These two paintings were demonstrations for my two watercolor classes this week. As I have mentioned on this blog the reason for my demonstrations is to illustrate a core lesson, and then get the students painting their own pieces in either a 3 or 4 hour class format. It is not to paint a major painting and auction it off to the highest bidder. The first demonstration is about creating depth and atmosphere using a simple theme of foreground with figures and distant land mass. I think the figures help to create focal point and make a fairly generic scene more interesting. 
12×16 watercolor on cold press 300lb paper
This second demonstration is about creating a center of interest, with a small section of carefully crafted pieces of light. I have let some accidental pieces of white paper help direct the viewer to the center of interest, the light on the buildings. Remember when you are painting to watch the interplay between the brush, paper and paint and when something cool happens like some interesting pieces of white paper save them you can always get rid of them later, but they are hard to bring back once they are gone.
12×16 watercolor on 300lb paper
You always give us a teaching away in your publications of painting. I love the subtle figures of the first watercolor, that suggestion of a group of hikers. Thanks for reminding us leave bits of white paper in the second one. A friendly greeting. Mercedes
I totally agree that the figures add that bit of mystery to the scene that makes it more appealing!!! 🙂