Carl Buttke “Reflections” watercolor series

I paint these images abstractly using an abundance of water and a heavily loaded brush with paint either laid directly onto the paper or into a pool of water already laid down on the paper. I use hot press watercolor paper having a smooth surface on which to lay the pool of water or paint. This series lends itself to a limited pallet dominated by Hooker's Green and Indigo and the mixing of colors on the paper rather than on the pallet. For example, the dark almost black areas conveying shadows in the forest is accomplished by laying down a pool of Indigo into which is added Hooker's Green and then mixed on the paper to produce a deep dark and alive color. The result is a painting unique for watercolor with vibrant deep contrasting color, mostly low key, with varying intensity and texture.

My paintings are then finished to display them without having to be framed behind glass thus eliminating glare of light on the artwork. I stretch and mount hot press watercolor paper on a framed or cradled panel such as Ampersand Gessobord or Claybord with a Natural pH adhesive. When the painting is finished, I spray it with Golden Archival Varnish to seal the painting and provide UVLS protection to reduce light damage. It is then sealed again with Dorland's Wax, which adds a unique texture to the surface of the painting. This coating results in protection against dust, moisture, and even water. I have used this process for paintings varing in size from 12 x 9 inches to 60 x 30 inches.