Original artwork description:

Up in the mountains near Santa Fe; a little color starts to appear in March at the aspen and pine forest.

Another series of watercolors working to achieve a minimalist feel. In this case watercolor using quick strokes with a Japanese writing brush on rough watercolor paper. 7 1/2" x 11 1/2" image size with 16" x 20" mat, ready to frame.

The subjects I choose to paint tend to have an interesting massing, a layering of elements and a quality of light and shadow. As I travel, should I come across a striking scene I may simply take a picture for future reference, draw a quick sketch or paint on site.

Open skies, storms coming in, sweeping vistas, mountains and grasslands all call for broad strokes and bold light and shadows. I strive for an economy of color and execution that can bring a landscape to life. If I can capture the shadows, forms, space at a given moment with the flow of line and color, then I can start to feel that I have succeeded. Working in such a quick, expressive manner can be like playing a jazz riff, improvising with the moment. I start with the basic composition, placing elements as needed, some planning on where I want light and shadow. Then I throw away the sketch, the photograph, look away from the reality and let the paint, the brush and the water flow.

Materials used:

watercolor on arches paper

Tags: