Overcoming the fear
Facing a blank piece of watercolour paper … and overcoming the fear
When you’re a newcomer to watercolour painting, staring at that blank piece of paper can be intimidating and scary! There are endless styles and techniques to explore, so don’t be afraid to experiment. Not every painting has to be a masterpiece so don’t put pressure on yourself. You’re maybe deciding what to paint and how to go about it.
Here’s a couple of suggestions and approaches:
Abstract and Semi-Abstract: Be spontaneous and free in your painting by going for a loose and expressive style. Try capturing the essence of your subject by half closing your eyes and using simple brushstrokes and minimal detail. Paint it your way and as you see it. You’re painting for you. If others like the result, it’s a bonus.
Botanical Illustration: If you like detail and more controlled use of a brush, how about exploring the delicate beauty of flowers and plants through botanical illustration. Pay attention to form, texture, and colour as you really get into the details but again, interpret what you see your way. It’s not always about accuracy.
Landscape Painting: Dive into the enchanting world of landscape painting and let nature inspire your creativity. Focus less on accurately recording the scene you want to paint but instead experiment with creating atmosphere and capturing distant landscapes with soft washes, vibrant foregrounds and bold colours or alternatively go for muted subtle hues. As you gain confidence and learn how the paint behaves on the paper, you’ll be more and more pleased with the results.
When it comes to colour, again don't be afraid, just experiment and play! Start with a limited palette of primary colours (e.g., red, blue, yellow) and gradually expand your colour range as you gain confidence.
Remember to practice colour mixing too … see how different colours ‘behave’ on the paper. Sometimes the best effects are happy accidents!
There are various inspirational resources too:
Books: "Watercolour Painting: A Comprehensive Approach to Mastering the Medium" by Tom Hoffmann and "Watercolour Techniques: Painting Light and Colour in Landscapes and Cityscapes" by Michael Reardon. offer valuable insights and techniques for beginners.
Magazine Articles: Look for beginner-friendly articles in art magazines such as "Watercolor Artist" and "The Artist's Magazine," which often feature tips, tutorials, and artist profiles to inspire you.
Instructional YouTube Videos: YouTube is a treasure trove of instructional videos for watercolour beginners. Channels like "Watercolor by Shibasaki" and "Watercolor Misfit" offer step-by-step tutorials, demonstrations, and tips for mastering watercolour techniques.
Starting watercolour painting as a hobby is a rewarding and fulfilling journey that allows you to express yourself creatively and find tranquility in the process. With the right equipment, approach, and sources of inspiration, you'll be well on your way to discovering the beauty and joy of watercolour painting. So grab your brushes, unleash your imagination, and let the colours flow!