The Making of a Watercolor Painting
I needed to paint a large watercolor painting to replace one that recently sold in the gallery that is representing my work. So I thought you might be interested in the process I went through from start to finish; a time-line of the making of a watercolor painting.
Preliminary Stage; By far the longest part of the process
- Friday: met with gallery manager, decided that the smaller watercolor paintings I had brought with me would not look right and a larger painting (a full sheet size) was needed
- Saturday: printed out a reference photo that might work (emphasis on might)
- Sunday-Tuesday: thought about the painting, cleaned the studio, looked at the reference photo again
- Wednesday Morning: decided it was time to get to work, ordered glass, figured out how to turn a horizontal reference photo into a vertical painting.
Painting Stage; Where I actually do something
Wednesday Afternoon
- 1:00 pm Did charcoal sketch
- 1:15 pm Break
- 2:00 pm Taped down full sheet of paper, did the sketch and the first wash
- 2:30 pm Really long break
- 8:15 pm Painted the second stage; the mountains, trees, buildings etc
- 8:30 pm Painted the third stage; the bridge
- 9:00 pm Another really long break
Final Stage; Finishing touches, framing, delivery
Thursday
- 9:00 am Asked my husband to pick up glass while he was in town
- 1:30 pm Cut matboard
- 1:45 pm Finishing touches on piece
- 2:15 pm Short Break
- 3:00 pm Cleaned glass and framed painting
- 3:30 pm Noticed lint inside frame, dismantled frame, removed lint, put frame back together
- 3:45 pm Repeated last step
- 4:00 pm Short Break
- 4:15 pm Left for the gallery
Looking back, some of this schedule seems a bit silly. Did I really take that many breaks? Yes, I did! I always walk away from the painting several times throughout the process. This prevents me from overworking the piece. I would rather stop when it seems 80% done than risk overworking and killing the freshness.
It’s also important to note that I spend much more time planning a painting than I do painting it. A watercolor has to go smoothly and quickly from start to finish. The only way this can be accomplished is to know the process before you ever pick up the brush. You should be able to envision the painting on the paper before you start.
I’ve left out the most difficult stage, naming the painting! I haven’t got that far yet, that’s what I’m working on tonight. Any suggestions?
What a beautiful and informative posting. I look forward to seeing this one in the gallery. Online the colors have a clarity and will probably be stunning. The bridge frames several different pictures and keeps the interest of the viewer. I like the view of the sky, land and water, suitable for a large painting. Thanks for the insights!
Thanks Wendy. Let me know when you have a chance to see it in the gallery. The bridge in the painting is the Hawthorne Bridge that spans the Willamette River in Portland, OR. I decided to focus on one tower rather than both not only to make it easier on myself (symmetry in watercolor is difficult) but I also felt it strengthened the composition. I choose a view that included mostly trees and water. Portland is lucky to have such a beautiful waterfront in the middle of the city! http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hawthorne_Bridge
How Beautiful this painting is. I like the way you justpaint away and you come out with this wonderful painting. Then again theres me and still struggle to do a sky. One day I am in hopes Ill beable to sit down and paint so wonderfuly like you do.
Question for you how do you get the white spsrkles that you have on the water?I noticed in your videos when your painting they just apear. How doyou do this?
Have a wonderful day your blog gives so much I thank you so for this,
A painter who’s learning on her own,
Linda
Thanks Linda!
Your comment reminds me of a time when I was visiting the studio of my good artist friend and neighbor (and former high school history teacher), Dale Kurtz. He was showing me a painting he was working on.
I said, “You make the mountains look so clean and simple. How do you do that so easily?”
Dale’s response, “I’ve painted a lot of mountains!”
There is no easy secret, just lots of deliberate practice. By the way, Dale’s website is http://www.dalekurtz.com/
As for the white parts on the water, I can tell you that secret! I work on rough paper, which has more texture than cold press. Using a light-handed brushstroke, the paint will skip over parts of the paper leaving the white paper showing. Of course this takes lots of practice to learn to do it on command.
Best of luck to you Linda. Soon you will paint a sky with no problems!
Love your work and have been enjoying your videos! I like this painting and how you work so hard to maintain the simplicity and freshness of the work. I really need to try your walk away approach as I tend to think I can work through it and often loose the painting. Thanks for all of your efforts to share you insights and style, you can see some of my latest work at http://mikeyazel.blogspot.com/
Thanks Mike. Yes, walking away is often the best move a painter can make!
Thank you so much for sharing your process. I am a newby (since 2006) and have learned a lot from your videos. Did you name this creation yet? I am amazed you finished it so fast (even with all the breaks). I agree, I have to let things sit before I finish, otherwise I overwork them. Thanks!!!
Thanks Caroline! I’m glad that you’ve learned a lot from the videos. Best of luck in your watercolor journey. I went with a simple name for the painting, “Hawthorne Bridge, Portland.”
Vinita,
Thank You! Your work inspires me to paint more. You’re among my top people along with Alvaro C. and Joseph Z.
I crossed the Hawthorne Bridge every day. I was a Tri-Met driver while in Seminary 1978-82. (Western Seminary SE 55 and Hawthorne) Many good memories of the bridge.
Louie
Louie, you just made my day! Thank you!
What a wonderful site! I just found it and am devouring your info. Keep up the good work.