HOW IT WORKS

My paintings are produced in the medium of watercolor, using Winsor and Newton transparent watercolor exclusively.  I work on a domestic painting surface made by Crescent Cardboard Company in the form of  watercolor board with a thickness of 1/8".  This board is archival in quality, having a 100% rag core, thus being  completely non-acidic.  I use only five colors when I work; warm and cool reds, a pure blue, a pure yellow, and for my Southwestern work, burnt sienna.

Over the years I have become a studio painter, never painting on location.  I work from my photographs (I have thousands) and have the ability to reconnect on an emotional level with the scene as first experienced.  I add and delete information as composition dictates, but basically attempt to give to the viewer the same experience that I enjoyed.

I  produce about 200 originals a year, continue to grow, and have sufficient control to express my views on a regular basis.  Self-expression is my driving force and a large part of the compensation in this discipline.

I am completely self-taught in watercolor, but I was born to the creative process and can communicate in several mediums, including prose and music.  Technique is only a part of art, and the creative process cannot be taught.  Artists are born, not made.  Keep your heart as well as your eyes open when you view art.  Enjoy.  Be happy.  Be whole.

Tom Gavitt