One of the Protesters

(C) 2026 Dale DiMauro

 

There have been many protests in the last year and for good reason. We definitely no longer are the name we say we are. The United States, is an inaccurate name for what we used to be. I am not saying we will not rebound, but it certainly seems like a long time in the making.

This protester seems to be complaining about the cold as well as the state of Washington, DC. However, like many, at least he got outside, to join the horde of displeased people.

When capturing the human figure it seems best to just put down on paper your washes and move on. Otherwise, it is too easy to go back and overwork the image. Over time, I have learned to appreciate the freshness of the application of washes in watercolor. 

This guy had a fanny pack on which blended in with his clothes.

One-Wash Watercolor

(C) 2026 Dale DiMauro

Some of the best watercolors are done quickly, with little time wasted. Usually, with a very limited palette.

I am not saying this is a great watercolor but it was done in no time at all. Also, it was painted in one wash - suggesting the impact to the viewer can be significant. Personally, I like the blending of the pigments at the base of the wash - there is a little 'blurry' quality where some isolated vegetation rests. The other quality which stands out - is the lack of temperature - this picture does not feel particularly warm or cool, simply neutral.

This was painted with just two pigments: sepia and quinacridone gold. It has a 'sepia ' feel to it as if it was from a historical document. The stark simplicity of the composition and treatment of the subject are quite striking. It is almost memorable just for the presentation of this wash.

 

Red into Blue

(C) 2026 Dale DiMauro

 

Adding the color red into your sky can transform your landscape painting. It gives you this brownish gray mood which sets the tone for your scene. I forgot how effective this is when I accidentally dropped some cadmium red into my ultramarine blue sky. Also, the red can play off the red you have in your landscape, whether it is a burnt sienna or Indian red, etc.

I find this approach may give your watercolor a British or historical feel.

This is another example of how important it is to constantly experiment with your mark -making, pigment usage and paper selection. For example, I try every kind of paper I can find. Also, I use all the different surfaces from rough, hot press, soft press, cold press to illustration board.

Latest Plein Air

(C) 2026 Dale DiMauro

 

After all this rain, humidity and cloudy days, it is great to get outside and paint. When it is hot and humid out I find the early evening the best time to paint. If you are lucky you can capture the setting sun in one form or another.

This local park is a nice short walk from my house, yet full of potential subject matter. There is usually diverse groups of people in the park making for some interesting interactions.

This mature evergreen on the edge of the field has a distinctive branch structure which frames the open space nicely. Also, it attracts a lot of bird species.