Spring, Near The Kirkstone Pass

Watercolour Step by Step Demonstration 1.

MATERIALS

Arches block - 140lb, Cold pressed paper

Winsor and Newton, artist’s quality paints, using the following colours:

Raw Sienna, Aureolin, Raw Umber, Burnt Sienna, Cobalt Violet, Permanent Magenta, Ultramarine Blue, Cobalt Blue and Cerulean.

2B pencil

NOTES ON THE SEQUENCE, METHODS USED AND THE REASONING BEHIND THEM.

The painting was generally developed from ‘light to dark’. Very little detail was used initially, but wad introduced gradually as the painting was developed.

The main consideration was given to the tonal sequence. (If the relationship of tone used throughout the progression of the painting do not work, the final painting will not work). Always ask the question: Is this tone light enough, or dark enough with regard to, not only the tone next to it, but to the overall tonal sequence.

Colour, although important, is a very personal thing. Try to incorporate your own sense of colour, however, remember that the overall colour harmony should be correct.

STEP 1 - Drawing

The area of the painting was created to the correct proportions using masking tape.

A simple outline drawing was prepared.

STEP 2 - Overall, ‘Wet into Wet Wash

Colour pools were mixed to reflect the underlying colours and tone apparent in the subject:

Raw Sienna + Cobalt Violet

Cobalt Blue + Permanent Magenta

Cerulean

Raw Sienna + Burnt Sienna

Aureolin + Cerulean

STEP 3 - Development of distant fells. Mid distance fields, wall and trees.

Two slightly differing mixes of Cobalt Blue + Permanent Magenta were applied to give form to the distant fells.

Field boundaries and trees painted using mixes of Aureolin, Aureolin + Cobalt Blue, Ultramarine Blue + Raw Sienna.

Wall painted using varied mixes of Raw Umber + Cobalt Blue, Cobalt Blue + Permanent Magenta and Ultramarine Blue + Burnt Sienna.

STEP 4 - Paint Scotts Pines and create the forms / texture of the mid distant fields.

Generally, the same mixes from STEP 3 were used.

STEP 5 - Paint foreground and final details.

The foreground was painted using mixes of, Raw Sienna, Burnt Sienna + Cobalt Blue, Cobalt Blue + Raw Sienna and Aureolin + Cobalt Blue. NOTE: To create a softer, blended effect the freshly applied paint was sprayed with water using a spray diffuser.

Additional tree trunks, branches and fence posts were painted using Ultramarine Blue + Burnt Sienna.

Finally, the foreground was given a little texture by spattering paint using a toothbrush.