Painting in Watercolour - Take the Plunge and Experiment
When painting in watercolour, artists should remember that it is a versatile medium and one that needs an intuitive and instinctive touch and therefore the artist needs to work with the flow of paints and not be afraid to experiment. A finished painting in watercolour paints can be outstanding and draw the eye into the delicate hues and transparencies. Some people take to this medium quite readily whilst others take a while to relate to the subtleties and fluidities but it works best for those who embrace the challenges that painting in watercolour paints can bring.
For those new to this medium, there are a few things to consider:
* If you are an inexperienced artist, then choose student quality watercolour paints so that you can experiment without guilt or worrying about cost. As you progress you can begin to replace paints with artist quality tubes but until you are more experienced, then this is one savings that can be made in the early days.
* Start to notice the light and shade and the subtleties in between, a good painting in watercolour can capture the essence of light really well. It can take a while to perfect though so patience is important.
* Be creative. Let your imagination take you on a journey and let the paint glide over the paper. Get used to mixing the colours to achieve the required shades, and do not use straight from the tube unless it's a perfect match for your needs.
* As an artist you need to draw inspiration from all around you, whether it's a coastal landscape scene, a waterfall on a summer's day or the neighbour's cat asleep on the porch, when painting in watercolour, it is easy to freeze-frame beautiful and inspirational moments quickly by allowing the paint to create, form and blend on the paper.
* Don't be tempted to draw the picture first. Be brave and bold and get used to drawing with paints. This allows you a greater freedom.
* Paint regularly. The techniques are easily absorbed providing regular practice is achieved. Additional painting sessions also allow the artist to develop and grow in confidence.
So many beautiful pictures can be created through this exciting medium, and it is probably the most flexible of all paints available on the market and there are so many different techniques to use, that some startling results can be achieved as confidence starts to develop. Experimentation is vital. Whilst some paintings can be ruined through silly mistakes and this of course is not without its frustrations for the budding artist, the learning curve for these mishaps is huge and every mistake can be used for the greater good of the end goal. Take a chance and watch your painting in watercolour skills expand and grow.
For those new to this medium, there are a few things to consider:
* If you are an inexperienced artist, then choose student quality watercolour paints so that you can experiment without guilt or worrying about cost. As you progress you can begin to replace paints with artist quality tubes but until you are more experienced, then this is one savings that can be made in the early days.
* Start to notice the light and shade and the subtleties in between, a good painting in watercolour can capture the essence of light really well. It can take a while to perfect though so patience is important.
* Be creative. Let your imagination take you on a journey and let the paint glide over the paper. Get used to mixing the colours to achieve the required shades, and do not use straight from the tube unless it's a perfect match for your needs.
* As an artist you need to draw inspiration from all around you, whether it's a coastal landscape scene, a waterfall on a summer's day or the neighbour's cat asleep on the porch, when painting in watercolour, it is easy to freeze-frame beautiful and inspirational moments quickly by allowing the paint to create, form and blend on the paper.
* Don't be tempted to draw the picture first. Be brave and bold and get used to drawing with paints. This allows you a greater freedom.
* Paint regularly. The techniques are easily absorbed providing regular practice is achieved. Additional painting sessions also allow the artist to develop and grow in confidence.
So many beautiful pictures can be created through this exciting medium, and it is probably the most flexible of all paints available on the market and there are so many different techniques to use, that some startling results can be achieved as confidence starts to develop. Experimentation is vital. Whilst some paintings can be ruined through silly mistakes and this of course is not without its frustrations for the budding artist, the learning curve for these mishaps is huge and every mistake can be used for the greater good of the end goal. Take a chance and watch your painting in watercolour skills expand and grow.
