The Golden Wood, page 3

	The lighting is too harsh as is, so I add more grey to the bark of the trees. This "grey" is actually blended patches of thalo blue, ultramarine, red light and quinacridone red. Some of the yellows from the initial wash are also in the mix. At left, the darker green areas are actually the masking fluid; compare with the image at right. I continue to add detail by glazing new colors and adding calligraphic marks for twigs and leaves. I also soften some edges by scrubbing them with a stiff brush.
	With masking...		At right, after I removed the masking fluid again, I changed my mind about the lower branches and scrubbed them out so they appeared to go behind, rather than in front of, the foremost tree. I added more intense colors to the tree trunk to bring it forward.		Without.

Before.

I spent quite some time on the brook. It's a subtle element, probably overlooked by most viewers, but I felt strongly about it for my private pleasure. I scrubbed out some of the surrounding texture, redefined the watercourse, and increased contrast along the banks for emphasis.

After.

Here's the finished piece... The Golden Wood Watercolor, 11"x14"

...and here's another, larger version, accomplished pretty much the same way. Lothlorien Watercolor, 16"x20"

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