The Charbonnier at Westonbirt Arboretum

This watercolour is from a quiet corner of Westonbirt Arboretum. What pulled me in was the strong light sitting in the middle ground, just beyond the shade of the trees. I loved how the shadows fanned out across the track and led the eye to the little shelter and the figure. There was a hint of action with the charbonnier at the kiln and a soft drift of smoke. Simple things, but they tell a story.

I planned the scene around value first. Dark masses on the left and right frame the bright centre and make that band of light sing. The shadow pattern on the ground is one large shape broken with lost and found edges. I kept the smoke soft with a clean damp brush, so it feels airy and fades into the sky.

For colour, I wanted fresh spring greens.  I mixed spring green with cobalt blue and a touch of viridian for the trees, then warmed the sunlit path with burnt sienna. The cooler shadows came from alizarin crimson with ultramarine which gives a lively violet. Cerulean blue kept the sky light, and a little neutral tint on the fence and kiln set off a small touch of white for the smoke highlights.

A few quick marks suggested the figure and the fence. The roof stayed light by saving the paper and adding tiny dark accents under the eaves.  If painting this, start with big shapes, decide the light path, then place small details at the end. It is a simple subject made interesting by light, shadow and a breath of smoke.