Strange Cargo

It is an intriguing name for a gift store, but there it is on Beale Street in Memphis...you never know what you're gonna find.

Watercolor, 12"x18", Fabriano Paper

Southern Railroad

These rail cars are not rolling anymore but they add to the charm of the Collierville Town Square which was looking great yesterday when I took the picture that inspired this painting.
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Watercolor, 5x7", Fabriano Paper

Country Church

This was a practice sketch for this painting. It helped me plan out the value pattern. I learned from one of my favorite watercolorists, the late great John Pike, that it is always a good idea to have a plan for the value pattern (lights vs. darks). He always completed a pencil value sketch before starting on his gorgeous watercolors. This is especially important with watercolor because the transparent paint makes changes relatively difficult.

Having said that, I only do it once in a while because I am kind of lazy and I am always anxious to get the painting finished.

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Watercolor 5 x 7, Fabriano paper