Local Field

                                                                                       (C) 2021 Dale DiMauro
 

This view was first seen by me in early December on a walk along the West River Trail. A mild, late fall with relatively little snow, provided the inspiration for this picture.

I did some finishing touches on this watercolor from the last post. A foreground wash of raw umber and ultramarine blue provided shadows in contrast to the warm sun across the distant field. The foliage on the edge of the field was also strengthened. 

It felt good to work in my studio from start to finish with relatively few interruptions.

Early December Landscape

                                                                                       (C) 2021 Dale DiMauro

This December I took many walks in the woods because the ground was largely free of ice and snow. That has since changed, but I can't recall spending so much time in the woods or fields so late in the season. I really noticed how long the shadows become late in the day.

It felt great to get back to painting again. December had a lot of work demands and preparation for the holidays which was odd because we didn't really go anywhere - due to CIVID-19.

I just started this watercolor and am largely pleased with my progress. I like the light and warm colors.

Portable Palette

                                                                           (C) 2021 Dale DiMauro
 

Late last Summer I figured I came up with a great idea. Since I prefer to use full pans instead of half-pans which individual pigments sit in, I could combine various pigments together and make my own set. This means I can change my palette whenever I needed to or combine specific colors for whatever reason may come up.

I talked to one of the major art retailers and they said they would special order this empty palette for me. Except with all the supply chain delays it took until this week to receive the empty palette.

Regardless, I am excited to be able to put together my own palette for traveling or painting outside. I like this small size which fits into a small bag and is easy to clean.

Mark-Making & Other Thoughts

                                                                             (C) 2021 Dale DiMauro
 

It is always fun to play with watercolors to see what kind of marks you can make. Along the way your mark-making evolves along with your understanding of your palette and it's mixtures.

This watercolor was done from memory after coming into the house from a local walk on a glorious sunny afternoon. Before the snow arrived, the colors of the landscape were quite lovely with strong warm tones until the shadows move in later in the day.

The edges of your washes are so important in watercolor. Depending on how you want to articulate them you can achieve tremendous variety. Around the body of water above, I feathered in the foliage to make them appear to be in the natural light. I will continue to experiment and see what direction this takes me.

West River Trail

                                                                    (C) 2021 Photograph Dale DiMauro
 

Last Sunday I took a walk on the West River Trail and took this photograph on the way back to my car. Once I took this picture I was certain it was a gem. 

There is something compelling about the fall colors which we underestimate. I don't mean the vivid reds or oranges of a maple tree which definitely are stunning. The warm colors of the earth, the ochres and sienna's let the other colors have the center stage. These colors warm the landscape and make the blues of the water sing.

The shadows projecting from the gate and revealing the contours have a special quality unto themselves. 

Today I had to post this photograph as it had been on my mind for several days. It pays to get outside in the landscape and experience nature and all that it has to offer.

Lifting Paint

                                                                              (C) 2021 Dale DiMauro
 

Recently, I started this watercolor of a local field with a large puddle with reflections in the foreground. Before starting, I pre-stained the entire sheet with quinacridone gold giving the image a warm yellow feel to it.

However, the image looked flat so I have been lifting more color than I ever have from a watercolor. The horizontal bands in the field, along with the surface of the puddle and some of the passages in the foreground, with clumps of vegetation, all are areas I lifted paint.

I am curious and optimistic of the final result. I think there will be depth and variation through techniques I have not really used before. Of course you can repaint areas where paint had been lifted before. 

Used Book

My local library has been having a used book sale. I picked up this book, The Complete Watercolor Book, by Wendon Blake, for two dollars. Not only is this a great book with many tips on making watercolors but it is a hardcover, for again, just two dollars.

Blake has a section on painting seascapes and this composition and coloring caught my eye. It reminds me of the coast of Maine. Also, I like the low horizon line.

I quickly painted this scene, based on a photograph, of his watercolor from the book. I figure it is always a plus to tackle subjects on the edge of one's comfort zone. 

 

Missing A Figure?

                                                                        (C) 2021 Dale DiMauro

This is the kind of composition where a figure would complete the picture. Some color and a strong focal point could seal the deal. 

However, I have learned to appreciate the subtleties of color and their variations, particularly at this time of year. Certain colors express the regional characteristics like no other. A combination of permanent brown and yellow ochre can look strikingly like the woodland edge in November with no further pigmentation.

Now to find a figure to finish this watercolor......
 

Color Swatches

                                                                                        (C)2021 Dale DiMauro
 

In a recent post I mentioned how Charles Reid wrote in his book, Watercolor Basics, that during a down time it is good practice to make color swatches. Your vocabulary of color expands and your brushwork develops too.

Well, lately I have been making many color swatches. I like this swatch in particular. This juicy, light brown was created by mixing permanent brown with quinacridone gold. At this time of year the distant hills when in the sun can acquire this warm, earthy coloring.

It is not so much the color itself that is striking as when it is combined with a red or blue which will make the colors sing.