I recently presented a watercolor demonstration at the Southern Cross Art Society. I chose to paint a figurative work, as it would provide a teaching opportunity for those in attendance: that imagination is key.

I first sketch in the main figures and elements. But as watercolor is a fluid medium, moving across your page, you have to make room for the painting to develop on its own. I don’t draw in every cup, saucer, shelf. These things I see as the negative shape is created around them.

Here is how the painting turned out.