Figure Painting

                                                                                     (C) 2022 Dale DiMauro
 

Figure painting can be a challenge. It seems best when you put something down on paper to convey the movement of the human body. The human figure flexes in all kinds of directions which allows for endless opportunities to represent our existence. It can be as simple as a line drawing with a dot for the head.

In this watercolor doodle I like the pinkish background with the cool blue foreground. These are not colors I normally use together. It could be ice skaters or several cross country skiers.

I am committed to capturing the human body in movement, particularly at a larger scale where more of the personal characteristics are evident. It is important to utilize the fluidity of watercolor while not overdoing it. This takes much practice and a direct approach to painting. However, I think watercolor is the perfect medium to express the human figure.

The Masters' Choice Watercolor Paper(upon Reflection)

                                                                                       (C) 2022 Dale DiMauro
 

At this time of year the plant growth is so lush, green and layered that it is hard to comprehend the complexities of the natural world. And I am speaking from the state of Vermont where we have had a shortage of rain since winter.

All this greenery is reflected on our ponds, rivers and lakes. Of importance, is the habitat it provides for such a wide range of birds and other forms of life. Within walking distance of our house is a great heron which frequents a neighborhood pond while providing quite the sight when landing or taking off.

I have been experimenting with this Masters' Watercolor Paper since winter and I have to say I really like this paper. This was painted on one of two watercolor blocks that I purchased at the time. Both consist of this rough surface which leaves a lovely silky surface after the pigment dries. Also, it feels like I am painting on a thicker and more elegant surface.

Scott Farm

                                                                                       (C) 2022 Dale DiMauro
 

One of my favorite walks originates or ends at the Scott Farm in Dummerston, Vermont. It is in some ways a historic lesson as you are led along old apple orchards, gravel roads and rambling stone walls. In fact, Cider House Rules was filmed at the Scott Farm many years ago. The old buildings and barns from the working farm have such character as they have settled into the landscape over time and cast a history in the shadows.

Often I walk past this single apple tree which dominates the curve in the road. Production-wise it is probably a mini-orchard in of itself.

At this time of year, the rich greens which dominate the landscape are most appealing to me. I even like the sweep of gray from the gravel road as it disappears into the horizon.

Golden Fields

                                                                                       (C) 2022 Dale DiMauro

This watercolor has been sitting on my desk in an unfinished state. So, tonight I put some time into developing this picture. I love the saturation of color. Also, it is pushing the boundaries of my palette.

This landscape has some weight to it. It even has a glow which is radiating from the ground up. 

I feel like this has the characteristics of a strong landscape painting. That is, a strong composition with elements reduced to the core and a simple color scheme. There is something enticing about trees, sky and the ground plane.

However, this watercolor is not yet finished.

 

West River Trail

                                                                                       (C) 2022 Dale DiMauro
 

The West River Trail in Brattleboro, VT, has become a lovely recreational corridor. It is well shaded in the summer months yet, becomes a solar walk in the winter in the afternoon when the leaves are off the trees(when the sun is out).

It really has increased public access to the West River. However, you can't miss the huge, new bridge looming over the river.

I feel like I got off to a good start with this watercolor. The view is toward the Retreat Meadows in the distance. There seems to be increasing bird activity every time I take a walk along the path.

Watercolor Sketches

                                                                                       (C) 2022 Dale DiMauro
 

It took me a while but I have begun to embrace this watercolor book. I mentioned in a previous post that I had begun to use this sketchbook from Holbein. In addition to watercolor, it is intended for other kinds of multi-media. It has thin pages but handles watercolor pretty well.

It has white sheets of paper which make the pigments come to life while remaining vibrant. I find it useful for compositional studies and experimenting with different color mixtures.

These Holbein books come in a variety of sizes up to around 16" x 21" which is a pretty good-sized page. They may even come in larger sizes.

Self Portrait

                                                                                       (C) 2022 Dale DiMauro
 

Recently, I came upon this self portrait I painted several years ago. I like how the hands are portrayed and the relaxed posture.

Also, the bench is of significance, at least in my family. It is named after a relative of ours who lived to to be over one hundred years old.

Finally, this watercolor reminds me of summers in Maine.

Watercolor Sketch

                                                                                       (C) 2022 Dale DiMauro
 

When pressed for time I have been painting these quick watercolor sketches. Many are purely imaginary. It is an opportunity to try out new color mixes and see what I can do with them. I find it keeps the mind engaged and the paint flowing.

In addition, the importance of leaving the white of the paper, in some areas, is paramount. This draws the eye into the landscape and the pigment will not run where the paper is dry.

The color of the building was mixed with quinacridone gold and an orange color that has been sitting on my palette for some time. I like the richness of the color and the gritty texture. 

Most of all I like this direct way of painting which produces a fresh and lively style of applying paint.

Watercolor Studies

                                                                            (C) 2022 Dale DiMauro
 

It is rewarding to discover numerous ways to make marks on the paper. Dragging the brush and painting irregular edges are real expressive. Simply drawing with the brush can be very satisfying. It is important to leave patches of paper unpainted as this can provide a layer of dimension and texture in your painting.

I really like this Holbein watercolor paper that I have been painting on recently. It is a bright white paper which brings out the colors of the pigments. It is 140 lb paper but it seems to take many washes and hold it's own.

The  yellow-green color swatch on the top of the page I made by combining cadmium yellow and cerulean blue.  The lower right gray color swatch was made by combining veridian and cadmium red.