My approach to watercolor painting leans toward a realistic yet balanced style, capturing the essence of a scene through a considered and studied observation. My goal through my artistry is to draw the audience into the work, using a combination of both detail and atmosphere to help tell the story I am trying to convey. With each painting, I hope to bring a sense of harmony through methods and techniques I have developed, and this has helped create the style I have today.

Morning Boats, watercolor, 15¾ x 12” (40 x 30 cm)  There are many subjects that inspire me to paint, from landscapes and seascapes to urban studies, all offering their own visual language to capture and share. I have a particular interest in architecture, which offers a constant source of inspiration for me. I find great reward in working up an urban scene through drawing and painting, with at times complexities that challenge my artistic approach and understanding of a given subject.

Forever Free, watercolor, 13¾ x 10” (35 x 25 cm)

 

For this demonstration, I decided to visit New York City, a place that gives so much inspiration. The many buildings of varying style deliver an architectural spectacle, with an atmosphere that is found nowhere else. A particular gem of New York architecture is St. Patrick’s Cathedral, with its two spires and gothic style—a quiet elegance all of its own. When seen up close among the surrounding skyscrapers, they allow the cathedral to be framed in all its beauty, seemingly amplifying the delicate and ornate design. 

Incoming Storm, watercolor, 15¾ x 12” (40 x 30 cm)

 

The scene was set on a wet August afternoon, with interesting reflections mirrored on the foreground and an almost brooding feel. The atmosphere and the architecture combined gave such an inspiring subject and just had to be painted. Before making a start on the main painting, I work up a small pencil sketch value study. This will not only help determine composition and tone, but also offers a warm-up for the final painting. Once this initial stage is finished, I move to the main piece, which can be seen in the steps of this demonstration.  

My Art in the Making St. Patrick’s Cathedral

 

Pencil Sketch & Value Study

I work up a small but important pencil sketch value study, which allows me to work on the composition and tonal elements before making a start on the main piece.

Stage 1

Stage 1  Drawing

I begin with the initial freehand drawing made in HB pencil, carefully adding the main elements and paying particular attention to the cathedral itself.

Stage 2

Stage 2   Light Wash

I apply a light wash of French ultramarine, yellow ochre, permanent rose and raw sienna washed down the page. Consideration is given to the cathedral, ensuring the color isn’t too varied on the architecture itself.

 Stage 3

Stage 3  Surrounding Buildings

I now move on to create form and shape to the surrounding buildings using the same mix as before but with a deeper tone. I begin to add subtle detail to the background building to give a more three-dimensional feel to it.

Stage 4

Stage 4  Windows and Details

Windows and details are now carefully added to the cathedral, taking care not to add too much detail to the architecture, leaving more of an impression of detail rather than a direct copy.

Stage 5

Stage 5 Deeper Tones

I darken the tones of the surrounding buildings and the background structure, suggesting reflection. This will help give contrast to the cathedral and allow it to shine through the busy scene. 

Stage 6

Stage 6 Midground Trees

I add the trees to the middle distance using a mix of sap green, yellow ochre and French ultramarine. I also begin to define the foreground reflections using a mix of French ultramarine, Winsor red and burnt umber.

Stage 7

Stage 7   Additional Definition

I add color and definition to the traffic, the flags and pedestrians walking by, while building up the reflections with subtle details. I also add the roadside bollards and start to bring all the elements together.

Stage 8

Stage 8  Final Details

I move onto the final stage of the painting, adding final details such as window bars, traffic bollards and foreground lines, as well as darkening up some of the buildings to enhance the cathedral itself.

Stage 9

Stage 9  Finished Artwork

St. Patrick’s Cathedral, watercolor, 17¾ x 13¾” (45 x 35 cm)
The painting is now complete, and by using a gradual build up of color, tone and detail, it is possible to offer a realistic representation and reach the desired result. Together with a methodical and considered approach, these urban scenes really do offer a challenging yet rewarding subject to paint.