Painting The Alamo In Watercolor and "Happy Texas Independence Day"!
Almost every time we go to San Antonio I visit The Alamo and make a painting on the spot. There is usually a group of school kids who who notice what I am up to and suddenly swarm about me like a flock of birds with the teachers catching up to rein them in. The children are encouraging, loading me up with positive comments, amazed by how quickly the painting is done.One group cheered for me as I finished a painting of the San Fernando Cathedral, what a rush!
Usually I sit on a low wall across from The Alamo in whatever bit of shade is available and paint on a quarter sheet of watercolor paper (140 lb) taped to a piece of Masonite.
It gets hot very quickly in San Antonio and I am anxious to finish and move on!
I try not to think about the work but to enjoy it. The paint is applied quickly using my bottled water from Walgreen's Pharmacy. Usually three brushes are used, a 1 inch Flat, a #8 Round and a #4 Round, all synthetic. The paint I use is an eclectic mix of Daniel Smith, M. Graham, Winsor Newton, QOR (I like their Cobalt Teal), whatever works and looks good. Almost always I will use some Lukas Opaque White for highlights, a black watercolor pencil for some shadows and texture and a fine point Sharpie (or some black, permanent pen) for line work.
As I sit and paint my mind wanders and it is hard to not imagine the lives sacrificed on that piece of land in 1836. Usually, when I finish, I stroll the area and read the plaques on the lawn and am always touched by the stories of bravery. I am very proud to be a Texan.
Wait! Here's the best part... if it's really hot, and if I think I did a good job, I visit the Haagen-Daz ice cream shop for something wonderful!
