Fall Color

                                                                                    (C) 2025 Dale DiMauro
 

Fall is that time of year when the leaves turn all those lovely colors, if the rain doesn't wash them all away. It is more important than anything to stop and notice these colors for what they are. There is so much variation of color within one canopy of one tree that it is mind boggling.

To achieve the colors I portrayed here my palette was pushed to levels not usually utilized. I used pigments of cadmium red and brilliant orange pretty much straight out of the tube. These pigments project a warmth throughout the picture which is quite pleasing.

This watercolor was painted on else ware, a 110 lb cold press watercolor paper I bought at my local food coop. To prevent buckling, I ripped this piece of paper out of a spiral-bound book and taped it to a board to keep it taught in the corners.

I like the overall feel and light of this picture. The darker marks in the foreground tree up by the branching were created by quick-snapping my rigger brush which offers the affect of dried out leaves and gives some weight to the tree.

STORMY SKY

                                      (C) 2025 Dale DiMauro

 

                                                                                                      Detail of sky

November weather is definitely challenging. Not many people linger outside for long when the winds pick up and the sun is hidden behind clouds.

Today, nevertheless, was a blustery experience to paint outside. The clouds raced across the sky and the wind dried my paint washes immediately. Having said that, I adapted by applying smaller washes and moving more frequently to different areas of the paper.

I perched on a stone plinth and painted this view of Wantastiquet Mountain from across the Connecticut River. The sky was put down first. I used cerulean, ultramarine blue, and paynes gray combined with a mister to get the pigments to blend into cloud-like forms. I feel that the colors you see were true to what I saw out in nature.

Today, I used only two brushes to paint what I did and I am proud of that. I think this is the best stormy sky I have ever painted. 

At times on your journey in life you take two steps forward and one backwards. Perhaps today was one of those days where I took a step backwards. However, I worked on three other watercolors this weekend so it is of no great loss to me.

P.S. - For some reason I had difficulty cropping the top photograph. 

Late Fall Watercolor Study

                                                                                   (C) 2025 Dale DiMauro

It seems like the most dramatic landscapes are found in autumn when the leaves have fallen. This is the time of year when everything slows down and the bare structures in the land reveal themselves.

The ochres and umbers of the landscape really become much more noticeable. In my travels I keep thinking how important these colors are to my palette. The blues and browns seem to compliment each other as the season of growth fades into our distant memory.

Also, this is the time when bird migrants are scrambling to find whatever food they can.

As a side note I put a wash of cerulean blue for the sky, yet it seems to fade in intensity with the browns dominating this picture. 
 

Brattleboro Common

                                                                                     (C) 2025 Dale DiMauro
 

Yesterday, was the pick of the weekend - weather wise. So I took a walk in the afternoon to find the sun and it was on the Brattleboro Common. I noticed how the fallen leaves from some of the trees opened a vista up the West River beyond the Brattleboro Retreat towards Black Mountain.

At this point I settled down to paint en plein air, until the darkness moved in. Sometimes the hardest decision, is indeed, to find that subject to commit time to.

I worked my way down the watercolor block painting from the sky to the leaf-covered lawn in the foreground. Many decisions were made rapidly - always aware of how wet the paper is in certain areas.

As the light faded and I looked up from my watercolor block I felt good about the decisions I made and in the time I had to utilize my skills.

Generally speaking, whenever I paint new techniques are tried. On this day I consciously tried to paint the tree trunks with irregular footings as I observed clumps of grass and uneven ground one of the characteristics of the scene.

(Brattleboro)Retreat Meadows

                                                                                             (C) 2025 Dale DiMauro
 

The late day light, at this time of year, is stunning. That is if it is a sunny day. But boy is it lovely.

Fortunately, for me, I have spent some time outside painting and have developed an eye for what to look for. I think with experience one builds a mental map of local areas to paint where you are not looking directly into the sun but can benefit from the glow projected on to the landscape. At this time of year it is of great value to be facing East as the setting sun fades into the darkness. The other cue is the birds know where to find the sun to bathe in. In fact, there were birds - I think Canadian geese in the foreground.

From the time I started this watercolor, until I packed up to go, the light changed so much and thus, the landscape was transforming before my eyes. This picture was cut short as I underestimated my painting session due to the time change.

All I could think of when painting this picture is that ice skaters may be here within the month.

On the Prowl

                                                                                                 (C) 2025 Dale DiMauro
 

At times, watercolor takes you where it wants to go. It can be best to follow through on the journey instead of rigidly resisting the movement of the wet pigment and overwork a scene.

I started this painting because I was experimenting by tweaking the classic paint combination of yellow ochre with burnt umber which results in a warm brown. Recently, in my walks through the landscape, at least in the light, I felt some variation of this pairing. As I put down a plant swatch, usually I end up turning it into a landscape, real - or imaginary. This way I can apply a 'swatch' to the landscape right then and there. Also, I end up with a mental/visual recording which I can refer to later.

As that warm colored ridge took shape, it was obvious to me that the left side of the composition was lacking substance - so on the spot - I dropped in the head of a figure. I think the figure adds an element of mystery as you don't know who he is or what he is doing - as most of his body is left out of the scene. Additionally, his presence, emphasizes the high contour. 

This watercolor was painted while my wife was feeding candy to young trick-or-treaters.

Brattleboro Common

                                                                                    (C) 2025 Dale DiMauro

The Brattleboro Common in Brattleboro, VT is such an inviting place, in the summer months, as it provides a lovely bosque of trees with all sorts of dappled light to perch under. I like to set up my painting equipment on one of their many picnic tables as an easel is not required which makes transporting my supplies much easier. This becomes most beneficial if a sudden downpour emerges. However, if well sited I can be spared of the raindrops from the lovely tree canopies.

This watercolor was painted after a late appointment, in downtown, on a September weekday. It was done quick as I was tired and had developed an appetite for dinner. It was painted on a Kilimanjaro bright white watercolor block that my mother gave me.

I do like the bold brush strokes and pure color in the foreground.

Crowell Lot(park)

                                                                                   (C) 2025 Dale DiMauro
 

The Crowell Lot is a lovely, yet spacious park in Brattleboro, Vt. It is more of a neighborhood park than a lot. It's characterized as having a nice playground, which the town has invested in and is thus well used by families with young children. In addition, the Crowell Lot has a popular basketball court - a favorite of young men. However, I have found no physical sign designating a name for this piece of public land in town.

This watercolor was painted outside late this afternoon. While outside it definitely had the feel that winter was coming as the low light faded fast and the wind increased.

It is customary to paint watercolors with the aid of a sponge and or paper towels. This way you can clean your brushes and catch any pooling of pigment. Well - today for some reason - I left behind any paper towels. For me I had to adapt and just carry on. 

This meant using the only tissue I had and shaking out the brush when necessary. Overall, I don't think the absence of a paper towel affected the outcome of this watercolor.

End of Summer

                                                                                               (C) 2025 Dale DiMauro
 

Sometimes you don't have to paint the sky. It's not always necessary. In fact, it can take away from the overall landscape.

In this composition I think that's the case. Even though the sky is left unpainted it feels to me like there is a weak wash of alizarin crimson laid down above the trees. Sometimes the mind puts something there when it is not. That's the influence of color.

However, I usually start by painting the sky and work my way down the paper and into the landscape. Recently, I have had some success by lifting pigment from the paper in the sky which can suggest clouds or streaks in the sky.

Nevertheless, this picture is all about the landscape. I think the blank top of the page adds to the serenity of the scene.

Madame Sherri Forest

                                      (C) 2025 Dale DiMauro

 

Not all watercolors end well. However, these are the experiences I learn the most from.

Painting outside is an experience for the ages. It is the most demanding thing I have ever done. It requires a range of skills all at the same time, such as: drawing & painting knowledge, time management, and skill with moisture management as far as the paper is concerned. All of these acquired abilities can and will be altered on a dime. 

Most of all, particularly at this time of year, you need to understand how quickly the natural light fades and what that means as far as your painting process. As the light fades your paper doesn't dry as quickly as it does earlier in the day. During this time period your subject matter will be transformed in ways you really have to develop an eye for.

This watercolor was painted last Friday afternoon at the Madame Sherri Forest in Chesterfield, New Hampshire. This is one of my favorite spots to paint as there is a range of subject matter to choose from and I get to spend some time out in nature with some truly organic sounds such as the flapping of a beavers tail and the noise of Canadian geese gliding low on the horizon.

It was a challenge moving around the painting as the shadows and low light transformed my subject matter. I think my colors are fairly true to my experience except that the paper dried in some areas quicker than others. Also, I lost the freshness of my brush strokes as my paint time evolved.

Brattleboro Common

                                                                                           (C) 2025 Dale DiMauro

Autumn has come quick to southern Vermont. It was so dry and mild nearly a week ago and now it is much cooler with nearly all the leaves down. With this environment it is hard to appreciate the range of colors fall can provide

This watercolor was started at the end of last winter - and then I picked it up the other day. I am curious what I can do with it. 

It seems to me if you are a practicing artist your palette and perceptions are continually evolving. So to come back to a painting you started at an earlier time can be be quite transformative as you are seeing the world in a new light. I believe that new light seeps into a painting whether conscious or not. 

I have played up the warmth of color in the foreground and the character of the tree massing in the back. All those twisting and turning tree trunks looking for a chance to shine in the spotlight.

 

Tom Hill Copy

 

John Singer Sargent(1856-1925) was certainly one of the great American artists. While known for his great oil panels, he painted over 2,000 watercolors. Along the way he would copy an artists painting on occasion, to see what he could learn from their approach.

Last night I made a copy of a little Tom Hill(1925 -? ) watercolor titled Angler's Retreat 7" x 10.5". Recently, I purchased his used book Travels With My Paintbox: The Paintings of Tom Hill at a local bookstore. Hill wrote many books which depicted his lovely watercolors, painted on his various travels

In this watercolor I love the light he captures with the warm colors and the pleasing outdoor scene.

Travels With My Paintbox: The Paintings of Tom Hill(book)

 

There are a lot of great watercolor books out there not in circulation. Occasionally, I find a treasure in the used book section of a local bookstore or art shop. However, in Keene, NH, at the end of summer, the Toadstool bookstore seemed to have a large quantity of quality used books all at once. I took notice and bought many - all hard copies with a maximum price of ten dollars each.

This book: Travels With My Paintbox: The Paintings of Tom Hill, is an instant classic for me. This author wrote several books on watercolor painting but this may be his most inspiring.

Mr. Hill traveled often and painted on these travels. None of his paintings seem overworked. This book has a wide range of subject matter which I refer to often.

Butcher Trays

                                                                                                  (C) 2025 Dale DiMauro

Butcher trays have been around for years. Many experienced watercolor artists I know prefer to use butcher trays as a palette which they clean prior to starting a new painting.

Over time many different sizes of butcher trays have become available for purchase. The one seen here is 8.5" x 12.5".

I like this sized butcher tray to rest my paint brushes once they are cleaned and ready for their next use. A while back I cut a homosote board to fit in the bottom which I lay a section of paper towel on. This set-up keeps the brushes from rolling all over my table surface and falling on the floor. Also, this arrangement keeps the tips of my brushes in good lasting shape

 

NEW PIGMENT COMBINATION(Burnt Umber/Alizarin Crimson/Pthalo Blue)

                                    New (C) 2025 Dale DiMauro

It is always a delight to discover a new combination of pigments when painting with watercolors. What to do with this new information is another development unto itself. I find preserving the white of the paper, in watercolor, in some areas, to be rather important.

This entire painting was done with three pigments: burnt umber/alizarin crimson/pthalo blue. I think of the values here to be a warm dark as compared to a cool dark.

The colors here remind me of the colors of fall when the days start to wind down. This watercolor was actually painted in less than ten minutes once the pigments were combined. Sometimes the best paintings take the least amount of time. It is best to take the mind out of painting and have fun with the pigments and experiment. I think this allows you to have a growth spurt even if you have a busy day with little time available to paint.

Flying Mountain(Bar Harbor, ME)

                                                                                                (C) 2025 Dale DiMauro
 

One of my more favorite hikes of recent memory has been of Flying Mountain in Bar Harbor, ME. It has lovely views of Somes Sound and ends along this lovely protected cove. In nice weather people gather and explore the sandy but rocky beach. Often, many boats anchor off this beach and come to shore on their dinghy's. 

When my wife and I hiked this trail in July the colors of the water, beach and forested ridge were alive and vivid.

I look forward to painting the shoreline of any body of water but this one is particularly is descriptive with it's large boulders, dense tree growth and alluring water. In addition, I like the feel of the shadow in the foreground, it's not too heavy yet refreshing, on a hot day.

Plein Air

                                                                                 (C) 2025 Dale DiMauro
 

Yesterday I walked through the woods knowing I would not be able to get much exercise later in the day. During the hike I realized I had not walked through any local woods and fields in quite some time. 

Once out in the sun I had to acknowledge it was a glorious morning and promptly opened my plein air set and painted this watercolor along the edge of a meadow. 

I even lifted pigment to capture some of the lighter colored branching in the distance trees. The burnt sienna color among the grass I have been seeing more and more of as fall advances upon us.

The sparkle amongst the vibrant grass adds much to this scene. It was all there on my hike that morning.

Ft. Dummer State Park(Quarry pond)

                                                                                (C) 2025 Dale DiMauro
 

Fort Dummer is the closest state park to where I live in Vermont. Years ago stone was removed and as a result this natural looking pond remains at the foot of these stone plinths. It is a hidden pond which makes it a little eerie but has a spectacular landscape, nonetheless.

This summer with the drought I have never seen so much shoreline. However, I find it an intriguing subject matter for a plein air picture.

Still, I painted this picture at home because it was so dry and dusty by the water. This picture was painted on The Masters' Choice paper which has a lovely bead to it's surface. At least the rough surface has this shimmer to it when the paper is wet. 

I believe the colors are fairly accurate to what I saw outside.

West Brattleboro Park

                                                                                              (C) 2025 Dale DiMauro

We have had some glorious weather lately and this was one of those days. After a recent dental appointment I was able to paint a quick watercolor in West Brattleboro, VT. 

There is a lovely park for painting outside with several picnic tables and dappled shade. It is adjacent to the fire station.

In this picture I like the rich foliage again the blue sky. It felt good to quickly put pigment to paper and run with it.

 

Fall Landscape

                                                                                      (C) 2025 Dale DiMauro

This fall landscape was painted last autumn. It was very dry as we headed into last winter. Now we are in a similar period.

This makes me wonder what kind of foliage season we will have in the coming months. Some people tell me it's going to be a mild winter with the impact of an El Nino, while other people say we are going to receive more snow than usual. 

Who knows. One thing I have observed in my travels is that under large specimen trees where there is lawn there are large dry patches. The roots of these large trees are simply absorbing as much moisture as they can while the grass has turned into straw. Birds seem to like this straw to peck on as they search for food.

I think the muted and limited palette in this watercolor make the composition of this picture stronger and more unified. Without a strong contrast in light and color the washes seem to travel across the page and merge with other pigments.