"Back Porch Tea"

Another entry in the watercolor field, this painting started life as a very detailed pencil drawing. When working with watercolors I usually prefer a loose sketch and big, fast washes with the detail added at the end. This piece broke all of those rules. To get the look of the wicker furniture I needed a very detailed drawing so that all the brushstrokes could be put in the right places. The curtains on the windows and the pitcher and glass of tea, as well as the silver serving tray were all painted at the end to tie all the pieces together. The vase and the flowers were added last to balance out the work, it was to heavy on the left side without them. This painting hangs in my mother's home and I get to see it from time to time. This painting reminds me of the old time southern home with the covered porch, a place you might want to be on a hot summer afternoon. Hope you enjoy!