34 artistMay 2020 http://www.painters-online.co.uk
WATERCOLOUR
p STAGE ONE
I began by drawing out the basic simple shapes with a 4B clutch pencil.
For the fi rst washes of big shapes I blocked in the sky with diluted
cobalt blue on damp paper. The left-hand side was yellow ochre and
raw sienna, hit with an atomiser whilst damp to create texture
p STAGE TWO
The distant tower was painted with a combination of cobalt, alizarin
and yellow ochre. The distant trees and foreground grass were a
mixture of cobalt, aureolin and yellow ochre. I used my butter knife
to indent the damp surface to imply structure on the buildingp STAGE THREE
The foreground pathway was blocked in with cobalt and alizarin but I strove to stay on the blue
side of that mix. The basic shapes had been established – I deliberately left an area of white
paper at the entrance to create interest against the interior dark
We were three-
quarters of an hour
into the process
when it began to rain.
Notice the artists
struggling under the
plastic sheet – the
weather got worse
but I was OK under
my umbrella
you not to use rulers or any tool that
will create tightness; work freehand
or use a mahlstick to steady your arm.
The combination of light and shadow
creates atmosphere within your work.
My old butter knife was used to move
wet pigment as the marks create
interest. It is important to have life and
suggestion in shadowed areas that allow
the eye to hover and interpret. I did
not want the distant tower and fl ag to
jump forward, nor the trees and distant
crowds. The cast foreground shadow
created depth. The work must have
both and warm and cool areas within it,
the eye will always be drawn to contrast,
ie dark against light, light against dark,
as used in the entrance area with the
red robes and dark background. Please
do not just copy what you are looking
at, use whatever you think will help
achieve your needs. The viewer does
not see your reference, only what you
choose to put on the paper.
Working outside is by far the most
challenging way to test yourself. My
set up is just a guide which hopefully
will give you ideas. Do not be deterred- using a sketchbook as shown in
previous articles is a great introduction
and will help break down the pressure
of people looking at you – remember,
the majority of them are just curious
as you are doing something they have
never tried.
Keep striving to improve, we are all on
this wonderful journey.
DEMONSTRATIONWindsor Plein-Air
TA