Marsh Willow - sketches

Watercolor and ink sketches - 12x5 cm

I have long been interested in this particular willow that grows on the edge of the marsh.  It is weathered and broken by storms, but its new branches are vigorous and strong.  The marsh and meadow behind it stand in contrast to the oaks and pines that surround it.

I used watercolor and ink to try various views of the marsh and willow.  By using watercolor, I can unify the palette with a single color and build from that, experimenting with various color combinations and values more easily.  I plan to do a larger work, so the light and color balance is important, and I can do try that out quickly in these small sketches.  For composition, I added some cattle which create perspective with their size and color.