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Reflecting on this work, I find that I enjoy the immedicacy of watercolor paints.  

The use of watercolor washes to establish light to dark color with different mixtures of paint yield a 

sense of satisfaction as you watch color blend together on a wet surface of paper.  The thin paint spreads to resulting in beautful

skies and light tones on objects.  Then, but adding stronger more intense color, as the painting sets and dries,  is a pleasing challenge when painting darker values which bring the work to life.   To me,  using watercolor is a combonation of  skill and experimentation.  (I believe I feel this way about most of my creations.)

 

This painting was on of the first watercolor pieces I've painted seriously in years, since starting using oils in 2011.

As I painted this image, I chose this scene thinking, "I like water and lighthouses, I feel confident with this subject, so it will be safe for me to paint."

 

As I began this piece I realize I was mistaken, I actually had the water paint mixed too thin, and it appeared to dissappear into my over saturated paper.  I thought, "Oh no, let me get the oils and put this on a canvas."  I let the paper dry up a bit, loving pattern in the sky and and water, so I decided to let myself get reaquainted with the process of using this medium.  As I finished this lighthouse, I realized that painting with watercolors was just fun!  

 

I have been painting with watercolors on and off over the years.

I have spend the past several years painting primarily with oil paints, which, in my oppinion is a much different process.

The paint is thick, can be scraped off and repainted to fix a  mistake  With watercolor, once the color is down, you have a very short window to lift out a color, but once it's set into the paper,  I find it easier to go with the flow.  Have the mind set of make the same mistake a few more times, and it might look like a pattern.  If I'm that torn up over the composition, I can paint another one.

 

I think picking a lighthouse, which I feel symbolizes a sense of guidance and endurance, was a good choice for this trek back into watercolor.

 

I will be mixing up and staying on top of my oils, but right now I am having fun with the water.

I will be sharing more of my process throught future blogs and newsletters.

 

If you know someone who would enjoy this, please pass it on to them.

Much appreciated.

 

Hope you are enjoying the season.

William