Another view of the desert in bloom. Rains bring out all sorts of wonderful things to see in Death Valley, from vanished lakes to tiny, colorful flowers which cover the sandy soil, before vanishing as the season changes and the heat returns.
Watercolors, Arches Rough 140# 10×14.
I have been painting too much in oils – slow process, very satisfying, but it doesn’t come close to watercolors. I needed to take a break from it and return to my first love . . .
We have had a few good rains this year, and that can mean the desert blooms! The plain beige becomes green and flowers blossom. Sparse, harsh landscapes become far more gentle and welcoming. Death Valley was filled with life this year.
Watercolors, 10×14 Arches 140# rough paper.
The southeastern corner of California is primarily desert. The land varies. There are hot springs, mountains, little rainfall, sparse vegetation. Days can be hot, nights can be cold. Within it are contained major parks and areas, which include Mojave National Preserve, Joshua Tree National Park, Death Valley and the Anza Borrego Desert State Park. Farming here is supported by irrigation from the Colorado River, but as times go by, the Colorado is not able to support farming as it once did. Despite its rather hostile environment – at least to people in some ways – this part of California is stunning. Its austere beauty is something perhaps not appreciated initially, but with time and observation, it becomes a magical landscape. There are towns, too, where you can stay to visit and learn a bit about the desert and its land and people.
This afternoon was a sort of what-do-I-want-to-do day. I really didn’t know. The winds are up right now, and anything done outdoors would require hanging onto everything. So, an indoor watercolor rather than an outdoor oil painting was my choice. And as far as any planning – well, let’s just say I did this on the proverbial wing and a prayer.
Overall, I blocked in the major color areas, using lighter colors. First came the sky, then the mountains of blue and orange brown. The road was limned in, along with the greens of the vegetation. Once dried, details were added. I used the hair dryer a lot! Finally, white gouache here and there, splatters of reddish and bluish paint, and here we are.
I am quite surprised that it turned out as well as it did – at least in my opinion!
Watercolor, Bockingford 140# CP, 12×16.
I am always trying to find economical and superb 100% cotton watercolor paper. This one is really good! Fraggle said she likes Meeden paper, so off to Amazon I went and ordered this 100% cotton paper. Though advertised as 9×12 inches, it measures 12.2×8.3 inches per the cover of the block. I don’t really like blocks, but the I think the paper may be worth that irritation.
This is the paper I ordered (click to get to link). It is the weight and texture I prefer: CP, 140#. Painting on it was a pleasure. Color absorbed nicely and didn’t create any weird textures. Absorption rate was reasonable. It held up to washes and glazes on multiple levels. Working wet-in-wet was easy to do.
Capitol Reef National Park is located in central Utah and is characterized by red rock and sandstone. Canyons and arches are some of its characteristics. As it is desert, the vegetation is sparse and dots the landscape. It is a stunning bit of country – Utah has some of the most beautiful parks! – as well as a place with a fascinating history, from prehistoric times to modern day settlers. Definitely worth a trip!
Watercolor, about 8×12 inches, Meeden / BaoHong 100% cotton paper, CP, 140#.
It seems appropriate to do a version of a western snow scene, and what better place than the Sonoran Desert? It is a bit closer to home than New York. I always find snow in the desert or places I don’t think of getting snow to be absolutely fascinating.
Once more, I am using a limited palette. Here, umber, ultramarine, Payne’s grey, and Hooker’s green for the landscape. The sky is ochre with some Indian yellow, quinacridone rose, and cerulean. Some of the Indian yellow is also present in the landscape, partly to lighten things up and to make some variations. Titanium white gouache is used here and there as well.
I am beginning to find limited palettes of color a lot of fun! When I am painting with them, I have not set out to use a triad of colors (such as a red, yellow, and blue), but picked the colors based on my need to succeed, at least in my head, in creating the painting I want. At some point, I will try primary triads, but that may be for warmer weather. Right now it is winter, and winter I shall paint!
In addition to a limited palette, I am also using larger brushes overall and abstracting details into shapes. Pale, pale washes, as for the sky, are also some of my goals. The scan, once more, is not as good as it could be, but in general the stronger colors are well portrayed.
My paintings are getting better, I think. At least I like them better than many others I have done. Yesterday’s painting was meh, but if I consider that 3 out of 4 have pleased me so far, I must be winning. 🙂
Watercolor, limited palette, St. Cuthberts Mill, Bockingford 140# CP, 12×16.
Ink, Yarn & Beer 