A delicately layered watercolor painting of an evening sky

This is one of my oldest paintings that I still have in my possession.

I’m not sure of the exact year that I painted it but I think that it must have been between 2005 and 2010.

I have thrown away nearly all of my old work from that period but this one I kept.

No doubt this is because I find it somewhat beautiful. 

And I think the beauty comes from the use of layering one color over another.

The thin glazes of color creates a beautiful transparency and in my opinion conveys a feeling of pureness and vibrancy.

That alone wouldn’t make it such a beautiful painting.

If it was only that then it might be a rather weak watery watercolor.

That delicacy of layered colors is made beautiful and emphasized by the contrasting bold blue clouds.

And I think this painting shows that a good watercolor painting has a combination of delicacy and boldness.

Ironically, I rarely use that layering technique nowadays.

I confess that I tend to be a bit of a heavy handed watercolor artist and paint rather thickly.

I sometimes wonder if I should have painted in acrylics rather than watercolor.

But to return to this painting.

When I look at this painting, it is like receiving a message from the past that is urging me to do some paintings with this layering technique – and also to add some of my normal boldness with it. 

So far, I haven’t but one day maybe I will.

My only regret when I look at this painting is my signature.

Why did I put it so high up! 

It really spoils the painting. 

I was almost tempted to remove it.

In the end, I decided not to as I thought the risk of spoiling the painting was too great,

So it remains.

That’s all for now,

Gareth.