Aysgarth falls by Olga Gunn

Well, who can criticize a first watercolour? I can, because you can't see my first one! The water lacks strength against the landforms, as of course you know; when painting a watery subject, it's the water that needs to take precedence: so bolder directional lines, colour and tone were needed, bearing in mind the water is surging over those landforms and indeed wearing them away. Maybe paint the surge of water first, having indicated the rocks and background lightly in pencil or very pale washes, then insinuate the landforms around it in the back- and middle-ground, with stronger tones for the foreground rocks. You can always use masking for the effects of water against the foreground or (in my view better still) touches of (splattered, perhaps) white gouache, Chinese white or Titanium White gouache, or even white acrylic.

What excellent advice and ideas, Robert. First watercolours are always so tentative, but in time you will get bolder with your colours, shapes and contrasts. A very good first attempt though. You are to be congratulated.

Robert & Thea, thank you very muc for your constructive comments and advice. I will certainly have another go at the subject.

Keep on going, Olga...everyone is here to help you...All advice you have had so far is good and well worth taking on board. And I can't resist saying again...'Get those dark contrasts in, don't be frightened of them, you will be pleasantly surprised at the results!' Come on Forum if you need to ask a question, or ask for help and advice.