I am beyond excited to try out this beautiful set of watercolors from Michael Harding.  This set of colors was sent to me as a gift by Mr. Harding and I am extremely thankful.  I first met Michael while I was a graduate student at the Florence Academy; he gave a fascinating lecture and demonstration and I was enthralled.  At that time, I had heard that he was developing a set of watercolors which I was champing at the bit to try.
  Recently, I wrote to Michael to let him know what I'm up to and that I was going to try out his watercolors ASAP.  Out of his own generosity, he asked me what 10 colors I would like to try and then sent them to me.  I decided to go with my standard color palette, but Michael Harding has an amazing range of colors that you can see here: https://www.michaelharding.co.uk/watercolours
  This is not a paid review or any special promotion, but I am sharing this as a painter who cares about pigment quality.  I've been using Michael's oil paints for years and I can't wait to try his watercolors.  Pigment quality is especially important for watercolor and I'll share a review once I use these gorgeous colors.  Artists like Michael are invaluable and I'm honored to use his paints.

  I couldn't resist and did some color tests.  I used to share photos of color swatches, but the photos never do justice to the genuine color so I'll just encourage you to try them for yourselves.
   I can tell you that the colors are potent, luminous and lay down beautifully.  The colors also lift nicely which is something I do while painting.  (lifting means rewetting a color and then "lifting" it off the paper with a brush or towel).  Good quality color is important for all painting, but it makes a huge difference in watercolor.
  I can't wait to really take these colors through their paces when I get to some gardens or for some portraits!  I definitely recommend these high-quality watercolors.

 For anyone interested, my set choice of colors is: W401 Cadmium Yellow Lemon - W119 Yellow Ochre - W407 Cadmium Red - W501 Rose Madder - W125 Burnt Sienna - W126 Burnt Umber - W201 Ultramarine Blue - W411 Cobalt Blue - W307 Viridian - W129 Ivory Black

  I know that we still have more winter months ahead but, I am excited to be planning my spring and summer schedule!
  I just booked a flight because I'm heading back to Europe in May for my plein air workshop in the south of France.  This week-long painting workshop includes beautiful excursions while staying at the 4 ☆ Garrigae Distillerie Hotel in Pézenas.  There are still some spots open if you'd like to join us! :)
  Beyond this workshop, I am also planning a few other workshops and classes which will be local to NJ or in the US.  I'm looking to offer workshops that will specifically coincide with my TV series, Eric En Plein Air.  If you'd like to learn more about these EEPA workshops, please visit: https://www.ericenpleinair.com/workshops
  Speaking of that, we have started location scouting for Season 2 of Eric En Plein Air.  Season 1 will be airing in a few months nationwide and on the PBS app, but producing a TV series requires that everything be filmed in advanced.  We also just opened a SHOP PAGE on our website which will offer products to help support our program.  Check it out when you have a moment!
  And to add to the plein air fun, I will be attending a few plein air events during the summer.  I don't have a full list of the events yet, but I will share that ASAP.  I'm just so excited about all the upcoming opportunities and I can't wait to connect with more artists!
  That about does it for now!  More things will be coming up soon so make sure to check for updates on my blog here and also on our EEPA BLOG PAGE.

  Thank you to everyone who signed up for our upcoming painting tour in the south of France!  I'm very excited to be returning to France for this full week of painting and fun excursions.  See you there!
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https://www.paintawaytours.com/event/oil-in-plein-air-w-eric-santoli-30/register

  As a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, I receive a copy of The Pennsylvania Gazette delivered every few months.  I was flipping through this latest issue and enjoying an article titled, Who Will Own Your Digital Twin?  A very interesting article about the changing legal landscape in an age of AI generated content.
  I decided to take a peek at the Alumni notes and WOW!  There I am!  With a write-up about my current TV series: Eric En Plein Air!  I didn't know this would be covered in the alumni notes so seeing it was a delightful surprise.  Thank you to my alma mater for sharing this update!