Tim Wilmot - Watercolour Demonstration

Tim kindly chose a photo sent by Alan Watters, of the Caen Hill Lock café, to use as his source image.  Using Saunders Waterford 300 gsm paper, 15” by 11” and Jackman’s watercolours, Tim began by sharing his thoughts on composition, quickly sketching out the scene.  The first wash for the sky was a blend of cerulean blue and lavender, and was used to cover the paper, adding a wash of ultra-marine blue at the bottom.

Source image

After coffee, Tim turned his attention to the trees and greenery.  Meridian green and spring green formed the foundation, while touches of yellow ochre, burnt umber, ultra-marine blue, burnt sienna and neutral tint added the tonal highlights and shadows.  Next the café, bridge, lock and narrowboat took shape, their reflections shimmering in the canal’s surface.  To complete the scene, a shadow stretched across the water from the right, adding depth and a sense of quiet movement to the finished painting.