30 IN 30 CHALLENGE: DAY 3

DAY 3: WATERCOLOR STUDY
SIZE:  10” x 6-1/2”
$150.00 plus shipping and handling.
If you are interested in purchasing this study, please email me [email protected]

This 90-minute watercolor study is of a creek near our cabin. I took several photos of this area last month taking in all the subtle color variations, values, and aerial perspective of a summer afternoon in Wisconsin. 

Photo reference

Back in my Indiana studio I gathered my images and memories of the day and began to work. I decided to start with a somewhat limited palette (see colors used below.) My goal was to simplified shapes and eliminated a lot of detail and noise. Allowing only the most important images to tell a story of a tranquil, sunny summer day in the Great Northwoods.

Whether you are creating a watercolor sketch/study or a finished painting you need to follow these three steps for a successful watercolor painting experience. I discuss this in all my watercolor classes, workshops and even my online art school, toweringwindsacademyoffinearts.teachable.com

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Step #1: The Block-In

Step #1: The Block-In
Painting large to small areas.
Painting background to foreground. Repeating this through every phase of the painting until the background is finished.
Painting values light to dark. Putting down values to represent something for the lights and something for the darks.
Painting colors intense at the beginning to less intense as you move through the painting. This first step is quick and all-encompassing and will take the least amount of time to paint.

Step #2

• Working in smaller masses, your painting process slows down. Follow the block in the method previously stated.
  

• This step takes twice as long as the block-in.
• Remember background to foreground in a painting is a repetitive process till finished.
• You begin working your darks darker. This will allow your lights to start to appear lighter.
• What to anticipate when watercolor is drying comes with experience.
• Note: Darks dry much lighter.

Step #3: Final Details

• Slow your process down to a crawl. This last step takes three times (or longer)    than block-in.
• Every three to five brush strokes step back and take a look at what you have done and what you need to do.
• Never paint a painting from start to finish with your nose on the paper.
• Always step back.
• Squint down for the values.
• Open your eyes to the color.
• Take your time, this is not a race.

Throughout the process above remember to: 
    - Change your color or temperature every three to five brushstrokes

Finished Painting, Final Thoughts
I did use at the end of the watercolor painting a little white gouache mixed with raw sienna for the waterlilies. Now when I create a finished painting of this summer stream, I may not use gouache for the water lilies. Remember a study/sketch is just that. A place where you put down your thoughts and ideas. So personally, I have no problem with the use of gouache. In fact, just recently I was able to experience the John Singer Sargent Show at the Art Institute in Chicago. I was able to study his incredible watercolors up-close. He too used gouache, sparingly and with thought, to highlight specific areas. Remember if you are entering a juried show read the rules carefully. Some shows will disqualify your painting if the painting is not 100% transparent even if you use gouache for only your signature. 

Limited palette, 5-colors:

• ultramarine blue
• cobalt blue
• olive green
• burnt sienna
• raw sienna

Paper: 300 pound Arches Cold Press

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