Watercolor Memories
by D. W. Starr
Trade Paper: 8 1/4"x 11 pp., 128pp, full color throughout
ISBN: 1-59663-507-X, $29.95
Special Introductory Price Special $22.95
 

My view of watercolor ranges from opaque, such as acrylic, to gouache and thus to transparent, which is the classic watercolor nomenclature. The latter lends itself to a minimum amount of equipment to carry in the field in order to capture the moment. After many studies and drawings, I feel prepared to paint a studio rendering. The relatively small size of my studies does, at times, require drastic changes to the original concept because of scale considerations. This approach either opens the door to develop the final "studio" painting or slams the door shut on further pursuit of the idea as a major studio piece.

The object of this book is to show my approach to the development of an idea, from the sketch stage to the final rendering. This approach is probably the result of years of engineering training. The progression of steps from ideas, to sketches, to an end product, is often a long, methodical process. This is not a painful process to those who have patience, but it is nearly impossible for those who have a quick-trigger attitude. The difference defines the complete range of approaches to my paining, whether it is a reaction to a scene or circumstance or a studied approach to define an idea in detail.

About the Author:  As of this writing I am 83 years of age. I have decided it is time to reveal my thoughts and approaches to art for the consideration of future generations who enjoy art and may find new ways to express their feelings with painting. The thought process and reaction to stimuli will determine the result —David W. Starr, 2005

After forty-four years of engineering, in the aeronautical, research and development field, I decided to go back to ‘school’ and study art. I completed by B.A. in art in 1975 and my M.A. in Art in 1979, at California State University—Northridge, California.

During that period I studied under Hans Burkhardt; one of the world’s most celebrated artists. His abstract paintings were interesting but too esoteric for me. However, he helped me to achieve the results I wanted in my own expression of what I saw around me. Since I was a military person we had some "interesting conversations", but I finally convinced him that no one hates war like someone who has witnessed it first hand. We proceeded on that common ground to form a solid, lasting friendship.