Looe Bridge to West Looe

Sometimes a busy harbour view catches your eye because of the strong light and shade. The ancient stone bridge leading towards West Looe provides a solid shape to anchor the composition. I wanted to capture the contrast between the dark bridge wall and the bright green vegetation below.

Working with watercolour means you have to plan your lights carefully. I left the paper white for the sunlit walls of the houses and the figures standing near the railing. A wash of cerulean blue and ultramarine blue helps set the cool tone for the upper buildings and distant hills.

For the foreground road and the stone bridge structure, burnt umber mixed with yellow ochre creates a warm earthy base. Splashes of spring green and viridian bring life to the grassy patches near the water and along the path. Strong shadows cast by the figures add a sense of bright sunlight on a clear day.