The Lift

This watercolor captures a beautiful moment in movement when the male dancer lifts his partner so that the audience witnesses strength, stature, grace, passion, and trust all at once.  I began with a small thumbnail sketch to work out the shapes and values.  I really wanted to focus most of the attention showing the female dancer suspended as light as a feather.  I think the shapes and values in the watercolor turned out ok but was disappointed in the colors.  The background colors are too muddy.  I would have preferred a warm, dark, and luscious green for the dark backgrounds and a bit more warmth in the shadows of the figures and clothing.