Contrast and Pattern

Although I work in a realistic style 

the abstract elements of any project 

are uppermost when choosing

how to interpret a subject.

Here the morning mists 

were lifting over a wet marshland 

leaving the dead trees 

in stark contrast 

to the surrounding wetland.

In this second watercolour...

again the subject is old trees.

The dark and moody oaks

 line a roadway

against a background 

of filtered light and

youthful undergrowth.

 In the first I concentrated on keeping the background 

loose and airy as a contrast 

to the twisted and stark, dead willows.

In the second 

there is a less obvious contrast  

between the old oaks

which are almost overwhelmed

by the lively background.

The overall pattern is held in place

 by the direct roadway 

leading into the distance.

Setting compositional challenges 

brings an extra dimension 

to your interpretation of a subject

and is the beginning 

of developing a personal style.