A Streak of Ultramarine

I peeked over the rim of a white porcelain mixing tray resting in a bright patch on the table. Inside one of the small circular wells lay a dry disc of ultramarine watercolor, deep as a slice of evening sky! Without waiting for a brush, I dipped the tip of my index finger straight into the chalky pigment. It coated my skin in a fine, velvety dust. Kneeling forward over a sheet of heavy cold-press paper, I pressed down firmly and swiped a bold, sweeping arch across the page. The blue grain stood out so bright and cheerful against the white texture, making me grin from ear to ear.