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Painting with Watercolor

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My Watercolor Painting Journey

When I first started watercolor painting, I didn't care for it. I took a class but didn't learn many techniques. It was basically a studio class where people met and painted together. I painted a few paintings, but nothing that really thrilled me. I gave up and went on to other creative endeavors only to get back to it years later when I moved and found a studio that offered classes...real instruction. Since then, I've been painting for almost ten years and really love the medium. The change in attitude? I learned that with watercolor, I should let the water do the painting. Leave behind the attitude that I control the process. Let the process flow. I'm just along for the ride.

Clicking on any of the photos below will take you to my zazzle shop with items designed with those particular paintings.

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Letting the Water Do the Painting

What do I mean by letting the water do the painting? When I first started watercolor, I had been painting in oils and acrylics. Thinking that with watercolor I was to paint in the same way using the same techniques, I found myself frustrated that I wasn't achieving that watercolor look. I was basically painting with little water and forcing the paint around the paper with my brush.

When I did learn to use more water, I still tried to control every movement of the paint with my brush. I got overworked paintings as a result. It was only when I learned a few wet-in-wet and pouring techniques did I learn to enjoy the flow of the paint and to see how the painting developed on its own. Painting then became most enjoyable.

Tea and Lilacs

Starting Small Then Expanding

When I first started painting, I painted very small. I actually started out creating greeting cards. I think that the small size allowed me to work out some problems with composition, color mixing, consistent washes, and style quickly.

When I was comfortable with painting small and had gained confidence, I went very big, full size sheet BIG. Painting big is so much different than painting small. I used my whole arm more and stood up to paint. It created a looser painting style. I also had to overcome the problem of drying paint before I was through with my wash. A situation I didn't encounter painting small.

My All-Time Favorite Watercolor Paper

Arches 140lb Cold Press Watercolor Paper Pad 9x12 Inch 12-Sheets

Amazon Price: (as of 06/03/2012)

I've always used Arches 140 lb cold press watercolor paper. It stands up to water without tearing and is an overall good paper for many applications and techniques. It is all I use. In fact, I had a hard time finding watercolor sketchbooks with good paper, so I made my own using the Arches 140 cold press paper, but information on that will be for another page.

Created

Creating an Even Watercolor Wash

Like I said before, creating an even watercolor wash is a challenge especially if painting large portions of paper. The trick is to tilt your paper and your support and use enough water to get a bead of paint and water at all times between what you've already painted and the dry paper. Systematically work from top to bottom of the area you are painting and use the same ratio of paint to water mixing enough before you start your wash. See the video demonstration from Bob Davies below, Painting a Flat Wash.

Painting a Flat Wash

Watercolor Wash For Beginners - How To Paint a Flat Wash: by BobDavies88 | video info

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Butterfly Watercolor Collage

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Are You a Watercolorist? Do You Have any Tips to Share?

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Irenemaria May 30, 2012 @ 2:17 pm | delete

Wonderful paintings! lovely lens

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Tipi May 22, 2012 @ 11:31 am | delete

I was just showing my son your paintings, who is an artist too.
Both of us are impressed with your watercolor paintings.

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ForestBear May 13, 2012 @ 3:33 am | delete

Beautiful lens. Used to do a lot of watercolor painting and would love to get back into it. Thank you for inspiring me