My watercolor process
How I create your painting
My commissions combine the structure of a photograph or prepared composition with the movement of water and pigment. Watercolor pastels, pencils, and layered washes let me work from loose, textured impressions toward a more closely rendered likeness.
From reference to paper
I use projection to transfer a photograph or prepared composition onto watercolor paper. For this drawing stage, I typically use Caran d’Ache crayon pastels or watercolor pencils, and Daniel Smith pastels for larger formats.
A restricted palette
I usually work with three or four primary colors and a tone color, building the other colors through mixing and layering.
Water and layered washes
After transferring the composition, I wet it to let the pigments mingle. I then apply layers of Daniel Smith watercolor washes to build contours and depth.
Light and texture
I sometimes use wax to mask highlights, including colored wax for especially luminous passages. The texture of the watercolor paper can give the pigment a grainy, almost pixelated quality.
Finding the finish
Sometimes I leave a painting rough and open, with very little brushwork, letting the water and pigment produce beautiful effects by chance. For a more closely rendered result, I build on that base, smoothing the granulated texture and bringing the painting closer to the reference and to photorealism.
When we discuss your commission, tell me whether you’re drawn to a loose, textured interpretation or a more closely rendered finish.