Sunshine Umbrella

Red Umbrella Sketch

6x6in watercolor on acid free paper  SOLD

Many of us use an umbrella for shade here in the

bright sunshine of southern New Mexico. I use one

very easily...

I was raised using one in England for a completely

different reason...RAIN!

Artist Note.

First - a huge thank you to all the 

understanding comments about my re-posting

and genuine support. WOW!
Blessings to you all.

I have chosen another post with a helpful

reminder about not being too precious with sketches.

 (re-post from 9/3/13)

My watercolor weekend was spent on doing quick

sketches like this one inspired by a photo taken at

the farmers market here in Las Cruces, NM.

I did not draw it first. I started by

placing spots of color next to each other and corrected

angles and shapes with negative painting. If you look

you can see the red of the umbrella under the green and

it doesn't bother me a bit!

The purple shoulder went out too far so I blobbed in a

small dark to indicate the lower part of the sleeve

and did not "tidy up."

These small watercolors are invaluable for me

testing what works or doesn't - what I like or don't like.

This was done on Strathmore  mixed-media #400.

I find I like the surface for a sketchy approach.