Goin' Coconuts -- Watercolor

Getting closer! I made some time yesterday... to paint the last coconut in this watercolor. It's always a challenge to paint in the last passages of a watercolor -- because so much depends on the value system already painted.

I have particular challenges with value -- so I'm constantly aware of making the right value decisions towards the end of a painting.

I knew that I need the last coconut to be a simple washe -- and light in value [on top]. I waited until a rainy day to lay in the wash.

In my work-- the last passages are definitely the "key" to the painting... so they have to be "right." [definition of "right": well painted, easy to the eyes, with proper value and fluidity]

Background washes are less important .. and one can "get away" with awkward passages... but not foreground or subject oriented passages!

I'm almost done now.... all i have to do is continue to paint in the related white stems of the botanicals surrounding the coconuts.

I plan to feature this painting on a marketing postcard...so have to get it done soon.

South Florida Cocos
watercolor
22" h x 30" w
2009
unfinished