When I begin to paint a representational work, a major factor on my mind is reality and believability. Three-dimensionality is an important component in this and proper use of value is the most important factor in accomplishing three-dimensionality. Contrasting values create depth. Only against the very dark colors do the light ones shine. If there is no dark, the light pales and the depth weakens. Large simple patterns of contrasting values will improve everything about a painting: color, line, detail, all will pop out and the resulting design will dazzle. As I paint, I am always thinking about which shapes belong to which values and therefore what sequence to do them in. In transparent watercolor, you must pay attention to water, pigment and paper. When you lose the white, it isn’t retrievable, so the sequence must be planned like a dance is choreographed. 

Color is also important to the illusion of the third dimension. I love working with color. There is a chemistry which happens between colors. The juxtaposition of complementary colors creates a vibration which makes that area stand forward and sing. Glazing, the building up of layers of transparent color, can also help to create the perception of contour and depth. 

Believability does not depend only on three-dimensionality; reality also has rhythm, patterns of shape, line, color and value, which repeat and build on each other. One of the joys of painting for me is trying to understand and capture that rhythm which is special to a particular flower or landscape or person; to get the viewer’s eye to dance along this particular path of vision.