Observing how water can be painted using watercolors.
Painting Water
In the samples shown, I’ve created the impression, the illusion of water on paper.
Cobalt teal blue in watercolor helps, of course.
But, so does understanding the tones, the feeling, mood, and which of the common techniques to use.
Techniques for painting water: watercolors
We learn as we go.
Practice… repetition until a technique process becomes second nature, was the secret key to my own improvement.
Using dry brush, washes, charging, splatter, leaving White of the paper… they all combine to help with the illusion.
In the first demo, you see a background a mid ground and foreground, along with a focal point. These help guide the viewer and make the image understandable.
Whereas in the second demo, a mere wash of a couple colors, we must engage more. There is still enough information, but its less tight and structured.
More free flowing and carefree. Perhaps, in holiday mode! But you will observe more warmth in front, the White cresting wave in nearby, and there isn’t much action in the back.
Our minds, have decided yes, it is water we are looking at. And, Most likely, the beach.
Soft Trees across the waters is a nice little watercolor study, anyone can do.
It doesn’t take long. Nor involve many paints at all.
Its just painting watercolor landscapes with simplification in mind.
Watercolor Trees and Water
Watercolor Basics
A very, abbreviated summary is in this post. With just 4 ideas and tips listed. It doesn’t really begin to scratch the surface of what beginners might be looking for or, needing.
My eye kept returning to the reflection from the pond. With those gorgeous deep greens.
Thats how I started.
With a thought. With a feeling.
With
A color in my mind that sparked creation.
Movement on the pond
Playful Rebellion
It is so important, to create.
To play. To explore.
To take the time to engage in the process without any preconceived needs.
We all know that old saying,
“All Work, No play … makes Jack a very dull boy.”
Its so important that we don’t take an activity we’d intended for our relaxation, then turn it into A Work Project.
With timelines, goals, deadlines, ‘good enough’ ratings, etc.
Nearly all of us, do it, myself included!
If we think about it though, we don’t do that same thing when we: read a magazine, or watch a TV program, or go to a concert, play or movie.
I know we all have that tendency to turn Fun – into Work.
Its been ingrained over the years hasn’t it?
I choose to not want to go that pathway.
Thats not the road I want to travel.
A bit of ‘rebellion’ if you will.
I’m not a full time rebel.
I rebel when….. I think about it.
Every zen stroll, Every art work…. is an act of peaceful rebellion.
So, my walks are peaceful, beauty filled, zen strolls.
There is zero aerobics involved.
I get fresh air.
I’m creative, filling the well.
I stroll about for 45 minutes. Sometimes more, others less.
It is so relaxing, even if its a mere 10 minutes.
In Luscious Jade Greens, a hint of naples yellow
And my art is created as the mood and spirit moves me.
I’m not going to be pressured, or dictated to.
Its always more about expression and communication of feelings, than replication.
Recording, duplication just isn’t my thing. Thats me.
I’m certain, that the art could be more popular if they were more Just Like the photograph. More realistic and less abstract. And….Bigger.
But I don’t Create for reasons other than to simply express outwards, to communicate what I hear and see and sense in the world around me.
As I feel led to do, my own unique way.
That’s all anyone can really do, I think.
Tell it, like you see it.
How you see it, is different;
it is interesting. To Us.
Green Falls, in oils
Artistic Authenticity
when I see your art, or you see mine,
I want to see your tears as they fall, your dance of joy, your bursts of summer sunshine, your silence on the shores, your dark rage upon the paper, I want to see the truth of your thoughts and emotions come tumbling out in color and textures and etched lines on that canvas. I want to see for a micro-moment, a glimpse of that beauty that resides within your soul.
Testing the colors out, seeing who looks good together.
watercolor triads
Watercolor Play
I created a 6 set chart in watercolors.
Then found a few sets that appealed to me the most.
This triad with the Daniel Smith Moonglow, the cobalt teal (green blue) and the golden warm ochre – has a lovely tropical and floral feel to it I quite enjoy.
Creating these charts and then grouping into sets, Its a good way to inspire the imagination!
Definitely not hard.
Certainly not time consuming.
But has great artistic benefits.
For more Watercolor Beginner tips and techniques you’ll find a lot at Watercolor Basic Tips.
