Winter’s Glow: Watercolor Reflections

Small, delicate. A little miniature watercolor painting created with Amethyst and Sodalite. Just 2 colors. But she hints at mystery and night.

 

 

Wabi Sabi  in Winter

To hint, to infer and to suggest at the deeper mysteries, at the beauty of nature is very Zen,  very Wabi Sabi.

It is probably, I’d say,  one of my top creative assets that I employ frequently.

Foregoing photographic tight,  realism for the Wabi Sabi feeling of ‘Yugen’    ie to suggest, to evoke, to allude to something.

That is,  what I love to do!

 

 

Memories

This painting was created based on wonderful memories of a very dear friend’s house near Offutt Lake, Washington that overlooked a magical little pond filled with wildlife.

 

It always was a delight going to her house for a cup of tea and then sitting to watch nature from the veranda. And enjoy her lovely company.

 

 

N’Reen

 

A late winter’s afternoon

The sun’s warmth has gone

 

The evening chill stirs

Fog and mist come from the north

 

The winter pond aglow with lavender light

Casting reflections, smooth and soft

And silent

 

Night comes

The owls will hunt

 

 

 

Summary

In this painting I’ve used a limited palette, nearly monochromatic. This creates calmness and serenity.

 

I chose the amethyst and sodalite from Daniel Smith watercolors, for their textural granulating properties. There’s also a subtle, shimmer in them as well, perfect for this scene.

 

My light and shade, tonal values,  were clarified. Evident. Not jumbled or muddled around. I painted it as if I was speaking.  I Said it like I Meant It.  And then I Stopped.   No Fiddling.

 

You notice that there is a strip of white paper along the embankment area, in a horizontal line. I needed to create a horizontal within this vertical format,  I also needed a Diagonal.

I had to ‘infer’ a Diagonal directional line.  I did this by  signing my name right hand side bottom area.  And what happens,  or is meant to,  the eye looks from the signature diagonally side and up to the left towards the trees’  reflections.    It is a Suggested Diagonal.