Creek in fall colors and rushing stream

Love challenge

Many years ago, I had done some rough sketch with watercolor pencils on a 24 x 18” Arches paper. Probably in 2009 or 2010. We used to travel a lot back then. The sketch was of a creek with trees in fall colors. While the photo of step 1 is very white and light in value, the actual sketch was not. You might know that it’s not possible to erase watercolor pencil lines. I didn’t like everything in that sketch, but I love challenge. I decided let’s try to make out something of this creek in fall colors.

Techniques I used

I don’t use masking fluid, but rather prefer painting large and even huge shapes so that it’s possible to paint around whatever I need to. Good, firm and thick cold press watercolor paper allows for lifting and adjustment, as well as layering many times over the basic color. Rocks are great for application of salt. When applying salt, one has to be mindful of timing, there’s fairly narrow window when this technique works. If the rocks are really large and the entire painting is large, we can do numerous extra things.

Changing and correcting watercolor painting

The photos of painting steps of this creek in fall colors might not have the exact colors and contrast, however they give an idea of how one can change and improve watercolor painting even when initial shapes are not correct. I’m reading in Facebook groups how people describe watercolor as difficult and something one cannot correct. That’s wrong! If you paint large and on good paper, you can change and correct everything. The best colors to lift are all blue shades, even Payne’s grey can be lifted to almost white paper.

Use live art classes

I teach all painting techniques in my live art classes. I can see that online class doesn’t give one proper understanding of what and how to use, what timing should be applied, how to use paper towel, lifting and layering and what colors work and what don’t. It was a difficult picture to take photos of because of the distinct cool and very warm colors. Their use is absolutely intentional. That’s also important aspect – color temperature.

Imperfections are fine

Just like always, my photos could better, but I am going ahead and publishing the creek in fall colors. The reason I want to paint somewhat realistic watercolors, even imaginative ones is that abstracts are not challenging enough. I’m not worried also that absolutely everything isn’t perfect. When it comes to painting, I’m all for process and for challenge. If it’s easy, there are no thrills for me.

For beginners in watercolor painting

If you are a beginner and want to paint with watercolor, go big. You are not going to ever leant painting with tiny brushes on tiny paper. There’s simply no space for any effects. Also, using tutorials and watching somebody else paint isn’t going to help much. Brush and paints are important, but what matters most, is the hand that moves the brush. I would like to remind how important is value sketch in large size. Contrast and values are what make painting appear three-dimensional. To check your values, turn the painting in black and white. If it still shows the subject correctly, values are right, too.

Enjoy the art!

14 Replies to “Creek in fall colors and rushing stream”

  1. Oh my goodness Inese! This painting is one of my favorites. I can deeply feel like I’m there and the way you merged the warm and cool colors is seamless, while also being so perfectly reflective of the unison of our duality. I love how I am taken through the feelings of each color and also swept away in the sounds and smells. This image is so reflective of how things look here when I am hiking in nature. You have a beautiful way of capturing the essence of nature and also sharing the process. I know your students must love your classes. Thank you so much for sharing your gift with the world.

    1. Thank you so much Tania Marie!
      Such a wonderful comment! It makes every moment which I spent painting this watercolor very worthwhile. Whenever somebody can feel what my art says and what ideas I’ve tried to convey, I feel extremely happy. Apparently, this painting spoke to you.
      Fall art classes are just about to start, and, yes, I believe students will love creating their art, as well.
      All the best for your travels and I love how you’re explaining the mystery of life and universe to us!

  2. Thank you Inese for taking us through those steps and explaining more about the process… Loved seeing the various results and progress of the painting…

    Much love to you my friend xx <3

    1. Thanks very much Sue!
      While I enjoy a good challenge myself, I hope somebody else might get inspired and try creating their own fall colors artwork.
      I believe watercolor painting is easy as long as one goes big and doesn’t stress out about tiny imperfections which sometimes contribute to better art.
      Thanks for support and love!

    2. My pleasure… I will have to get out my paint brushes again soon… I have had needle and thread in my hands lately 🙂 I go from one project to another But today I was thinking about another acrylic painting.. a small one… We shall see what energy and thoughts transpire lol.. 🙂
      Have a great week Inese xx <3

    3. Good idea!
      However, it’s way easier to paint anything larger. Large painting will only suffer from major mistakes, small painting – from all small mistakes.
      I simply think it is easier because every shape, every spot is larger. The most difficult part nowadays is to get people draw and paint big. Probably greeting card size tutorials are to blame. I find that large painting takes as much time to paint as a small one, you simply use more paint if it’s acrylic.
      Good luck and maybe consider larger one this time. You’d be surprised how well that works.

    4. My dragon art on watercolour was A4 size… The Acrylic canvas the smaller one I am thinking of using is around that size… Though my Acrylic Dragon painting I did was much larger…
      But you are right about mistakes being more forgiving 🙂

    5. That’s not too small, easy to frame, too.
      I’ve seen some of your dragon art, very unique, fairy-tale stuff.
      Creating is good, always lifts one’s mood, keeps hands and mind busy.

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