Painting Process
When I unpack my watercolor gear, in my mind I am entering a concert hall. I get to be the composer, conductor and musician playing every instrument.
The painting process begins with composition. The layout is composed to express what interests me most about the subject matter. The first movements are made with a pencil, drawing small design studies, editing the subject until it has been distilled into the simplest, most expressive form. The final design is then drawn onto the watercolor paper.
(Left) design studies, and (right) finished drawing on watercolor paper
The painting starts – delicate colors are introduced with the lightness of a single instrument, such as a violin, to begin the piece. Thereafter, richer colors are layered in, like a conductor adding string and wind instruments to expand the harmony.
Restraint is key. To preserve the colorful glow, each wash of color must be laid down with minimal brushstrokes, allowing the colors to settle into a sheer layer without disturbing the layers underneath. Like a pause in the music, stillness is required as each new layer dries.
As with a classical piece, the painting is composed of movements. Color passages move and change across the different shapes like chord progressions. No color is static or monotone.
Progressive stages of watercolor painting
Finally, the darkest shapes are painted, finishing the piece with the deep, base-like tones of the full orchestra. The final touches are not the adding of details, but refinements to the colors. Glazes (very thin applications of colors) are applied to make colors better harmonize. Care must be taken to make these refinements but not overwork the painting so that it retains a fresh vitality.
The artwork is finished when the initial inspiration has been clearly expressed and the colors elicit an emotional response. For me, the subject matter acts as a sort of amphitheater where this musicality of color can arise and take full form.
Finished watercolor painting
Next, let’s explore what makes watercolors different from other mediums …