Sketchbook notations can contribute to more effective painting.

Notations in your sketchbook potentially provide important information once you've left the scene. Notes or comments pertaining to direction of light source and color, for example, become helpful. Subject details and notes referencing the overall composition made by the artist before leaving the painting location, can lead to a more effective painting.

Animals Present Painting Challenges...keep it simple and lose the detail.

Animals present challenges we don't necessarily face with landscapes and related traditional watercolor painting. My goal with the German Shepherd watercolor painting shown here was to keep it simple and avoid introducing a lot of detail. There exists, I believe, some distinctive Shepherd characteristics that can serve as a an anchor for the painting. The unique ears, gold pupils and handsome snout are just a few. Capturing an animal's most recognizable features will often contribute greatly to the successful watercolor painting and potential sale.