Grange in Borrowdale by Robert Jennings

Very very atmospheric, Robert, I like it a lot.

There's nothing wrong with your greens,believe me! Where do you think your problem lies? Seriously, tell us, because many of us might be able to help - they look fine to me, but if you have problems achieving this level of naturalness, well .... try mixing red into blue for shadows (and not Payne's Grey), Naples Yellow, Yellow Ochre or Cadmium Yellow for lights (more convincing than most Lemon Yellows), adding a touch of viridian (preferable to Pthalo Green) .... avoid fugitive or otherwise untrustworthy colours like Aureoline, throw away watercolour Hooker's and Sap Green .... but it doesn't look to me as if you're making any of these errors, so come on: what's your problem? I think your greens work extremely well - the worst thing you can do is make them too acid and vibrant, especially in watercolour - but if you think you have a problem, spit it out!

PS - great bridge!

I don't see too much wrong with your greens either. If you are having trouble with Paynes Grey, If you use W&N, then try Neutral Tint instead. I converted years ago and it was just what I needed. I wish they did a Neutral Tint in Oil! You could try a glaze of a slightly greener tint over the trees... But I think the picture is fine as it is. And I agree with Robert. It is a nice bridge. and you have just enough foreground detail. The only thing I might add is a narrow band of a darker wash following the contours of the ground and water, right in the front. It's a bit of a cliché, but it does do wonders for aerial perspective. :) Regards John

P.S. Realising I could view in Large format, well maybe you don't need the dark foreground glaze after all! John

Hi Robert, I also think that you greens are fine. You have achieved very natural realistic look.

Thanks for all those useful comments. I try to restrict myself to Cad Yellow, Raw Sienna and Gamboge for yellows and Ultramarine or Cobalt for blues and use a bit of Burnt Sienna to darken things down - I dont possess green out of a tube. Yet I feel at times to lift greens and make them vibrant without being gaudy is difficult. The hub of my frustration is maybe less about colour and more about creating realistic shape and form from a mass of foliage - eg I am happy about the green behind the bridge (though I think I need a better counterchange (not sure if I am going to darken the bridge or the trees yet)) but less with the LHS greens and trees

you are very talented. I cant see any problem with the greens and dont think that youre struggling at all! Your watercolours are lovely and painted with confidence. I can see that you love the medium of watercolour as I do!

Looking through your gallery once more, I don't see your probleme with the green. All your landscapes are so perfect and beautiful. I wish I could paint watercolours like that.

Don't be silly Robert! You have no problems with your greens, the rest of us do, you do not !