My advice for watercolor artists: Seek out others who share a passion for that medium. As a result, you will educate yourself and be inspired as well.
I recently added ElyEstelleArt to my blogging bookmarks. She’s someone who is inclined –as she puts it– to “nerd out about watercolors”.
And she’s not kidding!
In one post, she delves into the nature of Indanthrone Blue (PB60), its background, properties and comparisons to other blues. She clearly loves researching and testing watercolor pigments. It’s a move that appeals to my curious nature, but I would never do it myself, due to a competing impatient nature.
Coming across fellow art obsessives is great. It makes me feel less alone. And it inspires me to get off my butt and DO something.
I used to do watercolors all the time, and I got fairly good at it.
Fortress Rock (watercolor 6x10). One of my few, my happy few, watercolor successes.
Unfortunately, my skills have diminished a bit due to other distractions, but I sense a comeback in the offing. Additionally, I look longingly at my watercolor desk, covered with junk, whenever I'm in the studio. And regret fills my mind whenever I discover myself ignoring it.
"I should clean that desk off and paint, dammit!"
It calls to me, but I know watercolor is a cruel mistress. Finicky, capricious, and disdainful of mistakes. Still, I know if I put in the time, stay persistent and committed, I will some day feel that magical sense of being One with the paper, the brush, and the paint.
Indeed, I had that feeling once, and I long for it again.
Watercolors and More
Recently, I moved my oil painting easel and all my oil paints up from the basement into my Above-The-Garage-Studio. Finally, now along with my digital art station (computer, scanner, Wacom pen display) there is a dedicated water-media desk, drafting table (for graphite and pen work) and now an oil painting area. It’s crowded up here, but the point is to eliminate any excuse NOT to do art.
It occurs to me that if I add a mini-fridge and a cot I’d only leave for potty breaks.
If you’re interested in all things watercolor and watching an artist grow and refine their craft, you might consider giving ElyEstelleArt a look.
In the meantime, here are some of my watercolors, past and present:
Farm House (watercolor, 4x7)
Maine Lighthouse (watercolor, 5x7)
Red Rock Trees (watercolor, 6x4)
Slot Canyon (8x10, watercolor and gouache)
About the Author
Topdog is Steve Merryman, a retired graphic designer, illustrator, and curmudgeon-in-training. Steve can often be found working on a portrait commission or some other artwork. Steve fills his days by painting, writing, shootin' guns, cuttin' trees, hiking with his dogs, and shaking his head at world events, all while searching for the perfect cheeseburger. He is occasionally without pants.