Fields: Clark Art Museum

                                                                          (C) 2021 Dale DiMauro
 

It has been written that John Singer Sargent used only one green in watercolor painting and that was Viridian.  So I have been experimenting by mixing viridian with yellow ochre amongst other yellows to see what I come up with for a range of greens.

In this scene I have added in a mature tree in the watercolor posted last week. In fact, it needs more touches of paint to get the depth of foliage I am after. However, as one can notice a tree adds so much to a landscape. Originally, the trees and view are what drew me to this subject matter.

This one tree frames the view and lends much character to the landscape. It is such a spectacular focal point one could easily imagine pulling up a lawn chair with a book in hand and sitting under the canopy on a hot summer day.

Across the Common

                                                                      (C) 2021 Dale DiMauro
 

What a wonderful stretch of mild weather we have had. Much of the snow has melted and it feels great to be out in the sun. 

However, for me it all seemed so sudden and disorienting. I was counting on a few more outings on the cross-country skis with less layers of clothing while soaking up the sun. Also, not being vaccinated reminds me that I can't gather or do things with people. Nevertheless, I did manage to paint this little watercolor before the seasons start to change. 

The bulbs and perennials are starting to burst through the soil at our house. My wife and I look forward with anticipation as over three hundred bulbs I planted last fall will shortly populate and color the front yard.

Landscape Painting

                                                                            (C) 2021 Dale DiMauro
 

Through many annual visits to the Clark Art Museum in Williamstown, MA I have come to appreciate the surrounding landscape. I really only visit the museum in the summer months with my wife but it is such a lovely setting that it has become quite memorable.

This watercolor was inspired from one of my more recent visits. If you take one of their walks above the museum you will find yourself amidst a sweeping vista of the valley below with the Berkshire Mountains in the distance.

The colors of late summer are quite appealing, at least for me. You can see the ghost of a tree trunk towards the left of the picture. Clearing the painting is not finished but I feel that I made great progress today.

Pencil sketches

                   (C) 2021 Dale DiMauro

 

Pencil sketches can bring about real satisfaction. Primarily, I draw either to improve my understanding of the human form or as a means to develop a composition. This winter I have done both a lot.

My drawing and recording of the imaginary or literal landscape has improved too. It seems the clearer the drawing is the better the painting will likely be. 

I have wanted to work on a full sheet watercolor(22" x 30") but have not settled on a subject. So this sketch as it developed got me going in that direction. Also, portraying a figure in the landscape is important to me.

BAOHONG WATERCOLOR PAPER

                                                                              (C) 2021 Dale DiMauro
 

Yesterday, a Baohong watercolor block arrived, as most things these days, by a delivery to my front door. Baohong is a Chinese watercolor paper which is becoming rather popular, particularly among noted and prolific watercolor painters. Some say it does not buckle as readily as other watercolor papers.

It has been mentioned that it takes some practice to become familiar with the characteristics of this paper. I ordered the 140 lb cold pressed paper as I am most used to this surface. 

This winter landscape is my first attempt at using this paper. I can't form an opinion yet of the paper as I am too new to this. However, it is an economical option.  If it truly doesn't buckle it will be valuable for plein air painting.

Watercolor Doodle

                                                                        (C) 2021 Dale DiMauro
 

In watercolor painting artists are instructed to layout their scene in advance and then transfer their image on to their final paper. Then you can start painting as it can be hard to make corrections in this challenging medium.

However, this started as a pencil sketch and soon became a watercolor of sorts. I like the cool foreground in contrast to the warmer background. The fence and tree trunks captured my imagination too.

It is always refreshing to find unconventional or at least original compositions which you don't come upon every day.

Brattleboro Common

                                                                        (C) 2021 Dale DiMauro

The other day I was organizing stuff in my office when I came upon this watercolor that I painted last fall. There is a quality of light in this picture which I find appealing. I couldn't put my hand on what it is but I was struck by the quality of that light.

This was a watercolor I painted in about an hour, outside, at the Brattleboro Common as the length of day was rapidly declining. During this time of year there is a point in the afternoon(if it is a sunny day) when the natural light enhances the colors of the earth before the light fades to dusk and then darkness. I am not saying I captured it here but I remember the experience as such.

It is rewarding to look at what you painted while glancing over at your subject matter to see how you captured it in paint and what you left out accidentally or intentionally.

Imaginary Local Landscape

                                                                     (C) 2021 Dale DiMauro
 

For months during lockdown and after with restrictions in our daily life I have been painting the landscape. During this time I have developed a keener eye for the colors and contours seen out in the landscape. 

This watercolor sketch embodies some of these qualities. First, I try to paint the colors I see outside and these are alway changing as the seasons and light are constantly in flux. The intensity of color and brushwork are applied in ways to strengthen the perspective or bring focus to a certain area in the land. For example, the brightest colors are in the foreground and then they fade to weaker pigmentation in the distance. In addition, the edge of the woodland has more articulated foliage then the general massing in the distance. 

One thing I like about watercolor or that I have learned to appreciate is how faint colors in the distance can generate a quality of fog or mist unlike any other media.

Hopefully, these watercolors will continue to develop a whole lot more down the road. Now I just have to paint them on a larger scale with a big brush so they have more impact.

Winter in Vermont - 2021

                                                            (C) 2021 Photograph Dale DiMauro
 

In spite of all the restrictions due to COVID-19, we have had a great Winter season that is if you like Winter. I have cross-country skied twelve times thus far. Also, I have snowshoed ten times. And that is just outdoor activities.

Indoors I have played tennis ten times and gone to the racquet club eighteen times. I am not bragging but this is how I have gotten through this Winter.

However, cross-country skiing for me is the most spiritual and physically challenging. To glide across the lovely landscape, looking at the distant hills while in the sun is a special experience. If you look - the natural light at this time of year is spectacular. 

I usually ski around five miles on a typical outing which makes me sleep like an infant. One of the most satisfying qualities is acknowledging that everyday is getting longer and warmer. We are closer to becoming vaccinated even though my shots won't come until Summer.