The Civil War monument in Manchester, NH’s Veteran’s Memorial Park was first unveiled in 1879. It is an impressive and beautifully crafted fountain that was erected to honor the Manchester soldiers who fought in the union. I snapped some pictures of the monument and ended up using these photos as references for watercolor paintings.
The drawing stage is just one of many stages of a painting. If I get the drawing right, it sets me up for success in the next phase when I finally get to lay down the pigment.
Transitioning from the drawing stage to the painting stage is both exciting and unnerving. By the time I finish the drawing, I am eager to add colors, values, and edges to bring the image to life. However, there are still myriad ways that the painting stage can go wrong, despite all of the time and preparation spent on the drawing. Instead of being crippled by the fear, I just trust the process, dive in, and paint.
The drawing for a watercolor painting is all about planning. It’s the time to consider how I will tackle challenges I anticipate in the painting process. As I make my way through the drawing, I make modifications and adjustments to the image, according to the plan.
Planning helps me to stay on course with my vision for the painting. However, too much planning can result in a stiff, calculated result. The drawing should allow for a certain amount of play and spontaneity. It’s not meant to be a set up for a paint-by-numbers approach.