Elusive Hologram Moth

"Hologram Moth" 11x12 watercolor and copper by Bridget Bossart van Otterloo

Hologram Moth, Step by Step

I've been hiding out in my studio lately, avoiding most of the holiday craziness. Here's one of the many projects I've been working on. I thought you'd enjoy reading and seeing a little about my process. 

"Hologram Moth" (Aka Green-patched Looper Moth) Diachrysia balluca 

My painting of this Hologram Moth was created for a traveling educational exhibit with the Guild of Natural Science Illustrators, Finger Lakes Chapter, in Ithaca NY. The title and theme of this exhibit is "Elusives, the Natural World we Seldom See." It will be an educational collaboration with the Rochester Museum & Science Center/Cumming Nature Center. On exhibit there late January through April, 2018, then traveling to other venues. 

This painting was created with many thin layers of watercolor paint, building up to the final detail. I added the copper leaf to illustrate the iridescence on this moth's wings. The Hologram Moth's coloring makes it elusive to predators in the woods. This mostly green-brown moth has a wingspan of 4.3-4.8 cm. The fore-wings have large patches of dull, metallic green over much of the outer two-thirds. I used some of the remaining leaves from my raspberry bushes as a reference for the background. Raspberry and hops are a few of her favorite foods. 
Keep an eye out for this beautiful moth the next time you're out hiking in our region. 

My Process:

 Beginning drawing, and first layers of watercolor

Step 1: I started with a pencil drawing of the moth, then began adding some light layers of watercolor. In this style of watercolor painting I always start with the lightest colors in the painting, as it is impossible to go lighter again once the paint has dried.

Adding the copper leaf.

Step 2: Adding some copper leaf to illustrate the iridescence on the moth's wings. The above photo shows the brand of gilding supplies I prefer- Golden Leaf products.

Starting the background of raspberry leaves.

Step 3: I cut the remaining raspberry leaves from my garden to use as a reference for the background. Raspberries are one of the Hologram Moth's favorite foods. The leaves have been changing color in their jar of water since I cut them, having their own little Autumn again.

Step 4 to Finish: I'm happy with the results, shown in the photo of the final painting below. My moth is camouflaged in her oasis of raspberry leaves, with just her copper patches to give her away.

Here is a short video showing the final stages of my painting process:

I'm offering high quality archival digital prints of this painting over in my Etsy shop. Follow this link to order: www.etsy.com/listing/580592259/hologram-moth-print

"Hologram Moth", 11x12 image with a 2 inch white border. 

$60. Plus tax and shipping
This is a Limited Edition Archival High Quality Digital Print on Watercolor Paper with hand applied Copper Leaf. Signed by the Artist

Final "Hologram Moth" 11x12 watercolor. Prints Available

I hope this post brought you some peace and distraction from any holiday stress. Thank you for your interest in my artwork. 

My best, 

Bridget

Connect with me:
website: bridgetbossartvanotterloo.com
facebook: Bridget-Bossart-van-Otterloo-Painter
instagram: instagram.com/bbvo_studio/

New Paintings, New Gallery, New Events!

Evening Irises 15x15 oil by Bridget Bossart van Otterloo

I'm excited to announce a new partnership with Quintus Gallery in Watkins Glen, NY. Quintus Art Gallery is a beautiful, contemporary exhibit space on the shore of Seneca Lake.

One of my newest paintings, Evening Irises (shown above) is now hanging in the Quintus Gallery. Kathleen Quinn, gallery curator, will pair my painting with a wine from Dr. Frank's during a special Workshop and Art Pairing on November 4th. Kathleen will talk about the design concepts in my work during the reception following the workshop. Check out more information in the link below.

For me, "Evening Irises" expresses the stormy twilight of this year. There have been many ups and downs, and there's beauty in all of it. Visually, Evening Irises is a new concept for me - my first botanical painting incorporating a sky in the background. There is a story behind the painting. I know my story, maybe you see a little of your story in the painting as well?

May Day Lilacs, 15x15 oil by Bridget Bossart van Otterloo

I think of May Day Lilacs as Evening Irises's companion piece. She is the contrasting cheerful sunny day to his stormy twilight. See more paintings and view the gallery of latest work on my website: www.bridgetbossartvanotterloo.com 

I always love to hear your interpretations and your favorites, so please feel free to comment and write back.

Upcoming Events:

Quintus Gallery on Seneca Lake, Watkins Glen, NY.

Party with a purpose! 2nd Annual Wearable Art Gala 
Thursday, September 28, 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Quintus Gallery is partnering with the Community Foundation of Elmira-Corning and the Finger Lakes for the Second Annual Wearable Art Gala.
All proceeds will benefit the Schuyler County Fund. For more information follow this link: Quintus Gallery Wearable Art Gala

Quintus Gallery

Catawba Grapes, 6x15 oil by Bridget Bossart van Otterloo

My painting, Catawba Grapes, will be in the silent auction along with some other fantastic artwork. These grapes were picked in a family vineyard on the east side of Seneca Lake. One of my favorite things to do here in the Finger Lakes is to pick my own fresh fruits at local vineyards and farms. 

Workshop and Art Pairing at Quintus Gallery

Autumn Bouquet watercolor demo

Botanical Drawing and Watercolor Workshop with Bridget Bossart van Otterloo, followed by a Art Pairing at Quintus Gallery on Seneca Lake.

"Quintus Gallery believes learning to draw and paint requires observing from real life with a mindful focus. Art is more than copying a painting, it is an artist's direct and spontaneous expression when it is interpreted from real life. Meet Bridget Bossart van Otterloo, an accomplished painter who knows that it’s important to draw and paint from real life and while doing so, to be mindfully present. Experience the thrill of drawing (and painting) from an actual live arrangement of autumn fruits and flowers. Bridget will demonstrate and guide you through her signature techniques of Botanical drawing, along with providing individualized instruction. Learn the classical botanical style of applying thin transparent layers of watercolor, color mixing and dry brush techniques.

At the end of class, we celebrate with an Art Pairing reception. Enjoy a glass of Dr. Frank’s fine wine as gallery curator pairs Bridget’s most recent oil painting, “Evening Irises” (shown above) with a specialty wine, appetizer, design concept and musical rhythm. Reception compliments of Quintus Gallery."

This class is a joy and for all levels, no experience necessary. Materials are included in the price of the class.

Place: Quintus Gallery • 65 Salt Point Rd. • Watkins Glen, NY

Time: Saturday • November 11 • 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Investment: $57- Includes all materials and ARTpair reception.

Register here: https://www.quintusgallery.com/painting-class


18th Gallery Gala at the Arnot Art Museum
Homecoming

Fresh Raspberries, 11x14 oil by Bridget Bossart van Otterloo

Fresh Raspberries and two other paintings of mine will be in the 18th Gallery Gala at the Arnot Museum in Elmira NY, on exhibit now through December 22, 2017. The Gala Auction Sale will be held on November 17, 2017. Tickets are $25 per person. Support your local Artists and a fantastic museum at this fun event. If you can't attend there will be an on-line bidding option this year. Find more information on their website: www.arnotartmuseum.org

I hope to see you this fall for one of these events!

My best,

Bridget

Moon Phases

Moon Phases, Mosaics Show at 171 Cedar Arts Center

If you've been following my work, you know that I've been in a moon phase lately. I've really been feeling the pull of the moon this year, are you too? All of my pieces from the Mosaics Moon Phases show at 171 Cedar Arts Center have found new homes! It's so satisfying to see my work go out into the world. For this show I chose to paint the moon phases of seven months-

Row One: November's Snow Moon

Pink Moon

Row Two: April's Pink Moon

Row Three: June's Strawberry Moon
Row Four: July's Honey Moon
Row Five: September's Harvest Moon
Row Six: October's Blood Moon 

Row Seven: February's Storm Moon 

Harvest Moon

I'm happy to send you larger images of any of the moon above. 50 images is too many to post. Here are two of my favorite full moons: (left) September's Harvest Moon, and February's Pink Moon (right)

If you missed this short and sweet show and still desire a moon, let me know. I'm opening up the chance to commission your own moon painting. Contact me at bbvanotterloo@gmail.com
Here's a very cool website to look up moon phases by day and find out your moon: http://www.moonpage.com/

I'm looking forward to this year's Solar Eclipse! What are your plans for viewing it?

Solar Eclipse, aluminum and copper leaf on birch panel. 

Share some lunar love with me and send me your photos of the moon. I may turn them into paintings.
Happy painting and moon viewing!

My best, 
Bridget

Follow me on Facebook (@BossartvanOtterloo) and Instagram (@bbvo_studio).

Sketching on the Farm, Summer 2017

I'm excited to announce a new collaboration with a local farm, Bluebird Trail Farm! I will be teaching a series of workshops on this beautiful farm this summer. These workshops are for all experience levels. All supplies are included in the cost and students will bring home a finished and frame-able work of art at the end of each workshop. I hope you can join me!

Sketching the view from the porch.

Landscape Watercolor Painting

July 11th, 2017 from 5:00pm – 8:00pm 

Enjoy an evening of sketching the beautiful rolling hills of Blue Bird Trail Farm. Bridget will introduce you to some basic watercolor techniques for landscape painting. All supplies are included in the cost of this workshop. All experience levels are welcome. Students will take home a finished frame-able work of art.

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Wild Flowers -  Botanical Drawing & Watercolor Painting

Autumn Bouquet

July 25th, 2017 from 5:00pm – 8:00pm

Learn the basics of drawing and painting plants in this botanical workshop for all experience levels. Bridget will show you how to draw and paint plants with accurate detail. We will collect a bouquet of wildflowers from the farm to draw and paint. All supplies are included in the cost of this workshop. Students will take home a finished frame-able work of art and their bouquet of flowers.

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Sketching chickens

Sketching Animals

August 1st, 2017 from 5:00pm – 8:00pm

Spend some time surrounded by goats, alpacas, ducks, bunnies and more! Bridget will show you some easy and quick sketching techniques for capturing animals in motion. We’ll use graphite, colored pencil, and watercolor. All supplies are included in the cost of this workshop and students will take home finished works of art.

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Sketching Garlic

Garden Party 

August 22nd, 2017 from 5:00pm – 8:00pm

Join us for a delightful evening in the garden. Pick your favorite veggie or fruit from the garden, draw and paint it, then we’ll prepare our subjects in a delicious dinner. Bridget will walk you through some easy drawing and watercolor techniques. All supplies are included in the cost of this workshop. Students will go home with a full belly and a frame-able work of art!










Each workshop is $40 per person.

Visit Bluebird Trail Farm's website for more information and to register:
http://www.bluebirdtrailfarm.org/sketching-on-the-farm/

My Story

Painting in my Corning, NY studio.

How did I come to be working here in the Finger Lakes Region?

 

I shared my story with the Finger Lakes Wine Country Magazine in their summer travel issue.
If you're local, the Finger Lakes Wine Country travel magazine is arriving in mailboxes and at information centers this week!

Here's my interview: 

www.fingerlakeswinecountry.com/relocate-to-innovate

Come for a visit, stay for a lifetime

Why relocate to Finger Lakes Wine Country?

Sure the region is well known for world-class wines and picture-perfect landscapes, but did you know we're also home to businesses and industries that lead advances in science and technology? Finger Lakes Wine Country is a great place to live, work, and conduct business.
Read the stories of people who tapped into the wealth of business opportunities the region offers.

Bridget Bossart van Otterloo

Artist
Corning, NY

Where were you born and raised?  
I was born and raised in Northern New Jersey.
What brought you to or kept you in this area? 
I came to Corning after college to work as a Studio Apprentice to a well-known artist in the area - the late Thomas Buechner.
Why did you choose to start your business here? 
My art business has evolved over time - I've build up clients, art appreciators, and students over the past 15 years here in the Finger Lakes area. It's an affordable and beautiful place for artists to live. I've always felt that the community here is very supportive of the arts.
What’s Finger Lakes Wine Country’s best kept secret? 
The fantastic parks, waterfalls and trails around the lakes; plus, stopping for a beer or wine after taking in nature.
If someone were to tell you they were thinking about moving here and starting a business, what would be your best advice as to why they should do it?  
It's a beautiful place to live and work. There are museums, great Main streets, gorgeous parks, and plenty to do without the crowdedness of a big city. The arts community here in Corning is very strong and growing fast.

 You can access the digital version here: http://www.mydigitalpublication.com/publication?i=401991

 

 

Arts in Bloom, Steuben County Arts Trail

Visit me in my Corning, NY studio this weekend!

I've been spring cleaning in my studio, getting ready for our 5th annual
Arts in Bloom, Steuben County Arts Trail!

You're invited to visit my studio this coming weekend,
Saturday, April 29 10:00 am - 7:00 pm, 
and Sunday, April 30, 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm

10 Jackson Circle, Corning NY

I'll have:

Studio sale prices!

• New work to preview 
• Mini oil paintings
• Discounted unframed watercolors
• Watercolor cards
• Hand-painted pottery
• Oil painting demo on Saturday
• Watercolor painting demo on Sunday 

There are 15 stops along this year's Arts Trail. For a map and more information visit: artsinbloom.net

Map of Arts Trail at: http://artsinbloom.net/

 

 

Hope to see you this weekend, 
Bridget

Painting Flowers from Life - Amaryllis

"Amaryllis" 36x24 watercolor by Bridget Bossart van Otterloo

I began this painting in back in February. Patiently waiting for the double blossoms to open, I watered and moved my amaryllis around following the sun. Knowing I wanted to paint this amaryllis life size, I picked out a large sheet of paper and planned out the composition with a very light pencil sketch. I started with the blossom on the left, the fist one to start opening. The intricate curling green sepals attracted my attention.

I began with the first Amaryllis bud.

As the blossoms unfurled, I continued to paint with a combination of flat layers of color and dry brush detail. This classical botanical style of painting begins with light layers of color, followed by more and more layers of detail and color. Each petal has at least 5 layers, or passes, of paint on it.

Work in progress- Amaryllis blossoms taking shape.

I prefer to paint plants from life because there is so much more information and energy in the living plant. A photograph is limited as to how much detail and light it can capture, although I do use photographs to finish a painting.

I always find it hard to get rid of my plants, even after they've passed their prime. I still have the dried amaryllis blossoms in my studio, and I've been thinking about painting their delicate veins.

Finished plant and finished painting.

Come paint with me in my home studio and try out this botanical watercolor painting technique. I have two workshop dates left this spring, April 8th and May 27th. We'll be working from plants, following the technique I talked about in this post. Email me at bbvanotterloo@gmail.com with any questions and to register.

• April 8, 2017 - Botanical Drawing and Watercolor
  Working with live plant specimens, students will learn to draw and paint plants with accurate detail. We will go over the basics of botanical drawing and watercolor painting techniques. I will be teaching the classical botanical style of working in thin transparent layers of watercolor.
   
• May 27, 2017 - Botanical Drawing and Watercolor – Spring Flowers
  Working with live plant specimens, students will learn to draw and paint plants with accurate detail. We will go over the basics of botanical drawing and watercolor painting techniques. I will be teaching the classical botanical style of working in thin transparent layers of watercolor.

Happy painting!
Bridget
www.bridgetbossartvanotterloo.com

Follow me on Facebook (@BossartvanOtterloo) and Instagram (@bbvo_studio).

Postcards from the Past

"Postcards from the Past" work in progress.

With everything that is happening in the world right now, it can seem overwhelming and all-important to pay attention to. I'm having trouble carrying on with my usual studio routine. I feel like there is so much outside my usual flower painting that needs my attention. Last week, after participating in the Women's March in Seneca Falls, NY, I started this Postcards from the Past project. Seneca Falls is considered the birthplace of the American women's rights movement.

We got to the march early and had a great spot for hearing the speakers in the Women's Rights National Historic Park, site of the first women’s rights convention in 1848. Two of the inspiring speakers—Diane Shenandoah, Oneida Nation Faith Keeper - Wolf Clan and Louise McDonald Herne, Bear Clan Mother—spoke on how the early Suffragettes in Western New York were inspired witnessing Hausenosaunee (Iroquois) gender equality. I don't remember learning this in history class, do you?

We stopped in the Women's Hall of Fame where I picked up these postcards: (Hear Our Voice postcards were picked up yesterday. I thought they made a nice picture together.)

Postcards past and present.

I brought them home to my studio where they've been sitting on my desk speaking to me. I'm not sure where this project is going, but I'm taking it step by step. It's a good place for me to me right now—exploring how to communicate ideas visually.

Here is what my little series looks like so far (still a work in progress):

All the portraits will be sepia toned with the Iroquois Confederacy Wampum belt symbols connecting them.

I'm connecting these portraits with the symbols of the five Seneca Tribes—the Iroquois Confederacy Wampum belt, sketched in my notebook above. The tree of peace is in the middle. The middle portrait is of a Seneca artist, Caroline Parker (Seneca) in 1849.

The past has a lot to teach us. Let's not forget her lessons. I'll be sure to post photos of the finished paintings. Here's something you can do this week: write a postcard to your senators and representatives about what matters most to you. You can print out postcards and find more action steps at www.womensmarch.com/100.

Find your voice by using it.

My best,
Bridget