Painting on the Edge

"Tongside Farmyard", watercolour, 25 x 36 cm
A recent commission, for friends to give to a son who has moved to the other side of the World. I enjoyed painting this one, with its contrast of strong sunlight and shade. I had to paint the dogs from memory, but I think they made all the difference to the final result.

"Highland 'Postie'", watercolour, 25 x 36 cm
This was one of those subjects that turn up by chance sometimes. I had been out sketching this view and was walking back, when a post van passed me. I had seen him coming across the moor in the distance, and the striking colour of the vehicle in the vast, empty, landscape gave me the idea for an unusual painting. My own van happens to be the same make and model, so I was able to use that to get a drawing at the right angle. Then I just had to combine my sketches into one drawing to paint from.

In order to paint in the impressionistic style of watercolours that I prefer, a bold and confident approach is required. This causes problems for beginners, and even experienced painters if they have a break from working. Worrying too much about the process can lead to a cautious approach, which often produces a stiff and uninspired watercolour.