I used a stiff brush to paint the initial blue curve. I have much more control with brush bristles that do not yield. I also like the dry-brush effect. The curve beginning with the dry brush ended with a gradient from dark blue to light. The darkest blue is at the edge of a teardrop-shaped form.

It was only after I finished the curve that I realized it was a swan shape.

Blue Swan
9″x12″ 140# Cold Pressed Watercolor Block