This was a lighthearted, fun start to my watercolour painting yesterday. These balloons were the easiest thing in the world to paint and put a smile on my face. It was a great warm up exercise for further painting projects I did afterwards. The highlights on the balloons were created by wax resist using a white wax crayon – the cheap sort you buy your kids – just simple colourful FUN…
REFLECTING
I’ve been learning watercolour painting for just over a year now. Sometimes I don’t have as much time for it as I would like, but that’s life. I decided I would spend just a minute or two reflecting on some of the things I’ve learnt…
When I started just over a year ago I had ZERO knowledge or experience of watercolour painting. Never done it before in my life ever – I knew NOTHING! I read all the advice about what you need to start off with (from lots of different sources), Some of it I listened to and some I didn’t. But here’s a few things I’ve learnt from personal experience:
PAPER: 100% cotton watercolour paper is the best paper to paint on. Cheap paper just doesn’t give the same results – I’ve bought several different types of cheap watercolour paper and regretted buying all of them. I’ve seen how much better my painting looks on good quality cotton paper. My personal favourite so far is Arches, followed by Fabriano Artistico. I will keep experimenting with different papers but no more cheap stuff… !
PAINT: Painting with artist quality paint, rather than student quality, generally produces better paintings I’ve found, probably because the colours are much more rich and vibrant with artist quality paints. There are many watercolour paint brands I’ve not yet tried but I do know I am totally hooked on Daniel Smith watercolour paints – the quality is superb and the colours are to die for…
BRUSHES: I’ve learnt – the hard way – that watercolour brushes with natural hair (ie. sable, squirrel etc.) are better to paint with because they hold more pigment and water. I do use synthetic brushes occasionally, they have their uses, but nowhere near as much as my sable and squirrel brushes. One of my most favourite brushes is a Silver Black Velvet size 10 Round brush. This is actually a squirrel and synthetic mix brush and is lovely to use – holds loads of pigment/water and has a very nice point. I will buy more of these brushes.
Also I don’t stretch paper, I’ve never got to grips with it – maybe it’s just me… ! I buy much of my watercolour materials from Jackson’s, a UK art supply shop and they ship internationally. This may be worth checking out if you live in one of those countries where Arches paper has become extremely expensive to buy in local art shops.
This is just a little of what I’ve learnt on my watercolour journey so far and some of my personal preferences. I’m sure others have very different preferences. I hope you might find this information useful – especially those of you who maybe be considering venturing into the wonderful world of watercolour…
You’ve come a long way. Maybe knowing nothing to start was a good thing-no preconceived notions.
Thank you Sandy and I think you may be right – having no preconceived ideas was perhaps a good thing…
Beautiful 👌
Thank you Seema… !
You have capture the light and floating balloons, beautiful.
Thank you Sharon… !
Fun painting. I’m also enjoying your journey. Much accomplished! (K)
Thank you Kerfe – it’s a fun journey, I’m enjoying the ride… !
gorgeous balloons and its a great post E!
it is so relevant, all your points. First, that you took the time to Reflect. Many do not, and never are fully Aware of why they have progress Or, lack thereof. And I am with you on the paper and paints and brushes. 🙂 cheers
Thank you Debi – it just seemed a good time to reflect on what I’ve learnt and next reflect on where I need to be going…
You’ve come a long way in such a short time, I really enjoy following your watercolour journey x
Thank you Sunnyfae, I’m enjoying the journey too… !
These balloons are lovely, they make you think of happy times!!!!!!!!
Yes they do, don’t they… !
What a fun painting! There’s a lot of movement there – it makes me want to catch some of these balloons!
Thank you Zsuzsa – it was fun to paint… !
This is GREAT, Evelyn! Soo cheery on a blowy cold May day!
Sent from my iPad -Carolynn McMillan Blog rtquilter.blogspot.com Flickr Carolynn McMillan on Flickr
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Thank you Carolynn – just very simple watercolour FUN… !
Not only are these balloons beautiful, Evelyn, but looking at them makes me smile.
Thank you so very much for sharing your experiences here. It is truly appreciated.
Wishing you a wonderful day!
Thank you Lisa – painting them made me smile… !
A celebratory, cheerful painting for a celebratory post – only a year! And you’ve learned so much.
Thank you Lynn – just a little lighthearted watercolour fun…
Love your balloons! 🎈🎈🎈 I think painting subjects I enjoy also makes watercolor more fun. I have made similar discoveries as you except I have not purchased anything other than synthetic brushes. I will have to try spending more on a brush. I appreciate your insights, Evelyn. 😊