A painting begins with a drawing.

Line drawing to begin with.

Line drawing to begin with.

 

I always start a watercolour with a pencil line drawing. The paper I’m using is Arches 140lb cold pressed watercolour paper.

At first I lightly draw in the central area of the composition, and then begin to add elements to the foreground, background, and sides of the of the composition. I like to add random elements, and often have action taking place just off the picture plane. These elements that you can only see a fraction of often point to the center of the drawing.

Mystery is a big part of an interesting painting for me. I like to tell just enough of the story so the viewer is free to add to, or completely change what the painting is about. Keep in mind I also will probably have no idea what the painting is about. As it goes forward the painting will change in meaning and intention.