The large and small of it
Big skies, sweeping vistas, far horizons. So much to see, too much to record. As an artist accustomed to rendering the details of small things—birds, butterflies, plants and such—I struggle when it comes to simplifying and capturing large landscapes or streetscapes in watercolor. So, I’m experimenting. My idea is to try working small on the premise that it will not allow me the space to get lost in detail. My goal is to get good in advance of an upcoming trip to Ireland, where I’ll have fantastic scenery and limited painting time. Here are my initial attempts, a few from the salt marshes of Westport, Massachusetts and two from Harbor Island and Franklin Light, Maine. (Click to view larger.)
Granite Cliffs, Harbor Island: 4″ x 2.5″, Franklin Light: 5″ x 2″, Egret: 4″ x 2.5″; Salt Marsh and Osprey Nest: 2.5″ x 1.25
Tips & Techniques– You tell me! What works for you in translating complex landscapes to paper? How do you decide what’s important and what to leave out? How do you scale from small to large without getting too fussy?
Drawn In 
I too struggle with working on complex images. It made me smile to see that this is not as easy for you as I would have imagined it to be. Making 5×7 quick watercolor value studies helps somewhat. Still, for me it is someting I must spend more time on, learning as I go, what works and what does not. I try to focus on one area of interest and use lighter values and detail in whatever is surrounding.
I appreciate your question and willingness to share. Thank you.
Thanks Bernadette. I like the idea of working 5×7 and just need to spend more time on it, learning as I go.
Jean…..take a cue from me and be delighted with your landscapes! They are wonderful!
I like your cue…but I DO need to keep at it!
Just if you don’t mind me asking, do you have connections with Ireland?
No…going for a conference and tacking on a week. Really looking forward to it; never been.
Awesome! I’m so happy for you and looking forward to hearing more…
Hopefully you’ll be seeing some lovely Irish landscapes, and other details from my trip.
I’m SO looking forward it!
one of the ways I’ve done this (and I need to do more practice like you’re doing!) is to draw boxes on the page in which to work and paint — even if you have a large format sketch book then you will still have limited space for the landscape.
Thanks Rosanne- I have done that and find that it works– again, because the space is smaller. Practice, practice, practice…
I do so appreciate your comments about your own challenges. I GET IT! I have the same struggles…And I am ALSO hurrying to get better cuz I’m going on a year-long RV trip around the USA very soon. I do NOT want to get bogged down in detail that requires 1 1/2 – 2 hours!!
ONE TIP I will add, is to use a big brush, one that your think is “too big” for the size you are working, like maybe with a 444×6 or 5×7, you might use a #10 or 12 round, or try a 1/2″ flat.
Great suggestion! I find that I can even get lost in details when working small because I have some very small brushes. Bigger brushes should keep the paint loose and flowing. Let’s keep at it!
a very good idea – and one that I do need to try…
Good luck! I’m hoping to be able to go from postage stamp to 3×5 to 5×7 to 8×10. I’ve done some larger pieces that I’m happy with, but not consistently or confidently. I know what I’m supposed to do, I just need to do it (and keep doing it.)
it really is helping…
I have the same struggles. Love your scenes! When are you going to Ireland? I will be there next month!!
Hi Carol– I’ll email you so we can compare notes on Ireland. Hope you’ll have time to sketch in Ireland too.
Oops…thought I could email you, but I don’t have your address. Mine is in the About section if you want to connect. I’m going to the World Canals Conference in Athlone in mid Sept and tacking on a few days to explore.
Sounds like we will miss each other 😦 We will be there through the 9th. However, I’m looking forward to seeing what you paint from your adventures. Safe travels!!
Same to you Carol!
absolutely wonderful. Have a wonderful time in Ireland. Do you take pictures and paint from those?
I much prefer to paint from life than from photos. I think a lot is lost in translation (mood, freshness, immediacy), but I do use photos as a reference for color and when I can’t finish something on the spot.
Thank you.
I love your landscapes. I hope you enjoy your trip to Ireland…
Thanks Evelyn! I’m sure it will be a great trip– and wouldn’t it be nice if I could fill a sketchbook with confidence while there!
Your landscapes are lovely! I have the same struggle, and focusing on values has helped me to improve. And practicing!
Great suggestions Karen! I think doing a thumbnail value sketch to start might really help me identify the major shapes and values before doing a larger sketch.
I come here because I love watercolor, and hope to play with it someday – one of these days – but meanwhile, as you know, I’m a photographer, with a similar problem, oddly enough. I too gravitate towards details, but I’ve just moved to a place with fabulous landscape and seascape views, and I’m trying to figure out how to photograph them in a fresh way. I don’t want picture postcard views. I see someone recommended a bigger brush than you think you’d need – great advice but I’m not sure I can translate that one into camera equipment. 😉 I’ll think of something. Have a great time in Ireland. When/if you find yourself thinking you’re not doing what you want with those Irish views, I hope you can just say, “Well, it’s all wonderful and I’m going to just soak it all in!” 🙂
I love these little landscapes. Your “paint small” inspires me to think about giving landscapes a try. I, too, feel intimidated by all the complexity I see in landscapes, and I very much admire those who have learned to simplify them with success. Thanks for sharing.
You bet— lets keep at it!
Let’s keep the practice going.