The first thing I do is pencil sketch the subject in my pad, as here in this study of HMS Victory firing her cannon

When I am happy with the sketch and got to know the subject I get out my water colours - I use a fairly simple palette consisting of:-
Ultramarine
​Ultramarine (Green shade)
Cerulean Blue
​Windsor Emerald Green
Viridian
Viridian Hue
Cadmium Yellow
Cadmium Red
Raw Sienna
Burnt Sienna
Burnt Umber
Ultramarine Violet

And begin........................

Step One

As is traditional with watercolour I never use white , the light in the painting comes from the paper, but as you see, I do outline sketch the subject before I paint

Step Four

Then with a very washy mix I paint the main bits

Step Seven

Finally I put in the detail and sign it.

Step Two

Then I carefully wet the paper up to, but not over, the pencil lines and put in the sky  This is the only part of the painting that goes on first time as it will remain, the rest of the painting I begin with light washy mixes and build up

Step Five

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Still with a washy mix I paint in more of the subject, a light mix can be painted over or changed.

Step Three

Then I wait for about 30 minutes and rub out the pencil, though there is still a trace to be seen which helps with the rest of the painting.

Step Six

When I'm happy with the first wash of paint I get a bit bolder.