Coffee And Chat by Ken Young

This is very well observed Ken, it seems an odd thing to notice but the chairs have been very well drawn and painted, mine always look a little unsteady! The only thing I would comment on is that it would look better withould the shrub which ( I think) detracts from the well painted lady next to it.

Thanks for the kind comments, Stephen. You're probably right about that shrub, and I thought about omitting it, but I enjoyed painting it. Funny you should mention the table legs, because I tried a new technique there. I masked them out with tape, cut to size (in place) with a craft knife and ruler, then washed the pavement colour and shadows over the lot. This gave me crisp, straight edges on the legs, a far better result than I've ever had with masking fluid or negative painting.

I like this a lot, and to me the shrub adds to the composition. Well done

Great watercolour, I love the compostion, very well painted Ken

Super watercolour Ken and many thanks for the masking tape tip. I shall definitely give it a try as I always have problems with straight edges!

Great watercolour ,terrific detail ,nice relaxed scene,

A superb piece, beautifully executed, with great composition and lovely light.

Always drawn to your work! Great touches of colour in an otherwise monochrome piece which in itself is beautiful. I'm trying to work out how you cut the tape....... was it in place on the paper? If so how do you not cut through the paper too ?! Anyway thanks for your tips which you always pass on so generously.

Thanks everyone for the generous praise... it'll all go to my head you know. As for cutting the tape I got the idea from a DVD by my hero, American artist John Salminen. Apply a strip of masking tape to the area of your painting that you want to protect and press it down. Tape is usually translucent; you can see your drawing through it. Carefully, using just enough pressure, cut round the shape to be protected. (For straight lines use a ruler too.) Then peel away the unwanted portions of tape - if it resists, blast it with a hair-dryer while you peel and it'll unstick easier. If you're unsure about your cutting skills, practice first on scrap paper. You will cut into the watercolour paper just a bit, but not so much that it matters, provided you're careful.

Thinking about what I just said, let me add that I use 'not' watercolour paper - so dunno how the technique would work on cold-pressed or rough paper - experiment on scrap paper if you use those. And you need a nice sharp craft knife or scalpel. Just mind your fingers! Blood doesn't easily come out of watercolour paper, you'll find.

Thanks for explaining Ken. John Salminen is also high on my list of watercolourists that leave me in awe! What make is your masking tape as mine until now has been for painting windows!!?

I'm using a cheapo unbranded tape. I forget where I got it, probably B&Q or similar. Yours should be OK I would guess.