Watercolor: governing the irrepressible
Throughout many years of painting saturniid moths in watercolor I have naturally developed ways that are idiosyncratic to me. Given the possibility that others might find my methods helpful in their own work, I have always been happy to share them. I was very pleased, therefore, when the editor asked me to write this article. Many find watercolor a daunting medium. Given certain precautions watercolor, in spite of its tendency to be headstrong and to direct itself, is actually an easy medium. From long experience, I can honestly say that there is nothing I ever attempt to do in watercolor that I cannot succeed in doing. This is not to be taken to mean, of course, that I can do everything that can possibly be done in watercolor. Probably no artist in any medium could make such a claim. But my technique is adequate to my ambitions, and what artist can ask more of his tools than that? One important aim for me at this stage of my life is to help other artists experience a similar sense of control. In the course of giving many watercolor workshops, I have developed step-by-step images that illustrate in a straightforward and easily grasped sequence all my technical procedures. These images will provide the framework of this article.
Cody
J