Watercolors are vastly different from oils and equally enjoyable. I love the diversity of effects you can achieve from watery textures with the wet-in-wet technique, to precise detail with drybrushing. For me, watercolors can be much like precision drawing, but with color!
Prothonotary Warbler
COLORS & BRUSHES
Windsor and Newton colors have always been a favorite. I love that you can leave the colors on the palette and rewet them as needed and I love the vibrant cool hues and the warm, rich warm hues.
Mandarin Duck
PAPER
I love making my own paper for watercolors when I have the space. I have recently cleared-out a spare room that I can use as a watercolor studio. With watercolors you need a flat surface and I hope to do larger pieces very soon so I will need the extra space.
Because my work is typically detailed I prefer the smooth textures of hot-pressed paper. When I am after a softer, grainier effect I use a cold-pressed paper for the tooth.
When using single sheets I use 300lb hot-pressed Arches paper to avoid stretching. I also use Arches watercolor blocks.
Augustus and Ginger
MEDIUMS & MISC.
I tend to stay away from mediums that help consistency or flow of the paints. I prefer to use the medium naturally with water but I do employ helps including wax resist and masks.
Java Finches
MULTIMEDIA
I often use ink, pencil and acrylic with my watercolors. I find that pencils mix nicely to help lend an aged, grainy look.
Least Bittern
Black-capped Chickadees
Blue Jay
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Canon EOS1v and Mountain Bluebird, Watercolor
Still Life with Fruit, salted watercolor
Painted Bunting, watercolor
Mountain Bluebird
Blue-winged Teal
Northern Cardinal
Untitled
Green Kingfisher
Red-breasted Nuthatch
Snowy Egret
Chickadee
Whooping Cranes
Mt. Rainier, Washington, Cascade Range
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