This sketchbook page shows the methods I used for the watercolour painting, On The Hard, Camusterrach. This painting was inspired by a painting trip to the Applecross Peninsula.
This painting will be on display at the RSW 5TH Open Summer Annual Exhibition in the Meffan Institute, Forfar from the 30th April 2016 to the 29th May 2016.
Click on the images below to see a larger image.
Generating ideas for the painting with a loose 5 minute pencil sketch taken near Camusterrach, Applecross. More detailed sketches will be used back in the studio.
Adding colour to a quick sketch onsite while the light is good. Soft pastels were perfect for showing the blues, greens and ochres.
Back in the studio cutting Saunders Waterford 300 Ib, hot pressed watercolour paper to size.
Stretching wet paper, choosing paint and washing brushes and sponges .
Starting loose sketch in the studio with watercolour pencils which are softened by adding water.
After saturating the paper with Chinese White I then apply the first wash of Ultramarine Blue for the sky.
After blocking in some colour for form and depth I wash over the whole painting with a mixture of diluted Chinese White, gum Arabic and granulation medium.
Making marks and adding warm bright colour to the foreground.
Almost finished. Just some small details to be added.
Final painting. On The Hard, Camusterrach