This morning, I sketched out a pile of rocks on a 15 x 22 inch sheet of heavy rough watercolor paper.  I proceeded to sketch some phlox among the rocks, and then added additional rock garden flowers along with a few blueberries, roots and sticks.  After yesterday, when I said I would use masking ONLY when I needed to, I definitely needed to use it today.  The first picture shows a rough drawing and the masking applied onto the flowers, leaves, sticks and grass.  It took me about three hours to apply all the masking using mostly a toothpick.
I use Windsor & Newton maskoid fluid, which comes off very nicely. (Well, as long as you don't leave it on too long.)

After this application dried, I applied a very loose wash using Quinocradrone Gold, Q. Burnt Orange, Burnt Sienna and mixed Burnt Sienna with some Ultramarine Blue to get some darks started.  The area above the rocks was splashed with the Q. Gold and then squirted liberally with water to fade it into the background.  You may see some large crystals of salt in this area to add some interest and texture into the background.

After this was all dry, I started applying some of the greenery around the phlox and deepened the colors on the rocks.  The third picture shows the change in the shadows and the rocks starting to take form.  Hopefully, work will progress a little more tomorrow on this area, so then I can remove the maskoid and start working on the greens and other flowers. 

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