Day Eleven : #30x30DirectWatercolor2018 : Bonsecour Market : The Old Port
So, let’s see if I can describe what worked for me in this dome. (Bonsecour Market, in the old port area).
Normally, I would paint the dome first thing, as it is the center of interest. But – as it’s a silver, reflective object, I wanted it to integrate with the sky.
So:
A: I painted the sky first this time. My first mark was to cut around the bright, right-hand side of the dome, starting to draw the shape negatively, with dry, white paper.
B: I let the sky bleed into the shadowed left-hand side of the dome, and below, in the barrel, where the windows would later be drawn.
C: I *did not* cut around the little cupola on the top of the dome. Because I knew I would put that dark shape on top of the sky later. (Using bloodstone genuine, (an opaque-ish pigment), after waiting for the blue sky to dry). In general, you shouldn’t cut around such a tiny shape. You’ll never get a smooth sky behind it. This has to be done in one go.
So – in all cases – the shadowed left side, the bright right side, and the tiny gaps in the cupola – I made the right decisions, multiple moves in advance.
Pats self on back.
It’s the little victories that keep you motivated!
Citizen Sketcher 
Well deserved pats on back! Love the touches of red here and there..excellent dome.. I am getting the leaving the white thing.. works great..
Marc, l saw your work at the watercolor exhibit at the Ektobocoke civic centre. The entire collection was inspiring and you pice was no exception. Thanks for bringing this event to my attention.
You’re good and the clear way you explain yourself even better. Much appreciated.
👏👏👏
I really appreciate that each day you are describing your technique and telling us what went well and what didn’t. This is very helpful.
Wow! I love this one, Marc. Great explanation too. It’s amazing that you could do this with direct watercolor!
Just lovely. Thanks.
I like your step=by-step explanations of your thinking as you move thru a painting, Marc. Very helpful.
Marc, cannot express how much I am enjoying your 30X30 adventure. The many miles of pen work you have logged in the years I’ve been watching “what you do” via internet/youtube seem to have given you an intimacy/knowing with your urban subjects. Watching you bring that to your (chosen) direct watercolour adventure is very entertaining. Sharing your creative experiences is enriching my w/c journey in a huge way. Each day’s notes are such precious nuggets of how you got there and what you did next and seeing your work (hits or misses…most reassuring to me).
I’m taking part in 30X30 vicariously through your postings and those of others I admire. This event can be a spectator sport! I am painting each day but am under no obligation to the event/posting/explaining commitment. I am in the best of all worlds at the moment. Thank you for your offerings, I wanted to express my gratitude. Regards
Thank you again for sharing great tips!
Beautiful! I love how the darkest dark in the barrel is blue, and the top dark is reddish. Thanks for showing and explaining why something works or doesn’t – I look forward to reading your blog everyday!
Beautiful!
Thank you so much, I love these detailed tips and reflections that you share, that’s really the most fantastic way to help people improve! Do you have any online courses?
oh I just found your book and courses up above. Thanks :)
I love the first one !