This is a watercolor from the series ‘My Favorite Bottles’. Here are a some painting stages.

I’m using Arches 300 GMS watercolor paper.  The model is on the table in back to the right.

I wet the paper first.  I didn’t start with a drawing, so I start on my favorite part and build up around the first object I put on the paper.

At this point, I’m still placing everything on the paper, trying to imagine how it will look at the end.

After I know where the bottles belong on the format, I continue with a la prima and try to get the shapes and colors in one shot.

The painting is finished. I try not to go back into the painting once the surface of the paper is covered.

I no longer have this painting.  I like the way they framed it with a 3-4 inch mat around the picture, giving it plenty of room between the painted area and the frame.

The frame goes well with the furniture and curtain and the colorful bottles add an accent of color to the living room.  I love to see my painting in this home.