My mother was a bird enthusiast. I learned the love for them from her however, I never learned the names like she did. I found photos of this species, the Waxwing, in her birding books. I loved their bright orange colors, and though they don't nest in Eucalyptus trees, I thought the colors of the Eucalyptus leaves in my backyard would be an elegant contrast to their color.
My painting style is bold and bright with many layers of transparent colors. My painting process is fun and imaginative, a break from realism. My style of painting in watercolor is a combination of Representational/Impressionism.
I am very careful with the grade of paper I use so that I can maintain the surface while I play with subtle color washes. I build the color up, preciously keeping my paper canvas showing through in the areas that call for white, so that I don't have to use any white. I am a purist and love the transparency of layering watercolors. I use opaque colors minimally.
I use reference photos for ideas. Then I create my scenes by composing what I think will be dynamic. You would not recognize my painting from any of the references. This is one part of my creative process that is highly regarded by my mentors and clients.
I used high quality, cold pressed, watercolor paper that is so much fun to blend colors on and adds texture. I used thick paint making the watercolor consistency thicker than ink. I tear the paper if it does not already have a deckle edge. I frame it on top of the mat-board, called float mounting, to show off the papery edge effect. It "pops" the colors in the painting, and is lovely on black. Then I frame it in a modern black frame.
