I selected one of those value plans as the basis for last week’s half-sheet (15″ x 22:) watercolor demonstration at The Market Place, Rancho Cordova, CA.

A felt tipped, permanent black ink pen is used to quickly lay in the basic shapes. I then ask onlookers to suggest two colors I might use to begin the painting. Red and violet are suggested.

Mixtures of red and violet provide about 80 to 90% of the initial color scheme and are added in various amounts in three, separate layers. The drying process of the first two layers is hastened with the use of a hair dryer. . After the first two layers are completed and dried, a third hue, yellow is added to the final layer.

Below is “Sunny Shasta,” as it appeared at the end of the demonstration.

The next morning I insert the painting into a display frame and set it on an easel for further thought. From time to time I note areas that might use improvement. Some of the suggestions are seen in the image below.

Once the areas of concern are completed, I decide to add a horizontal highlight on the surface of the water. The line is taped off, and the color lifted with a wet brush and Kleenex. The area is allowed to dry. Next, the blade of a sharp, knife is used to scratch out a few intense highlights along the line, just to the left of the rock. Those highlights are are intended to bring the viewer’s attention into the painting and toward the intended focal point, the rock formation. The image of the finished painting is seen below.

Availability and pricing information for this painting can be found by following THIS LINK.