Our enthusiastic and inspiring Watermill painting tutor Paul Talbot-Greaves is looking forward to another week at the Watermill this summer and to another Tuesday visit to the market in the nearby walled mediaeval town of Fivizzano.
So much so that he’s been anticipating his return by creating a few demonstration pictures at home in England, including this fascinating sequence, taking us through the creation of a vibrant watercolour, step-by-step.
Here’s Step 1
“I begin with a simple drawing of the composition taking note where any white shapes are going to be, then I freely wash the lightest colours over the painting. It’s amazing how painting can bring back sensory memories. As I apply the colour, I can almost feel the heat and remember the Italian chatter, the church bells playing at noon and the general hustle and bustle of market day.â€
And Step 2:
“Working from the focus out, I build up the darks of the scene, using a limited palette to tie together the mood and the light. Watercolour is perfect for capturing these qualities.â€
You can see the picture of step three at the top of this article. Here it is again:
Paul says: “I add shadows and hints of detail to the buildings, but not too much because this painting is a story about market day in Fivizzano, not a study of a building. I did a second painting from the same spot too.â€
He adds : “There are so many compositions in and around the market square, you don’t have to move far at all…only for some great coffee at the café.â€
Why not enjoy Italian street life with Paul and capture it in your sketchbook – and enjoy Italian coffee and delicious home-made ice cream on market day in Fivizzano, one of the great locations on a Watermill painting week?
Paul will be with us for his course in watercolours (and acrylics) from Saturday 20 August to Saturday 27 August 2022.We already have nine people booked in for Paul’s week, including one non-painting partner. So, we have room for two or three more painters (and their non-painting partners, too, if they’d like to join them.)
And don’t forget you will be Cool and Green at the Watermill: all our bedrooms and public rooms (including the studio) are air-conditioned, powered by our hidden array of photovoltaic cells which make us self-sufficient in electricity.
Paul Talbot-Greaves – two or three painting places left
20 – 27 August 2022
Watercolours (and acrylics)
To learn more about Paul and his course at the mill, please visit his 2022 Profile Page.