Layers of light relaxation
After a busy weekend I enjoyed an hour or so playing with watercolours
This weekend was crazy, I had a big birthday and my wonderful wife had arranged a surprise party where I got to see many friends and family members all together celebrating, it was a night to remember and one I was very grateful for.
The following day was one of nothing too hectic. I walk along the Water of Leith, a lovely lunch and then TV daydreams while chatting and doodling. This candle was a gift from my sister, it’s an Aery (which until now I thought was Avery) Black Oak and it smells lovely.
Not just calming to smell but also very relaxing to look at. Like a real fire I can stare at the flickering flames for ages. And so I thought I would draw it as that is also my go to when not doing anything.
I am really enjoying the process of layering watercolours without any pencil or pen lines first. I start with a very light wash of the whole shape being careful to miss out the whitest parts of the image, in this instance just the top parts of the flames which are the white of the paper.
Allowing time to dry if needed between coats, I apply watercolour from that light wash to the darkest shadows. Many layers are applied before I am happy and the hard edges in near black are added.
Other recent versions can be seen below, I love the soft feathered look to the finished paintings and the way they emerge from the paper as I paint like a memory becoming clearer. Give it a go.
