Watercolor
painting is the application of colored pigment to paper.
Water is integral to the process; it is the vehicle for the pigment.
The
suspended particles of pigment are mixed with,placed
upon
and moved about the surface of the cotton paper with water.
As the water is absorbed into the cotton fibers so are some of the smaller
pigment particles. Larger particles adhere to the surface of
the cotton fibers with the help of a fixative mixed in the paint
called gum arabic.
Transparent watercolor refers to the absence of white pigment
to the paint mix. The papers' reflectance of light is used to illuminate
the pigment particles. This reflectance is unique to transparent
watercolor and is what provides the "atmospheric" quality
for
which watercolor is best known.
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My
work is produced solely by my hand.
Compositions are initially worked in a small scale.
Working in a small scale is quick and provides for ease
of experiments in exploring the composition and coloring.
Upon deciding the final scale for a given composition,
I begin to paint a finished piece.
I retain the composition I have developed and begin work
to follow the plan for overall color and tone.
The first marks are laid down, soon the water carries a
certain mark this way more than that; the paper shows
me a different light and calls for a new color to be placed;
improvisation is at hand.
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