Painting in watercolor is fun and exciting even if you don't have a clue what you are doing!
Many of us are instantly hooked by the seductive medium and start by jumping right into painting pretty pictures. So if that's where you are, you are in good company. A word you will probably hear again and again on your artistic journey through watercolor painting is "Practice, practice, practice." The truth is you really do learn to paint by painting.
Some thoughts on color as it applies to learning to paint with watercolor
Color sets a mood and gives an artist unlimited means of expression. Color can be magical. Where composition and technique connects with our intellect, color touches our heart. It's been said that color is the heart and soul of watercolor.
Is studying and under standing basic color theory instead of simply relying on color formulas worth the effort? Each of you will have to answer that question for yourselves. Learning about color relationships can be liberating, allowing you to focus on other aspects of painting, which opens the door to greater freedom of expression.
Although watercolors obey the same color laws as other mediums, there is one very important difference: Watercolor is transparent. It's the unique transparency of the paints and the translucent quality of the colors that make watercolor so popular.
Being able to mix the colors you want is considered to be a basis for successful watercolor painting. Even though experienced watercolor painters seem to be able to make color mixing look extremely easy, most of their skill and confidence comes from knowledge and practice.
Once you learn the basic principles, color mixing will become simple and automatic. And yes, mixing muddy colors will only be by choice!
Read Susie's Inksmith article, "Some Thoughts On Color", to learn more about color relationships and open the door to greater freedom of expression.
One of my favorite brushes!"
It’s a one-inch “cutter-type” brush made from all natural white hog. It was originally designed for the sign painting industry to “cut in” sharp edges when lettering - turns out, it’s also a great watercolor brush. It’s a great sky brush and carries a good load to the paper. When using drybrush techniques this brush makes excellent grasses, bark, wood, foliage and other textures.
Susie Short
Internationally known watercolor artist and instructor, Susie Short's paintings have merited numerous awards in regional, national and international competitions. An enthusiastic teacher, she enjoys sharing her knowledge and love for watercolor by conducting art classes and workshops. Recently, Susie started recording some of her most requested lessons on video to share her techniques with a wider audience to afford others the opportunity to experience the wonder of watercolor.