Stickney Brook Falls

(C) 2019 Dale DiMauro

During the recent heat and humidity I have painted several plein air watercolors at this local watering hole. While painting, it feels great to hear the sound of rushing water with a shady canopy overhead. It is also refreshing to take a dip or walk through the water where it is low in spots.

I don't know if I would call this a finished painting even though it probably will not require much more work. When the first few washes were put down I was full of excitement at the direction it was heading. The colors remind me of this particular place at the time I was there.

I have come to the realization that I am mixing colors that match what I see out in nature. I can't say that I could do that in the past, at least consistently. The other thing I have been working on is contour drawing. If I really concentrate when drawing and painting outside I seem to be able to layout the image I am conveying quickly. This is important when plein air painting as the light and color is constantly changing. 

In conclusion, it is important to focus on one area of the landscape, not all the stuff before you. It takes time to develop an eye for what you want to develop on your watercolor paper.