Week 143

Exploring is the essence of maintaining youth. Curiosity is the foundation for a life bubbling with joy and gratitude. The opposite in any occasion bring a stifling glut of judgement and resentment. Watercolor was something we had never explored together, so it was “on the menu” tonight. Approaching with open hearts, we chose to limit the palette to simplify this piece. With broad, loving strokes, we created the drawing in graphite and charcoal. Then mixing a Zorn palette, we began the deepest shadows. They were elusive at first. Watercolor goes on rich and vibrant, then dulls as the water dries. Multiple passes are required, yet too many can damage your paper. Finding the way to together add the right pigments and timing to make the shadows rich and deep while working in tandem was a new challenge. Together we created and passed from quiet mysteries of the shadowland into the light, softly rippling toward our kayak and brushes.

Escaping the Shadows

12 x 12

Watercolor on Paper