Joel Popodics did a demonstration of Liberty Hill Farm with cows. He’s noted for his greens. There were 3 cameras set up: 1. Him 2. The painting 3. His palette He started with a drawing of the scene.
![](https://centralfloridawatercolor.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/1-drawing-on-wc-paper-2020-10-04-at-2.15.30-PM-copy-300x276.jpg)
pencil drawing
He wet the entire paper, which was a full sheet of 300# watercolor paper. Thick paper doesn’t buckle as he uses so much water. The sizing is broken down a little and oils from his hand can be cleaned up as he brushes on the water.
![](https://centralfloridawatercolor.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/2-pourig-cobalt-and-cad-scarlet-2020-10-04-at-2.23.42-PM-copy-300x246.jpg)
cobalt blue and cadmium scarlet pour for sky
Cobalt blue is a true blue and good for skies with ultramarine a good choice for the apex. Winsor blue has a bit of green which is good for a cold sky. Cadmium scarlet was poured in the middle. Payne’s grey with a bit of ivory black and cobalt blue was used for the clouds.
![](https://centralfloridawatercolor.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/3-grey-clouds-barn-shadows-block-in-trees-2020-10-04-at-2.52.01-PM-copy-300x213.jpg)
clouds in grey and blocking in trees
There are 3 stages of wetness: 1. Saturated 2. Moist, with shine disappearing 3. Damp
He blocked in the trees and shared a tip that adding a bit of red to the green will push back the faraway trees. Using a square brush and scrapping on the side helps make natural edges. A script brush is good for small trunks and branches. Try to get at least 6 values in trees for realism. The final painting was a lovely and restful scene of a barn, trees, cows and rolling hills.
![](https://centralfloridawatercolor.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/4-red-barn-paint-around-cows-2020-10-04-at-3.13.20-PM-copy-300x212.jpg)
red barn with cows up front
![](https://centralfloridawatercolor.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/5-final-painting-2020-10-04-at-3.47.47-PM-copy-300x214.jpg)
final with spots on cows and shadows added
It was a fun and educational demo…. Thank you Joel! https://www.watercolorpop.com