Konstantin Sterkhov. Sketching without pencil drawing

Here you can register for Sketching Marathon Those are the subjects of my lessons:

Konstantin Sterkhov. Conversation

Konstantin Sterkhov. Sketching themes

Konstantin Sterkhov. Sketching without a pencil drawing

We can paint those subjects together here:

Figure Sketching

Cyclist in Helsinki (teaser)

Watercolor workshop in Italy

Hi guys! There are still a couple of sits for my workshop in Italy in beautiful Fabriano!
The topics are extremely spectacular - CATS, ROSES and PORTRAITS.
3 days of getting to know ALL effective aproaches in painting these themes.
Contact Anna Massinissa info@inartefabriano.it

 K.Sterkhov. Duo. 35x53 cm, 2017

K. Sterkhov. After breakfast. 35x53 cm. 2017

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

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

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 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

Workshop in MISA, USA

Welcome to my workshop in USA! 

It is taking place in MISA - Madeline Island School of Art 18-22, June 2017. 

https://secure.madelineartschool.com/Classes_detail.cfm?Product_CatalogID=467&ProductNumber=SPKS061917&ProductCode=47&NewProduct=0

During this five day workshop, you will learn how to use the Alla Prima approach to create expressive works in watercolor.  I will share my knowledge of this classic approach while utilizing contemporary techniques including wet-on-wet, dry brush, glazing, splashing, masking, and many others. You 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. You 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.

You can choose to bring two or three of your 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_detail.cfm?recordno=2&Product_CatalogID=467&ProductNumber=SPKS061917&ProductCode=47&NewProduct=0

My New Video On Demand "Cool Summer"

Dear reader,
you can examine all stages of my new landscape study "Cool Summer".

https://vimeo.com/ondemand/sterkhovart1/179190976

I have shot 3 videos based on my impressions from the distant island in Finland called Tammio. This is the first one. I will show how to make an illusion of distance, how to mix complicated and balanced greens and how to use various textures with your tools.

Konstantin Sterkhov. Cool Summer. Tammio Island. 26x36 cm (15"x22") 2016

Preview of my new video available on Vimeo now.
First 18 downloads of full version (31 minutes) will get 30 % off with promo code "18colors". See the preview, For the full video go to Vimeo on demand.

I am sure you will learn new tricks and approaches! Enjoy!)

Workshop with Sterkhov In Helsinki

Painting aquarelles of THE BEAUTIFUL HELSINKI with Konstantin Sterkhov April, 21st and 25th

 K. Sterkhov. Helsinki.

 K. Sterkhov. Helsinki.

K. Sterkhov. Helsinki.

Konstantin will have a demo in aquarel painting in Galleri AKVART, Humalistonkau 1, Helsinki, Finland on Thurday the 21st April, 2016 at 5.30 p.m. ( about 2 hours) Please sign for the course by e-mail to hanna.jarvi@kolumbus.fi, because of limited participating. Konstantin Sterkhov pitää demon AKVART Galleriassa, Humalistonkatu 1, Helsinki torstaina 21. huhtikuuta klo 17.30. Ilmoittautuminen hanna.jarvi@kolumbus.fi. Osallistujamäärä rajoitettu.
You can also join the Master Class on Monday 25th April starting at 10 a.m. at Galleri AKVART. We finish at abt 3 p.m. A coffebreak abt noon. The fee is 25 e. Please sign for the class by e-mail to hanna.jarvi@kolumbus.fi. The painting theme is THE BEAUTIFUL HELSINKI. Teemana KAUNIS HELSINKI, Konstantin pitää galleria AKVARTISSA laajemman maalauskurssin maanantaina 25. huhtikuuta klo 10 - 15, (kahvitauko). Kurssimaksu 25 e, maksetaan paikan päällä. Ota maalaustarvikkeet mukaan. Ilmoittautuminen hanna.jarvi@kolumbus.fi.

You can buy Daniel Smith watercolors and Roubloff brushes on both events at galleri AKVART.
Daniel Smith akvarellivärejä ja siveltimiä voit ostaa AKVART galleriasta molemmilla kursseilla.

Step-By-Step. Coincidental IV. Shades of Blue.

My series Coincidental emerged after my annual trip to The Medieval Fest in Turku, Finland. Some years ago I was sitting in a summer cafe at the river Aura bank. I was sitting with my Capuccino watching the other side of the river and people sitting in a summer cafe. People seamed to be fully into short Finnish summer enjoyment. I picked a figure of a lady sitting along comletely self content in her bright red clothes. I purposely put her in the middle with almost empty forground and cut figures in the background. This made on my opinion the composition more coinsidental as it is the idea of the series. I used mainly shades of blue and indigo for all cool shades of the painting. It gave me an idea to call the painting "Shades Of Blue" that also corresponds with the absent expression of the lady in red.

I used the paper Saunders Waterford, 425 g rough by St.Cuthberts Mill (UK), paints Daniel Smith - my signature palette and my signature brushes Roubloff.... Enjoy!

K. Sterkhov. Coincidental IV. Shades Of Blue. 54x59 cm

Step 1. After applying masking fluid at the high lights I am wetting the sheet from both sides and painting mid tones on wet. Then I am letting it dry and removing the masking.

Step 2. I am choosing a focal point in my painting and starting defining details in full strength of color and tone.

Step 3. I am moving from a focal point to a side working continously without gaps. If my eye goes from the main figure to the far left corner I am going with my defining brush the same way.

Step 4. I am coming back to the main figure.

Step 5. I am strengthen the tone of the foreground.

Step 6. I am defining some constractional details and assessories.

Hope For Tomorrow - Demo Step By Step

Hello guys, havn`t been here for ages! Here I am sharing my latest painting step-by-step. I was attracted by magic light effect that picked a young girl from the darkness of a room. The paper was Saunders Waterford, 425 rough hight white, paints by Daniel Smith as followers:
Raw Sienna, 
Quinacridone Gold,
Pyrrol Scarlet,
Pyrrol Orange,
Yellow Ochre,
Sedona Genuine,
Burnt Umber,
Tiger`s Eye Gen.,
French Ultramarine,
Verditer Blue,
Rose Of Ultramarine,
Moonglow

 1. Masking Fluid and light underpainting.

2. Adding darker ton to have full range of tonal values.

 3. Removing masking fluid after drying. Working on focus area.

4. Defining darker darks and details.

There is another step-by-step demo posted on the site of Daniel Smith: http://www.danielsmith.com/content--id-818

Stipes Of Light - step-by-step

K. Sterkhov. Stripes Of Light. 42x55cm. 2014

Red by Wan Wei, III place IWS contest

The painting by a Chinese artist Wan Wei has won the III prize of the International Watercolor Society Contest. The young master has provided some of the close-ups to give us a hint how he painted that incredible work.

 Wan Wei. RED.