Inspiration Challenge 2024
In late March I finished my painting for last year's challenge. The subject is cold springs in winter. I included my sketch along with my painting.


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In late March I finished my painting for last year's challenge. The subject is cold springs in winter. I included my sketch along with my painting.


Hello Toni,
Thank you for sharing your snowy watercolour painting.
I was curious about your process—could you perhaps share a reference photo or more information about how you approached the scene? That would help us better understand your interpretation.
In terms of colour and perspective, there are a few things that could be refined. For instance, the washes appear a little dry, which may be why they aren’t flowing smoothly. Also, the water seems to be running upwards, which creates an unnatural effect. You might find it more convincing to suggest the surface of water with horizontal strokes, rather than following the river's shape.
I also noticed the use of warm colours in the distance and cooler ones (like the blue trees) in the foreground—this seems a bit reversed from how atmospheric perspective typically works. Additionally, some trees in the background appear to be floating, possibly due to a lack of grounding shadows or connection with the landscape.
It might help to consider lowering the horizon line for better composition. The reeds could be suggested with broader shapes rather than detailed brushwork, especially at that distance—too much detail there can be distracting, and reeds are notoriously tricky to get right. Often, less is more.
It’s great that you did a sketch beforehand! Just a reminder: a good sketch benefits from having a clear range of values—light, mid-tone, and dark. Try squinting at your subject to simplify it into those main shapes, and then add just a few details to finish.
Looking forward to seeing more of your work!