Workshops
MARGARET MORALES tells us how she uses symbolic elements to create a watercolour piece filled with story for a gallery exhibit
My painting, which I titled Fleeting, was originally made for the Ephemeral art exhibit at Jiro Miura Gallery in Tokyo, Japan. Coming from the word ‘ephemeral’ itself – meaning something that doesn’t last a long time – I pictured a story of a mysterious maiden lost in thought, and longing to remember someone she had been with momentarily.
To further illustrate this concept of impermanence, I incorporated details such as butterflies and flowers in a place that appears to be enchanted. Butterflies are creatures with a short lifespan that symbolise dreams. Flowers, on the other hand, have different meanings such as love and loss. I thought it was fitting to surround her with these elements that tell more of her story.
Watercolour is my favourite medium because of the variety of textures it creates. The soft blending of watercolours on the background gives this piece an airy and dreamy atmosphere. The transparency of watercolour also lets subtle colours see through layered washes; perfect for creating her flowing dress and wings. There’s something about the soft washes in watercolour that add a magical touch to every painting.
Margaret Morales lives in New Jersey. She loves to paint in watercolour, placing semi-realistic female subjects in contemplative settings with natural elements, textures and vibrant colours. See more at www.margaretmorales.com
