The Watercolour Journey
A Shed Somewhere
In the North East of Victoria there are stacks of sheds, farms
and interesting human shapes amongst the landscape. Any
time of day is good, but morning or afternoon with some light
and shadows about is ideal.
This one is in Indigo Creek Valley. The subject selection is
done – the strong shapes and great contrast/conflict between
light and shade, the warm and uncluttered entry into the
picture, the poplars signalling ‘look this way’...
We’ve composed the photo pretty much as we want to paint
the picture. Horizon starting around a third from the bottom,
interest in the focal area around a third of the way in from the
left, and following the light to the right of the picture.
We now look at our tonal values. A sketch of tonal values
shows us where the broad shapes are, and the simplified
tonal value of the areas. Nothing more – simply blocks of tone
and shape. It looks pretty good, so we’ll go with that. As it
simplifies things further from the photo, it will be the main
reference for tone. We can always go to the primary
reference in the studio – but in ‘en plein air’ painting, the light
changes so quickly, a good, quick tonal sketch is vital to keep
from chasing the sun across the paper. This is our basic
blueprint.
To paint, we need to draw – to sketch up. All that is needed is
a very simple contour sketch, noting the main shapes and
their locations. We will express light and shade, colour and
line all with the brush and the paint. There is no need of
anything further in the sketch.
To the painting, then. Colour - that’s a whole another
sequence of steps. Here it is. I think that’s enough – no need
for any more detail or indication.
The Tonal Value Sketch is
something you might consider
doing for every painting you
attempt. If you are going to the
trouble of painting, then a tonal
sketch is part insurance.
The Contour Sketch is all that is
needed once you have sorted
out the tones and shapes. It
serves only as a reminder to you
as you paint, and signposts the
way. Definitely not for painting
between the lines.
Happy Painting!
Gordon