Value studies are very powerful in directing the color study.

Value studies clarify and create and fast read taking out many errors before beginning a painting. 

I believe even though I am an educator that having a coach is so important. 

Tiger woods had a coach. 

Scott Christensen has a great on-line course that has been coaching my direction. 

My drawing and studies below really direct a good piece of art work.  

Line drawing to find placement is critical for good design. Value drawings with 4 values sets a painter up for success

 Learning new limited watercolor palettes.

 1. Top left. Nickel Azo Yellow. Permanent Alizarin Crimson. Phthalo Blue. All Staining pigments. 

 2. Bottom left. Permanent Yellow Deep. Transparent Orange. Naphtha Red. Cobalt Blue.  

 3. Top Right.  Transparent Brilliant Orange. Yellow Ocher. Burnt Sienna. Cobalt Teal. 

 4. Bottom Right. Azo Yellow. Permanent Rose. Cobalt Blue.  A soft delicate triad. 

Painting title: St Anthony Idaho Tetons.
Gouache has a great versatility in preparing studies for larger paintings  

The above 5x7 Painting was created with just four gouache pigments. Cadmium yellow pale, Venetian Red, Cobalt blue and Titanium White. 

Beginning with a line drawing for placement and moving to value studies is a great support before starting the color study.