Watercolours - The Basics
Introduction.
Producing watercolours is
one of the most rewarding yet frustrating painting methods.
It is capable of the
finest detail, the most fascinating variety of colour and can be used most
expressively. It will enable you to paint very gentle, soft pictures and very
strong,
vibrant pictures. Because you cannot see the finished result until it
dries you can never
be sure that you have achieved what you intended - this
often brings about the "happy accident."
To learn to paint in watercolour
requires patience, determination and a yearning to capture some aspect of
your surroundings which you find exciting, beautiful or interesting. It will
probably take several months of constant effort until you begin to feel you
are making progress.
It can only be learned by practising - reading books
and watching other artists is useful but there is no substitute for learning
by doing. Sketch and paint as often as you can. Meeting with other painters is a
very useful way of making sure that you set aside some time on a regular basis
to paint. If you wish to paint landscapes going out in a group is fun, safe,
interesting (each painter will produce a different result from the same scene)
and you will have some support when members of the public pause to view your
work.
If you persevere to the time when you are producing paintings which
please you then it will give you a great thrill.
Good luck!