High Noon

I photographed this lovely woman under the noonday sun in Santa Fe Square. She seemed to be enjoying watching the hustle and bustle of the tourists.

My watercolors begin with a loose and expressive under painting, followed by a “mapping” of the darkest shapes — specifically facial features and fabric folds. I work around the page in many transparent layers, considering shape, hue, temperature and value. Details are slowly depicted with more precision until I am satisfied that I've captured the essence of the subject, the expression on a person's face, the moment in time. I prefer high key paintings and soft colors that evoke pleasant feelings.