Very little excites me more than an initial watercolor wash. There are possibilities in the wash, unexplored ideas waiting to come to life in a painting. Before this particular wash, I imagined a mountain range. Still, as is typical of my style, I allowed the wash to speak its truth, providing me with a colorful foundation for my next adventure.

This wash is three colors: Daniel Smith Aussie Red Gold, Amethyst Genuine, and Permanent Rose Madder. Each color was strategically poured onto a 300-pound 16×20 sheet of Arches cold-press paper. From there, I worked quickly, guiding the paint with tilting, tissues, brushes, and a blower. I added a bit of salt for texture and used a blow dryer to eliminate excess water. The entire process must, by nature, be quick before the paint dries.

Then, I wait. I study. I meditate. The process slows. From here, creation is profoundly spiritual and personal. Already, I see the beginnings of where this journey will take me, and what I see may be completely different from what you see when you look at this unfinished work. Stay with me. Let’s journey together with creative eyes.

I have given this piece the working title “Passage.” Do you see the paths in this wash? Which one would you take?