“Red Iris,” created using Vivian Ripley’s “water method,” recently took best of show at an exhibit at the McConnell Arts Center In Columbus, Ohio. Her special watercolor technique is spotlighted in a chapter in “The Watercolor Landscape Techniques of 23 International Artists.” Her paintings are in collections in the U.S., Canada, Great Britain, France, and Japan.

Vivian Ripley developed her unique “water method” using a large flat damp watercolor brush to move the pastel in a free manner to form the basis and much of the painting. Details are added to end the work. This method must be done on one of many pastel papers that will accept liquid treatment. Ripley finds continued interest in the many possibilities with pastel of which she says, “it is endless!”

For more about Vivian Ripley and her work, visit her website.