he idea for this painting came whilst visiting Cassis in the South of France.

If you would like to try this painting for yourself you may copy the sketch to your hard disk then make your own sketch from it. My original sketch measures about 6x6 inches, of course you may make your sketch any size you like.

I am using Whatman acid free 100% rag content watercolour paper, Not (cold pressed) with a weight of 200lb(400gsm), and Windsor & Newton artist quality watercolour paints. I like tubes rather than pans because the paint stays moist, you can squeeze out fresh amount whenever you need to.

eing transparent, watercolour is an ideal medium for painting reflections in water. A number of techniques can be used depending on the mood you want to convey. Here I have used a number of transparent glazes applied on top of each other to build up the wavering pattern of reflections. Don't be afraid to use strong colours here - it is a mistake assume that because water is light in colour the reflections must also be light.

When using the glazing technique, it is important to let each wash dry before proceeding on to the next. I first underpainted areas of the water by applying a very weak wash of yellow ochre with a little burnt sienna. I used the same wash to give some form to the hulls of the nearer boats. A slightly stronger wash was used to pick out the flesh tones on the arms and face of the seated figure.

Next washes of cobalt blue, ultramarine and paynes grey were added in varying strengths, from weaker to stronger, to develop the patterns of reflections and rippling water in the foreground.

hadows were added to the hulls of the boats to further develop their form. The wash for the shadows was mixed from ultramarine, alizarin crimson and a little yellow ochre.

At this stage I also worked on the seated figure a little more, adding different tones to the face and arms and using varying strengths of the "shadow" mixture to add in the clothing. Note the figures clothing was painted in wet on wet to give a gently rounded shape.

Some of the blue washes were added to the boats in the background, using cobalt blue with a little alizarin crimson.

he painting really starts to come to life as details are added.

Using ultramarine, cobalt blue and paynes grey, the paintwork was added to each boat.

The addition of a little vermilion and cadmium yellow on the boat trims and the buoy in the foreground added to the sunny quality of the painting.

he final details were added to the background

I also strengthened the shadows in a few areas and added washes to the glass in the wheelhouse windows

I hope you enjoyed seeing the build up of this painting and, if you enjoy painting for pleasure or profit, that you might try it for yourself.

Ann E. March B.A. 14 Spa Close, Highworth, WILTSHIRE SN6 7PJ, UNITED KINGDOM International Phone: (00-44) 1793-766548 | UK Phone: 01793-766548 Please call for Sales or Commissions and thanks for viewing my webpage. Send mail to : watercolour@annmarch.co.uk with any questions or comments

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