Fulfilling the Motivation for Watercolor Painting

April 30, 2010

Fulfilling that creative urge to express yourself in new ways can come in the form of watercolor paining. Not everyone has the natural talent to control the brush and the palate of colors, but it is certainly something which can be learned over time with some careful study. All study of a subject should be enjoyable, for struggling and fighting against something will always lead to a loss of interest. The passion needs to be there from the start, in order to make the investment in materials viable. It is good to know that there is an abundance of ways in which you can learn to articulate your creativity through watercolor tips.

First of all, it should be relatively easy to find art classes which will help satiate your enthusiasm for watercolors. Many local art groups will be happy to embrace new members into their classes, and this is something which should not be passed over. Not only is there a joy in learning the watercolor techniques to get your own images down upon the canvas, but exploring the world of art, looking at pieces of work by both established and fellow artists in the process of learning, should inspire. Exploring the chance to talk to people about ideas and techniques, as well as to be guided by an instructor is invaluable experience.

The internet is, of course, a virtual library full of everything which you could need in life. Watercolor painting is no exception. It may be worth investing in some time, browsing websites which are dedicated to the art, so that you could pick up techniques. If you do get stuck with a watercolor technique, you should certainly be able to find a solution or a hint or tip on the internet. Some sites offer detailed learning courses for you to try, which can work well if you prefer learning in solitude at your own pace. With plenty of reference sites online, you should get the ideas and tips which should encourage you to advance.

Look for inspiration anywhere and everywhere. It may strike at the most unexpected time. Carry a sketchbook with you to make notes of anything which you may draw inspiration from. Get down as many rough drawings as you can, and then return to them at a later date when sat with your watercolor paints and paper. You can then learn to express the same idea in a plenitude of ways, through different textures and through different colors. This is a great way to learn watercolor techniques as you can see the fruit of just one idea blossom into many different finished products.

The motivation for expressing yourself through watercolor techniques should be enough to keep you going. There is always something new to learn, new ways to convey your artistic endeavors. Most of the work in learning how to watercolor will be in the form of controlling the brush, and learning how the different types of brushes work to your benefit. This is something which will only come about through much practice and from learning from those around you, and also from sources such as instructional DVD’s, books and online courses. For a more interactive environment, then local art classes can offer those many sources of inspiration.

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How to Watercolor with the Right Brushes

April 27, 2010

Using the proper tools will help you to create your work of art. Choosing good quality brushes can make the difference between the creative tasks at hand being more enjoyable than arduous. There is nothing more frustrating than trying to paint where bristles are either becoming detached, or are matting together too much. Proper care and attention is needed to maintain the longevity of the watercolor brushes being used, and this will come from proper cleaning and drying of the tools. The scale in price when looking for a brush in an art store will vary greatly and should be a good indicator of the overall class of the brush you will be getting.

Traditionally, good quality brushes for use in watercolor painting will be made from animal hairs. This is because the hairs are quite porous, which means that more paint can be held, but they are also able to hold their point much better too. Sable brushes are some of the most eminent in their field, and you can also find many varying qualities of them, depending on the mix of hairs in the brush. You are of course, likely to find some synthetic brushes which will come at a cheaper price. Still, however, these are worth experimenting with if on a budget, because they are practical and somewhat durable. If it is brushes which you do not use often in your work, then buying slightly cheaper ones may be more economical.

Pay attention to what type of brush is suited for a certain technique too. There are brushes for wide flat washes, thinner ones for line work and brushes which are more ideally suited for general stroke work. Round brushes are the staple of a lot of watercolor work, as they narrow at the tip when they are wet to give good control. Flat brushes are good for wide washes, along with texturing techniques such as splattering and lifting. Mops (which are usually made from squirrel hair) hold a lot of water, as do Wash brushes which are good for spreading water wider than normal brushes can. A Rigger is good for very fine line work, as well as a Detail brush for getting those really thin lines and for that final flourish of the author’s signature.

There are plenty of different styles of brushes to work with, and learning to employ them all will help you to convey you idea from your imagination to your paper. Once you have discovered the preferred usage for a certain brush, then you can experiment with different grips in order to get the best out of them. Some grips include the Classic, The Pinch and The Conductor and again, by filling your repertoire with many different watercolor techniques will allow you to communicate your inspiration more accurately.

With all of your watercolor brushes, it is important not to let paint dry upon them. The best way to clean them is to get them under some running warm water, and use a little soap to clean the hairs. As it is likely to be hairs you are cleaning, you will need to be gentle with the cleanser, and the more natural and organic the soap, the better. After rinsing, make sure all water is shaken or dabbed out, for it can collate where the bristles meet the handle. Keep your watercolor brushes specifically for the watercolor paintings, not tainting them with any other type of paint and they should serve you a good long time.

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How To WaterColor

April 26, 2010

Let me start by telling you that painting with watercolors is more difficult than any other painting technique. Knowing this should not keep you from trying to master the watercolor technique because watercolor paintings are also the most beautiful paintings around. Just go for it and let your imagination and creativity lead you. Ones you master watercolor painting, any other painting technique will be like a walk in the park.

how-to-watercolor-pans

Before you start though make sure you have the following watercolor art supplies around either from your local art shop or your favorite online watercolor paint supplies store. You will need; watercolor paper, watercolor paint (tubes or pans just make sure it is quality paint), distilled water, watercolor brushes (quality preferred), and something you can not buy at the store creativity.

Having all the supplies you need does not mean that there is nothing more to know. You will need some knowledge on the techniques on how to watercolor. You need to know what kind of paint to use. Find information on some essentials of what kind of paint to use for your watercolor painting. If you just go ahead and use any kind of paint you will be very disappointed in the result although the painting is quite good but the wrong choice of paint ruined your painting.

Also the choice of watercolor paper is something you might struggle with, the best tip I can give here is try a few different kinds and see what works best for you. Paper and brushes are usually very personal.

As for water I advice you to use distilled water, this does not contain any acids so your painting will not fade after a while because of the acids. Most city water contains chloride which will fade the colors in your painting.

As mentioned before already watercolor brushes is something personal but most of the watercolor artists walk away with sable hair natural hair brushes or the squirrel hair brush. They might be a bit more expensive but well worth it.

Last but not least is your imagination and creativity these two things will make your watercolor painting the most outstanding because it is all yours and because of that so unique. But just go out there and paint it takes a lot of practice and failure before you can hand over the knowledge on how to watercolor.

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Watercolor Brushes

April 24, 2010

Like watercolor paper the choice of the right watercolor brush is another struggle a lot of artists have to overcome. Not only do you have to decide on what type but also the material and not least the price of your watercolor brushes. But don’t panic the information here will sort out some doubts you might be having. It will inform you on the types and material used that make up a quality watercolor brush. With this information you will be able to make the right choice and get all your strokes right.

The most important detail of a watercolor brush is the shape of the brush. The truth is that the round and the flat shaped brushes will take care of nearly all the painting you’ll ever do. Sure there are many other shapes but these are more for specific painting tasks. I will tell you more about the more general ones starting with the round shape watercolor brush.

WaterColor Brushes T=Tuft

F=Ferrule

H=Handle

The classic watercolor brush is the brush with its hairs in a round shape when wet this is one thing you have to check before you purchase a round brush. A high quality brush will hold a good portion of water and rinses out quickly. The great flexibility of the brush makes it the most used brush around, the most used size are the round brushes numbered #8 or #10 or #12 but remember you personally are the only one who can decide what feels good for you.

The other commonly used watercolor brush is the flat brush. The flat brush is ideal to paint large areas of even color or pure water or for precise color edges. The most common sizes are 1/8″, 1/4″, 3/8″, 1/2″, 5/8″, 3/4″ and 1″ the sizes are in inches measured along the flat edge, or equivalent widths numbered as sizes from about 6 to 24. Now you know what commonly used watercolor brushes are, I will tell you a little bit more about some unusual brushes just so you know what people are talking about.

Like I said, most of your painting can be done with the watercolor brushes mentioned above, but there are others around. Here a list of some special bushes and a short description.

Wash brushes are brushes that extend the range of flats to much larger widths.

Mop brushes are brushes that extend the range of round brushes.

Filbert or Cat’s Tongue brushes these are oval flat, like it shape already says it is a flat which comes to a point when wet like a round watercolor brush.

Acrylic brushes these are flat brushes with synthetic fiber bristles and a clear plastic handle that ends in a beveled edge.

Rigger brushes are watercolor brushes with thin very long hairs that come to a precise point.

Liner brushes are like the rigger brushes but the point is more of a round brush.

Fan watercolor brushes, brushes in the shape of a fan.

Travel brushes are exactly as the name says a brush to take with you when you travel. It is a collapsible round that closes in the tuft into the handle.

I think we covered most of the watercolor brushes available so you should be fine with what shape your watercolor brush should have. You can buy your favorite kolinsky watercolor brushes or any other watercolor brush by clicking this link.

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“PALAZZO CONTARINI FASAN ON THE GRAND CANAL, VENICE” BY SAMUEL PROUT

September 8, 2009

Samuel Prout, one of the numerous Devonshire painters, also derived a great part of his income by giving instruction in drawing and painting. Numerous drawing copies for students were produced by him by means of soft-ground etching. He was at first employed by John Britton, the author of “The Beauties of England and Wales,” in making topographical drawings for this work. In 1819 he went to Normandy for the benefit of his health. There he turned his attention to producing those paintings of cathedrals and picturesque buildings for which he is noted. Later he travelled through Germany and Switzerland to Italy, and visited Rome and Venice. Afterwards he published facsimiles of many of the drawings executed during these tours on the Continent. They were produced in lithography by himself on the stone, an art in which he greatly excelled. The architectural drawings by Prout are remarkable for their picturesque treatment, rather than for correctness of construction. Details are sparsely indicated by the use of a reed pen. Bright effects of light and shade are, however, given, and the introduction of groups of figures add brilliancy to these paintings.

“PALAZZO CONTARINI FASAN ON THE GRAND CANAL, VENICE”

“PALAZZO CONTARINI FASAN
ON THE GRAND CANAL, VENICE”

BY SAMUEL PROUT

(Size, 16? × 11½ IN.)

(In the Victoria and Albert Museum)

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Boys Fishing by David Cox

September 5, 2009

The drawings by David Cox, although executed in an apparently careless manner, give a greater rendering of atmospheric qualities and of irradiation of light with a feeling of more movement than can be found in the works of Fielding. Cox’s early drawings were executed in a somewhat stiff and restrained manner, with a delicate finish, but afterwards his style became broad and he produced those breezy effects which are almost unrivalled. Boys Fishing is an excellent example of his later work. When Cox returned to his native town, Birmingham, he devoted his attention to working in oils, and the City Art Gallery possesses a superb collection of his paintings in this medium. He was for the greater part of his life a teacher of drawing, and he published a “Treatise on Landscape Painting and Effect in Water Colours,” in which his views are clearly stated

Boys Fishing by David Cox

“BOYS FISHING”

BY DAVID COX

(Size, 10½ × 14½ IN.)

(In the possession of R. W. Lloyd, Esq.)

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Lake Scene by A. V. Copley Fielding

September 2, 2009

Anthony Vandyke Copley Fielding belonged to an artistic family. His father was a painter and three of his brothers all practised art with success. He was one of the most fashionable drawing-masters of his day, and a strong supporter of the “Old” Society.

After being treasurer and next secretary, he was appointed president in 1831, which post he retained during his life. He was a most prolific worker and contributed about seventeen hundred drawings to the Society’s exhibitions, besides showing at the Royal Academy and Royal Institution. At first his favourite subjects were lake and mountain scenery.

After he took up his residence at Brighton he turned his attention to marine painting and depicted many storms at sea. It has been exaggeratedly said that Copley Fielding was “perhaps the greatest artist after Turner for representations 7 of breadth and atmosphere.” Ruskin also praised his work. Owing, however, to his very rapid method of execution there was a considerable sameness in his work.

Lake Scene  by A. V. Copley Fielding

“LAKE SCENE”

BY A. V. COPLEY FIELDING

(Size, 12¼ × 16? IN.)

(In the Possession of Victor Rienaecker, Esq.)

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Tips on How to Watercolor

August 28, 2009

Discovering some good watercolor tips can help you to find your feet in the wonderful world of watercolor painting. There  are more elements involved with the art than simply brushes, paint and paper, as the options for each are immense in themselves, and all will have a great deal of effect upon the outcome of your painting. From the pigments you choose, to the quality of the paper, it is good to learn and understand how the different variables come together to form a painting. Starting off as a beginner in watercolor painting may seem daunting, but it is something which should be experienced with joy. After the desire has set in to paint, you will need some watercolor supplies.

When it comes to mixing colors, many of the cheaper paints will not be as bold, and they may be sold as hues of colors. Before purchasing any of these cheaper items, ask yourself why it may look as if you are getting more for your money, and then consider that most hues and shades can actually be concocted and mixed from a very basic palette. It may not be necessary to purchase them just because there is quantity over quality. Weigh up the options of whether spending a little extra on a few quality paints will be better for your projects. Remember never to leave any paint to dry on your brushes and to clean them regularly as well as drying them out properly.

If your budget does not stretch far enough to purchase a good, high end ceramic palette, then you can look around the home for cheaper alternatives. Working your way up to owning the best watercolor supplies will naturally be the ideal thing to do, but along your journey of discovering the art, find ways and means to express yourself without breaking the bank. Ice trays, white plates, plastic pill boxes or the Styrofoam containers from food products will also serve a purpose as palettes. Most of these will be one time use only, especially if the surfaces start to stain.

Check the balance of brush when you are looking around in your watercolor art supplies store. Find ones that feel comfortable to you, and do not just judge things on price. You have to be comfortable with the tools you are using, so that you can allow your creativity to flow without interruptions. Check how different papers react to the paints you are using. Papers vary a lot in weight and absorbency, therefore working with them will produce different results. Experiment and see which suits your style. Some cheaper papers may give you a unique effect that you can use and explore further.

Learn as much as you can from people around you, as well as your peers. By learning to how to use watercolor techniques to create your own pictures, you will no doubt come across artists who you take to your creative heart as favorites for inspiration. It is good to understand what motivated them, what techniques they used, and how they communicated so well through color. That way you will be able to practice and emulate them, learning new skills along the way to further your own painting individuality. Books, the internet and local art classes are a great way to learn new hints and tips which will expand your own repertoire of watercolor techniques. How to watercolor made easy :)

Lovely information here as well:

  • Scrap Time » Ep. 100 – World of Memories and a HUGE contest!! – 99 – Around the Block Tape Writer | Home | Ep. Yay!! We made it to 100! So, while I was on vacation at Walt Disney World I taped a tour of the Scrapbook shop – World of Memories – to show you some exclusive Disney supplies. I have to go through your archives as I just learned about this site a week ago.
  • How to take care of your watercolor brushes | Visual inspirations … – in How-To, Watercolor Painting · 1 Comment. paint-brushes-clean Your watercolor paint brushes are your babies when it comes to watercolor painting. You’ve spent hard-earned money on them so you’ll want to take very good care of them. …
  • What Watercolor Can Do, for Me and You « Aster+Sage – The Watercolorist’s Essential Notebook by Gordon MacKenzie may not be essential’, but it is pretty awesome. MacKenzie is a super-talented watercolorist, and in this book he shows exactly what watercolor can do. The quality of the examples really showcase his years of experience.

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VIEW IN NORTH WALES by John Glover

August 23, 2009

John Glover was a landscape painter and produced works, both in oil and in water colours, into which he frequently introduced cattle. His father having been a small farmer may account for this partiality for animals.In water-color painting he followed the methods of William Payne, the inventor of a grey tint known as Payne’s grey, in producing foliage by splitting the hairs of his brush in order to give a feeling of lightness, and he was partial to sunlight effects.

He was President of the “Old” Society on two occasions, but he resigned his membership, so as to become eligible for election to the Royal Academy. He failed in his object and joined the Society of British Artists. Glover suddenly left England in 1831, and went to the Swan River Settlement in Australia. Afterwards he removed to Tasmania, where he died.

VIEW IN NORTH WALES by John Glover

VIEW IN NORTH WALES by John Glover

“VIEW IN NORTH WALES”

BY JOHN GLOVER

(Size, 16? × 23 IN.)

(In the possession of Victor Rienaecker, Esq.)

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“HACKNEY CHURCH” BY JOHN VARLEY

August 17, 2009

Amongst the founders the name of John Varley stands out beyond the others. He was born at Hackney in 1778. Receiving but little instruction in art besides the assistance given to him by Dr. Monro, he became a teacher of considerable reputation.Amongst his pupils were many who afterwards became famous. To mention only a few, there were William Mulready, who married his sister, Copley Fielding, who espoused his wife’s sister, W. Turner (of Oxford), David Cox, William H. Hunt, Oliver Finch and John Linnell. Varley was a prolific worker, and contributed more than seven hundred drawings to the “Old” Society, averaging about forty works annually. His style was broad and simple, with tints beautifully laid, without resort to stippling. He wrote some works on drawing and perspective. He also was an enthusiast in astrology, and compiled a “Treatise on Zodiacal Physiognomy.”
“HACKNEY CHURCH” BY JOHN VARLEY

“HACKNEY CHURCH”
BY JOHN VARLEY

(Size, 11 × 15 IN.)

(In the possession of R. W. Lloyd, Esq.)

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Preparing for Market by Francis Wheatley

July 30, 2009

Francis Wheatley, R.A., was a topographical artist, but is better known as a painter of genre subjects, especially by the engravings after “The Cries of London.” Preparing for Market is a good example of his latter work, which was somewhat insipid.
Preparing for Market
“PREPARING FOR MARKET”

BY FRANCIS WHEATLEY, R.A.,

(Size, 14 × 10 IN.)

(In the possession of Messrs. Thos. Agnew & Sons)

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Lavis a Watercolor Painting Technique

June 9, 2009

This post is about the lavis technique in watercolor painting. Lavis is the French word for layering and is used when you glaze a layer over your watercolor painting. The lavis will generally be done using a special brush, but sometimes also the finger and the fingernail or various tools can be very useful.

In Europe, the use of lavis among the great classical painters mainly served as a tool for studying the clear-obscure. The best example is surely Rembrandt [July 15, 1606 – October 4, 1669, Dutch painter] who chose the lavis for all his sketches and Nicolas Poussin (15 June 1594 Les Andelys – 19 November 1665 Rome, a French painter in the classical style) creating small models with characters that allowed him to choose the desired light and then capture the scene using the lavis.

The main difficulty of the lavis in watercolor, is that it is irreversible, and another more specific difficulty of it is that its use should be thorough and coarse at the same time.

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How to Watercolor Blog Introduction

June 4, 2009

Hi,

this is the first post on my how to watercolor blog I will be posting interesting things I found or experienced about the art watercolor painting.

I came across this amazing video I guess on how to watercolor with speed :)
[hopad id=1]

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