Crooked Steps

"Crooked Steps," by Kurt Plinke 
transparent watercolor, Arches 140 lb cp.
10" x 13" image size

Work in Progress


I saw this cat sitting on some dilapidated steps in front of an old white barn down from the studio the other day, and sketched the scene. I liked it because the cat seemed so natural, and because the steps just made no sense. I couldn't figure out why they didn't align with the door. (and I liked how crooked they were)

Verticals and horizontals always feel natural to me in a composition, lending stability and a sense of calm. Juxtapose that with the odd slant of the steps, and this painting practically composed itself.

​I'm about three-fourths finished with this painting. It is a transparent watercolor, meaning that the pigments are transparent, and colors are layered upon colors to develop depth and variety. No white paint is traditionally used in a transparent watercolor. I expect that I'll finish this painting in the studio this evening.  When finished, I would like to see more warmth in the foreground, as well as, of course, a black-and-white cat on the steps.​

Visit www.kurtplinke.com to see more of my paintings, read my blog, find out about upcoming workshops, classes and shows, and, of course, to pick out and purchase your favorite paintings.

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(UPDATE: finished)

That evening I finished the little painting.
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Visit www.kurtplinke.com to see more of my paintings, read my blog, find out about upcoming workshops, classes and shows, and, of course, to pick out and purchase your favorite paintings.

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