Night At The Grand

"Night At The Grand"

5"x7" Original Watercolor and Pen on Paper

The third in my series of the Grand Hotel. 

This one was a lot of fun to paint. I haven't done very many night scenes before as I find them difficult to execute correctly in watercolor. I feel like I need to blend to get from where the light is hitting as it fades into darkness. It's hard to do over large areas, working quickly, trying to control the paint. But I digress. 

In the night sky I used a salt technique to give the impression of stars and to add a little texture to the painting. It's a tricky technique as you never quite know what it will do but in this instance I think it worked great. 

I also found it hard to take an accurate photo of this and so the color is a touch off. The sky is actually darker than it appears as is some of the foliage. 

I hope you enjoy it! 

Have A Great Weekend! 

Grand Fountain

"Grand Fountain"

7"x5" Original Watercolor and Pen on Paper

SOLD 

Another addition to my Grand Hotel series.

 This painting is based on photographs I took while eating my lunch one afternoon. 

In front of the Grand there is a park where you can play croquet or admire the flower gardens. There is also this gorgeous fountain with benches around it. A perfect place to relax and enjoy the view. 

Grand Hotel Welcome

"Grand Hotel Welcome"

5x7" Original Watercolor and Pen on Paper

I've been working on several projects lately, along with trying to settle into the new apartment. One of the main projects is a series on the Grand Hotel. 

The Grand is an impressive, welcoming icon on your voyage to Mackinac Island. You can catch a ferry in Mackinaw or in St. Ignace and 20 minutes later you'll be stepping  back in time on Mackinac Island. If you can't travel here, watch Somewhere In Time featuring Christopher Reeves. You'll get to see much of the Grand Hotel. The only thing that isn't accurate in the film is the vehicles. Normally, there are no cars on the Island, other than emergency vehicles. Mr. Reeves wanted them in the movie for some reason. On Mackinac, everyone gets around by walking, or riding a horse or bike. It's only 9 miles around and  the perimeter can easily be made on a bike in a few hours. 

One of my studio assistants. This is Sophie. She makes sure I keep my nose to the grindstone. 

Grand Sailing

"Grand Sailing"

8"x10" original watercolor and pen on paper

$120

Available by emailing me at sarahtuleart@yahoo.com 

Here in Northern Michigan, we depend heavily on tourism. In the winters we have skiers and snowmobiles and in the summer we have sailors and campers and all manner of other outdoor enthusiasts. 

Mackinac Island is a popular destination for tourists. "Trapped" in the past, there are no motor vehicles on the island. It's only 9 miles in circumference and everyone gets around by walking, by bicycle or by horse. It's one of my favorite places to visit. 

The Grand Hotel is "the" place to stay. There are of course other beautiful bed and breakfasts and hotels but the Grand is quite luxurious. The promenade along the front is renowned for its gorgeous views. The gardens are overflowing with flowers and fountains. Its absolutely fabulous.