Old Metal Pitcher

Dean Mitchell explains the many complex techniques with which he experimented to create a deceptively simple composition: "The initial stage of the painting began with a very light, loose, precise gesture drawing to place forms. It began with washes of watercolor from light to medium tones to define space and light. Acrylic paints with various light opaque washes added weight to the door and pitcher. The pitcher itself was done by scumbling (applying) subtle, heavy blue-grey opaque washes. I chose a long, thin, fine hair liner brush for the grass area with various light greens in acrylic. I used matte medium mixed with transparent watercolor as a glaze to add a richness to the door and grass area. The shadows on the door and step are light glazes as well. The concrete wall has small amounts of splattering with an old toothbrush to add texture to the wall. There's possibly some small cross-hatching brushwork in it as well; I was experimenting quite a bit with drybrush watercolor in the early to mid 1980s."