On painting reflections with watercolor >
Why I Love Painting Reflections with Watercolor
By David Stickel
Known for my representational watercolors of reflections, especially windows that portray life stories and a sense of mystery – inside and outside, I’m fascinated by complex compositions.
I love to create paintings few artists would even consider because of their overwhelming detail.
Because of their confusing imagery and complexity, I’ve referred to some compositions as “headaches,” but I truly love laboring over the detail!
My watercolor “Tarpley & Co.” (above) was created after a family trip to Williamsburg, a number of years ago. I’m always looking for light and reflective images that are telling stories and drawing in the viewer. I’m often seeking to portray ‘mystery’ that causes someone to stop and study my work that enables them to discover various objects that at first glance they missed.
I hold signature member status with the American Watercolor Society, National Watercolor Society, Transparent Watercolor Society, Watercolor Honor Society, Southern Watercolor, and Watercolor Society of NC (Master Status). My work has been published in 16 editions of “Splash” and featured in numerous national/international watercolor magazines. My work has been selected for exhibitions in Canada, China, England, France, Greece, Italy, Mexico, Russia, and Taiwan and is cherished in private collections around the world. (For more information and a closer look at my work, visit my website.)
My parents and teachers observed my natural ability to draw and paint from a young age and encouraged me to work hard to cultivate this gift from God. People sometimes struggle to reconcile my 6’9” height with such intricate detail. But that height enabled me to earn a BA in Art from UNC-Asheville while on a basketball scholarship! Living in NC and Africa, plus travel in China, Europe, and throughout the US, inspire my work. However, I agree with Andrew Wyeth, who once commented that there was enough subject matter in his own backyard to paint over several lifetimes.
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Wonderful!