Down by the river by Sarah Bottjer

Not too dark at all Sarah! That's the best way to get good contrast...lights and darks...I like your colors in this one...

I really like this one Sarah for the bold brushwork and colours!

Cheryl and Louise! I appreciate both your comments! I still have that notion about Black being a no go in watercolour. I usually mix Ultramarine and burnt sienna or umber for my darks , but thought that I needed a change !

You are quite welcome Sarah! And thank you for your comments on my work as well. Painting seems to be a learning experience no matter how good you are...I am glad to be able to get critique from others..it helps alot! Keep painting...

I like this as well Sarah, I like your bright bold use of colours, lovely reflections in the water

Thank you one and all....I always like feedback...good or bad! It's the only way that we can improve and this site has so many talented artists on it..It seems a shame not to ask for C&C in such a good company :)

Try paynes grey for your darks. I get through loads of it! Who makes up these rules anyway, what's wrong with black? lol

Yes, you are right Louise! Some rules are made to be broken! I have some Paynes grey... I'll use that next time...may be it won't be so stark!

The pinks and violets work very well. The whole thing is such a welcome change from "haywain" watercolour landscapes and I think it has rather a magical atmosphere to it.

That is very kind of you to say Kim! I always like a magical element in paintings, although I would also like to have Constable' talent too! Oh well! I shall have to keep wishing!

Lots oenergy in this Sarah, I also like the strong reflections. It has worked well here but I always seem to get a dirty sort of effect with black in watercolour, I think your Ultra + BS is a safer bet. You mentioned Constable, I was surprised to see a couple of monotone watercolours (probably in black!), by him in Gallery Oldham recently. They were very good, of barges I think, I did'nt know he painted in watercolour, maybe a sketch for a large oil painting?

I'm glad that you like it Stephen. I must admit that I didn't know that Constable painted in watercolours and didn't realise that they were in an Oldham gallery either! When I'm up there again I shall have to search them out :)

Dynamic, vibrant and full of energy. What more is needed? I think one ought just to be brave and try things out. I should probably also practice what I preach!!!

The Constable watercolours are part of the Charles Lees (old textile magnet) collection of Victorian watercolours, well worth seeing but not on permanent display. Gallery Oldham has a good website with an Exhibition programme listing. (nice cafe too!)

Gudrun , thankyou . I must say that I always think that you are brave in what you try out with some great results too :) Stephen, I will certainly look up what is exhibiting in the gallery. Thanks for taking the time to reply :)

I popped into Gallery Oldham again today and the Constable watercolour is still on show but as I say, the exhibition is constantly changing. Looking at the painting again (which is really good) I noticed the date painted, surely the gallery have got it wrong? It would mean Constable painted it aged 16! That's not fair is it? Apparently, they rotate the watrcolours to prevent them fading.

Stephen.. I just looked him up in wikipedia and they say that his painting of stonehenge is considered to be the best watercolour painting of all time . Some people have all the luck !!!