"Bridge Of Sighs"

"Bridge Of Sighs"

Watercolour in its Early Stages

Minus a Preliminary Sketch 

Stage 2. The "Bridge of Sighs" is literally just appearing now in the distance with tourists gently emerging from a soft wash.

Amazing. I have a zillion projects that desperately need my attention. I have collections of paintings that  really need completing including several gorgeous scenes of horse racing. I have beautiful eyes of a fabulous dog in watercolour that I wish to complete before the beginning of February not to mention that fabulous elephant in shades of  orange and blue.  On top of all this my next book is calling to me to write with chapters that are filled with excitement to the point that reaching them is like opening that long awaited Christmas present when you know the gift inside is exactly what you have always wanted.

In fact I have just described how I want artists who buy my second book to feel when it is launched.Sharing my passion for watercolour is easy. But I am pushing myself to make sure each page in this book is one that cannot be passed or skipped over. And so I am exploring my favourite subjects and new ideas. I am drawing on the expertise of the artists from all over the world who have inspired me in so many ways.

This painting of the " Bridge Of Sighs" from Venice for example could easily have been inspired by my time living in Dubai. I fell in love there with painting intricate detail on Mosques and Wind Towers. I learned how to work with colour in ways that would never have crossed my mind had I lived all of my life in UK where the skies are often so grey in Winter.

This small window in the painting is a favourite section of mine and to paint this I fall back yet again on the masters from India and Pakistan who  shared with me their knowledge on how they work with watercolour. Many will imagine I studied in England but a huge part of my training comes from the Middle East.

Window Section from the " Bridge Of Sighs"

The tourists on the " Bridge Of Sighs" are a collection of tiny dots of colour but they really create the illusion of a crowd in the distance.

 Tourists beginning to emerge from the soft wash on the bridge of sighs.

I have been thinking about how lucky I have been. I have travelled and lived in so many countries. I have met and watched artists at work from all over the world. And I have been given so many amazing tips on how to create a watercolour in so many different styles and techniques. I intend to give all these tips away in my next book so that everyone who has not had my opportunities can enjoy what has been passed on to me in the hope these ideas will be passed on to others.So that watercolour can be enjoyed for years to come in the way that I know it today.

The " Bridge Of Sighs" is building up as a painting. I haven't  made a single "sigh" as it has developed because I am enjoying it so much. And to me that really is the main secret of a successful watercolour. 

How the artist felt when they painted it.

"Bridge of Sighs"

Waiting for the next brush stroke.

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