Watching an Artist Explain His Painting Process

One of the things I like best about belonging to art and writing groups is the excellent programs they

Artist Christopher Wynn discusses paints ©Mary Montague Sikes

offer for members almost every month. The Virginia Romance Writers has an outstanding hands-on-event the second Saturday, and the Metropolitan Richmond Artists Association has a program on the second Saturday of each month as well. I belong to both groups, and, unfortunately,  the meetings are at the same time and usually on opposite sides of the city of Richmond. On a couple of occasions, I've talked my husband into attending the meeting of the artist group for me while I attended the writers event. However, in 2013 my personal pendulum has swung in the direction of art, so last Saturday I chose to attend the demonstration by watercolor artist Christopher Wynn at the MRAA meeting.

Drawing of a rusty truck on 300# Arches paper

Although I am not a big fan of watercolor paintings of old trucks and cars, I am a fan of the ones that Wynn creates. They are striking works of art that stand out in shows in a very poetic way. For his demo, Wynn brought in a photograph he took of a rusty old truck. This is a subject that fascinates him so much that he travels around looking for old vehicles to photograph and use for subjects of his future work. To save time on Saturday, Wynn had already sketched the truck on 300# Arches cold pressed paper and taped it on foam board. He also had masked a portion of the drawing.

As he worked, Wynn talked about the limited palette of colors he uses and his preference for Daniel Smith watercolors because of their more intense pigments. He also demonstrated how he creates black by mixing yellow ochre and cobalt blue, then adding "a touch" of alizarin crimson.
For Wynn, "the essence of watercolor is the fewest brushstrokes you can use."

For the audience of artists, it was a joy to watch Wynn work and explain his process.

Christopher Wynn working ©Mary Montague Sikes