Painting practice · An independent notebook

Light in a small study

A thoughtful collection of original notes on watercolor-style washes and window-lit subjects. Begin with a small observation, then make room for a closer look.

Explore the journal

watercolor-style washes and window-lit subjects — an original illustration — ILLUSTRATED STUDY / 13WASH & WINDOW

“Look once for the shape. Look again for the detail.”

From the journal

Small things, well noticed.

All six notes

01Observe

A window light thumbnail

Draw the largest light and dark areas.

02Observe

A wash sample

Make a small sample using a familiar water-based medium.

03Practice

A curtain shape

Paint the fabric as one shape before adding folds.

04Practice

A reflected edge

Observe where the subject blends into its background.

05Reflect

A second window crop

Keep the palette and change only the framing.

06Reflect

A light study card

Record the time, palette and paper used.

A note from the notebook

Start where you are.

Keep a brush and a familiar painting surface nearby. This collection begins with window light and a simple idea: attention is something you can practice.

Find a starting point