In July Brian and I took a trip to Cancun. It was our first time there and so we were anxious to explore and see all we could. On a day trip to see cenotes (natural sink holes filled with fresh water) and caves south of town I found my perfect location for the first painting. My paintings always start with sketches, pencil and/or watercolor. Here I want to show the progression from start to finish.
These are blind contour sketches I did while there, I combined them to make the image for the painting.
Cave by Cathy Carey ©2014
cave entrance by Cathy Carey ©2014
Research is always part of the creative process, these are a few of the materials I used.
Book on Codex Nuttall, photos from trip, watercolor sketches from trip, blind contour drawings and finished sketches
Research materials for a painting of Cancun
Watercolors done on location. Here I am, palette, brushes and sketchbook.
Working on a watercolor at the underground river Cenote
Watercolor sketch for Underground River
Underground river with butterflies
Work in Progress of Underground River, first layer.
Stage one on Underground River
Second layer.
Stage 2 on Underground River
Third layer.
Stage 3Â on Underground River
The finished product.
Final Underground River ©2014 Cathy Carey
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