Walking on the Burke-Gilman Trail yesterday, a young birch (?) tree caught my eye. I snapped a quick photo because stopping to sketch on a busy biking route is not particularly relaxing. Later in the Studio I sketched from the photo and painted. Too simple? Maybe. But definitely not too busy; and sometimes the fewer shapes in a composition, the better.
For this watercolor sketch, using a large flat brush I simply dropped in dilute cerulean blue for a sky, then painted around the tree shape with thick dark ultramarine blue, burnt sienna, sepia, cerulean blue, and the smallest touch of alizarin crimson. I did not mix the colors on the palette because that would have resulted in a monochromatic background. I let the colors mix on the paper so that there was some variation in the background. How to mix on the paper? It can be messy, but pick up the colors individually or in twos onto your brush from the palette wells, drop onto the paper, then clean/dry the brush, and repeat until the background is covered with varying colors and tones.
KC
Thanks Kathy, I’m one of those who always checks and enjoys your blogs, but seldom comment. I find that you are a constant source of inspiration which I really appreciate. Just wanted you to know that and won’t it be great when we can get back to the studio!
Thank you for sharing your process, Kathy. Beautiful and inspiring. I’m working mainly indoors for the reasons you mentioned and I’m waiting for warmer temperatures. Best,
Thanks Kathy! Looking forward to these daily paintings-you spoil us.
I am loving these daily nudges, Kathy. I need to follow your lead. No excuses. The old tired excuse about “…no time…” falls flat on its face right now. A good time to practice ‘discpline’, which can be a challenge for those of us who are driven around by our Right Brain. (sigh) Your Nudges have now become part of my daily routine. Thank you for that.