Santa Barbara County Courthouse and Gardens

Bright sunlight creates very strong shapes in a painting. When I painted Santa Barbara County Courthouse and Gardens, the bright roof tiles and light walls caught my eye straight away. The deep shadows under the arches and trees give the scene its real energy. Working with high contrast makes any picture pop off the page.

For the vibrant lawns and palm trees, I mixed spring green with yellow ochre to get a warm sunny feel. In the shadow areas, I blended cobalt blue with burnt sienna and a touch of neutral tint to make rich darks. Using strong darks next to bright light makes the white building look clean and bright. Simple colour choices help keep the watercolour fresh.

I am often asked how to paint palm trees without making them look messy. The secret is to use a large brush and make swift loose strokes for the leaves. If you like this artwork, the original painting Santa Barbara County Courthouse and Gardens is for sale. Please contact me if you are interested in buying this piece or learning more about it.

If you want to improve your watercolour skills and enjoy regular video tutorials, please visit my website at www.timwilmotartist.com. You can also join my online painting club and community at patreon.com/timwilmot. Check it out for a free trial today and start painting with me.