Inspired By A Master

The email that I sent out last week inspired a number of comments and questions so I decided to continue the discussion on doing large watercolor paintings. I was inspired to work in this large format after visiting a show by master artist Joseph Raffael. The realization that watercolors could be done this large was a revelation. In answer to the questions I received, the paper can be purchased in 11 yard rolls and I simply cut off what ever size I want to use. I use the same brushes and palette with the addition of a butchers tray for large washes. The paper is cold press 140 pound and it tends to buckle when working this large so I weight down areas that I am working on. This painting of wild roses is 36 x 51 inches and resulted from small paintings that I did in Denver Botanic Gardens. I also had several photos of the flowers. There was no white paint used because in watercolor you utilize the white paper. The colors on the flowers are cobalt violet, cerulean blue, lemon yellow, and orange. The green leaves are mixtures of olive green, cerulean blue, ultramarine blue, cadmium yellow and yellow ochre. The branches are an important part of the composition and they are arranged to move out from the flower like the spokes of a wheel. My next weekend workshop is in Denver Botanic Gardens on July 12, 13, & 14 and there is still room so if you are interested send me an email to pendletonstudio@gmail.com. Join me in the gardens and I will demonstrate small paintings that can lead to large paintings like this. Happy Painting! Dennis Pendleton