A Spring Sketch

The spring season is at last more like spring and less like either fall or summer. The temperatures have moderated, spring storms are lessening, and trees and gardens are in flower. Near us is an arboretum with several dozen flowering trees. Blazing temperatures forced the trees into massive flower, but the high temperatures were threatening, so last Thursday a handful of mates from the Saturday sketch group made our way to the arboretum for a painting session. Although I could have used oils, I had already spent several hours working en plein air and wanted to switch gears so I used watercolor. 

"In the Arboretum," watercolor and ink on paper, 5x10

The day was pleasant, with a little south breeze and fair skies. I laid in the composition lightly in pencil, then painted broad color washes, becoming progressively more detailed. A technical pen made adding the ink lines simple, at the end.