Ventriculostomy –  Watercolor on Illustration Board

In any kind of painting, working with a composition which is predominantly symmetrical and relatively simple in its geometry can provide interesting visual opportunities. In this image, published by a nursing journal, I’ve presented a cross-sectional view of a procedure for removing excess cerebral spinal fluid from a ventricle of the brain. The subject matter makes it easy to illuminate the main area of focus, by contrasting its lightness, or value, with that of the adjacent horizontal plane. I believe this helps create some pleasing shapes in the design, while achieving the required conveyance of information.