NOTES on Color:

Putting all this information into practice means making many things work at the same time. We usually begin with a light sketch or drawing in graphite or a light color. We next establish a pattern of color, and work into the divided 'puzzle pieces" of the drawing. Bringing the value and color up in stages, and leaving most detail until last means that the painting as a whole has a better chance to become a complete success in terms of composition, color and balance.

In class work: fresh fruit find a way to indicate the surface plane on which it sits.

Process

Layout drawing and first color added.

Final state.

This watercolor was shown earlier in class. The steps or stages used and the process or sequence of planning and execution are apparent in each stage.
(Place mouse pointer on the images to display a larger image.)

Laying in the color range. Develop the lightest tones and colors.

Laying in the background - into wet paper, and isolating light items in profile.

More background. Balance and match, so that the background looks like a consistent whole.

Background almost complete. Fore-ground and details last.

Fore-ground and details next to last.   

"Tulips" Charles Demuth	"Yellow Rose " by JRJ
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Work on the "Rose" still life in stages as discussed in class.

Still life image using the process described. Work on a small watercolor mixing colors as much as is practical. Two kinds of homework: a painting outside of class, and WC sketches in the sketchbook. Work on a flower image of your choice outside of class.

Light Up Your Watercolors Layer by Layer by Linda Stevens Moyer
The Art of Watercolor by Charles Le Clair
(The work of Charles Sheeler and Charles Demuth)

Color Process links: Charles Sheeler Charles Demuth