Advancing with Watercolor: "Textures of Tuscany" A Picture of Tuscany

The textures of Tuscany - a snapshot of Tuscany

We are starting our Tuscan Journey this week with theThought of a “snapshot of Tuscany” An image that summarizes or captures a quality of Tuscany. A typical view that we might pass by but find something intriguing about it - intriguing enough to paint it.

I am starting with a images that depicts sunflowers - a typical summer theme - but the flowers are hanging and, drying on the wall. There is a sensitivity to natural things and seasons in Tuscany and small arrangements like these are everywhere.

As an artist I like the vertical nature of the image the bold shadows, and the warm sunlit wall - all of these characteristics capture the essence of Tuscany in the late summer

So I start with a tonal study focusing on the shapes and using gradations to express the bounce of light

The Color is another important aspect to capturing the warmth of the light on the stucco wall - with watercolor we have several ways or techniques to build up the color. Using dry layers is one way, this means we allow the painting to dry before applying a second layer. In this way we take advantage of the transparency of watercolor and we also maintain a certain amount of control.

One of the most effective ways to capture the glow is through contrast. I explore this in the tonal study. Using hard edges and contrast helps the viewer to identify the story - in this case the story of light on the subject. This is manifest in using the white of the paper to catch the eye momentarily. Hard edges and contrast are 2 other qualities that support this

The watercolor artist when planning their “story” must consider the storyline and then how to use edges and contrast to dramatically or subtly express this…

Hard Edges

This week we will look for a scene from our photos and think about how we are using Hard edges in our visual storytelling - this process will help you plan your painting and focus on that part which  you would like to bring out - this is a big step in the progression as a painter - and watercolor artist.

Feel free to use any of the photos I have posted on cluster or to use your photos from your travels