By Daring and By Doing” is my mantra. I have this motto pinned up in my studio where I can see it. I believe that is it only by “having a go” that one can achieve any mastery over the watercolour medium.
Watercolour paint is both my enchantress and tormentor. Water brings this transparent medium to life and it can bloom, blend and bleed in the most magical fashion.
My paintings start with an initial wash using the four or so colours I have chosen for the whole work. Sadly some paintings start and end right at this stage. But if the magic happens, then it’s happy dance time and the painting takes on a life of its own.
I prefer to denote colours by pigment number because I find some commercial names as instructive as the names given to lipsticks. I mostly let the pigments blend on the paper with plenty of water. When I am moved to use a dot technique I find the process quite meditative.
After letting the first wash do its thing I gradually move to more and more controlled techniques with darker tones. I love to add fine detail as a finishing touch that will reward the close viewer.
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