Hello in Red and Blue

A couple of weeks ago, I cut some bluebonnets and Indian paint brush from our acreage and brought them in to enjoy and paint them.  I started this painting with wet paint on wet paper, adding fuller body color and pulling out color as I saw fit.  After drying, I worked one section at a time continuing this process, stopping for "gut checks" frequently.   This process of refining my painting until it expresses what I intend is quite an exploration.  Thanks to my friend Becky for encouraging me to finish this painting and to share the process! 

Simply Intuitive

This is one of my simply intuitive paintings, no pencil drawing on the paper prior to painting and no pre-planning of even what I was going to paint.  I selected colors I felt drawn to, testing how they mixed on a scrap of watercolor paper.  On partially wet paper I added color intuitively, intending not to create any recognizable image but to create a pleasing abstract design with which to start. I then let it dry, the result of which you can see below. 

Stepping back from my painting frequently to pay attention to all parts at once, I created a variety of soft and hard edges, increased value contrasts, and some texture by spattering.  These subsequent additions were minimal but essential, as you can see, carefully and deliberately added to create balance, excitement and depth.  There you go. I called this one, Depth of Red.  Hope you like it.