Original Watercolours by Tim Wilmot

Latest YouTube Video - Simplifying the scene (Another Venice painting!)

Here's my latest Watercolour Demo up on my YouTube Channel, this time a scene in Venice (yes, another one!) and focusing on tips for simplifying the scene.

 

 

Courtyard at Quilles et Papilles, Villefranche-de-Lonchat

Villefranche-de-Lonchat, France, 15" x 11"

I think I have used quite a few watercolour techniques for this one!  Wet in wet, negative painting, dry brush strokes, splattering and washes of course.  Also plenty of different edges - soft and hard.  A little courtyard in a cafe in the charming village of Villefranche-de-Lonchat in SW France.

Painted on Saunders Waterford, Cold Press, 300 gms

 

Colston Street Bristol and views across Park Row

Bristol, UK, 15" x 11"

A central Bristol scene and contra jour up to the Park Row area of Bristol.  I kept the composition very simple - the background buildings and retaining wall in front of them are just shapes with a few horizontal lines - made just a little bit more interesting with a drop of some extra colours added in while still damp.

Painted on Saunders Waterford, Cold Press 300 gms

 

Baixada de la Misericòrdia Tarragona Spain

Tarragona, Spain, 15" x 11"

I wish I could get back to Tarragona sometime.  So many nice views in the old part of town and this one, a gentle sweeping curve up to a high part of town and the light just right, casting shadows across the street.  Quite a loose one apart from some careful negative painting around the 3 lights against the wall.

Painted on Saunders Waterford, Cold Press, 300 gms

 

Plaza Las Palmas - Arrecife - Lanzarote, and the light from behind being a little tricky

Arrecife, Lanzarote, 15" x 11"

It's always a bit tricky tackling a scene when there is bright light behind you.  Often you can have in front of you a scene where many things are the same values or tones, making it a challenge with watercolour.  So I needed in this scene to add in some lights against the darks as in the figure against the dark trees or the white car with partial shadow.

Painted on Saunders Waterford, Cold Press, 140lbs

 

Akti Kanari Chania Crete - Harbour Scene and reflections

Chania, Crete, 15" x 11"

I haven't done boats for a while in a harbour scene, full tide and the reflections being a key element, and I miss doing them.  Sadly in need of some more reference photos, I went back to some old ones from a previous holiday to Crete.  Here is the sort of view I love doing - a row of boats, something tall in the background to give some larger reflections and a gentle swell to create some waves and interest.

Painted on Saunders Waterford, Cold Press, 300 gms