Twas the Night Before Teacups

Just finished a watercolor commission for one of my art students parents. (a surprise Christmas present). I believe the key to a successful watercolor, at least for me, is thinking backwards from light to dark. Glazing layers of shapes that get darker and darker on top...not forgetting to add wet into wet washes within each graduated shape to create interesting reflected light. This project was interesting because my client, an engineer, had very specific quidelines for the outcome. I really had to reign in my extravagant/ flamboyant painting style. :)