Greater Saturation of Color?

(C) 2020 Dale DiMauro

In the last year I have been told on numerous accounts that my watercolors have achieved a greater saturation of color. In particular, my landscape paintings have richer colorations. 

I take this as a complement largely due to the influence of plein air painting practices. Outside in the elements I really try to mix colors that I see in the natural light. It helps greatly that my knowledge and understanding of a more complete palette has progressed.

This watercolor which I started in the afternoon basically has one initial wash. While the paper is wet until it retains a degree of dampness I drop in loads of pigment. This is to define the edge of elements or seek a graduated mass.

These comments are not meant to sound like I am boasting. However, I opened one of my flat file drawers this evening and could see a transformation in the pieces over the last year. For example, I am mixing and using browns more than I ever could have imagined one year ago.