My Art in the Making Street Corner Pezenas

With representational art, the choice of subject matter is very important. There are views that look nice but do not make good pictures, and there are others that are attractive, hold your interest and have elements that make a good subject. Street Corner Pezenas is a good subject for a number of reasons. The view has depth, light direction giving form and contrasting architecture, and interesting shapes. I am using a variety of traditional techniques including the wash, the graduated wash and wet on dry.

STAGE 1 DRAWING

The drawing defines the structure and composition, proportions and perspective of the painting. The drawing is simple; if I need to, I can draw in more if I need a particular shape at a later stage.

STAGE 2 DEFINING SHAPES

Working from light to dark, I start putting in the shapes. Light shapes are defined by painting around with a darker tone. These have to dry completely before subsequent washes are put down to avoid bleeding.

STAGE 3 ADDING STRONGER TONES

More light and slightly stronger tones are put down to try to define forms and define the subject.

STAGE 4 DEPTH IS CREATED

Darker tones and shadows are put down wet on dry, which helps create the lighting and gives form to the subject. Depth is created.

STAGE 5 FINISHING TOUCHES

Street Corner Pezenas, watercolor, 10 x 12" (25 x 30 cm) Details are added to create balance and the darker tones are added. You create light by painting darks. A couple of figures are added to give scale and a little activity—it was a quiet day.