Hello everyone, this is Fiona.
If you’re reading this, it is likely because you are interested in watercolour painting, and the age in which we now live, makes it easier to learn to paint than ever before, or does it?
We are digitally surrounded by a plethora of ideas, styles, techniques and opinions, all of which influence us, whether by desire or subliminally.
Today’s digital world can be exciting as well as confusing, and sometimes a little overwhelming.
When I first began to paint (College of Art & Technology - Newcastle 1975- 1976) it never occurred to me that I could paint anything unless it was in front of me.
If the subject wasn’t there, then how could I paint it?
Using photos was never mentioned, tracing anything was considered cheating, there were no ‘how to’ paint books, and no films on painting, yes this was the late 70’s.
A little later I attended the Academy of Fine Art - Leuven Belgium. (1986-1990), where before I began learning to paint, we first had to learn to draw.
This involved hours sitting before plaster casts of Greek Gods on plinths and naked nymphs, armed with a pencil and sharpener (no erasers). Any errors were ignored and worked over.
Then it was using a brush dipped in ink.
This was followed by 2 years of still life studies.
And finally in year 4 we were permitted to study a life model!
These days though, anything goes. To be honest, if everyone had to learn to draw before they were allowed to paint there would be very few painters around.
Painting should be enjoyable, you can do anything you want, there are no rules!
You can add white to watercolour!
You can trace an object and move it around your paper
You can paint a tree purple and the sky green.
It’s up to you!
It’s your painting, enjoy it, own it and be proud of it.
If you are just beginning on your watercolour journey and feel you would benefit from learning the basics, then this course could be ideal for you:
Beginners Watercolour Course
If you would like to paint a unique floral A4 watercolour journal with me, then these courses may be perfect for you:
Development Journal Courses
What ever you paint, this is your time, enjoy it.
From Fiona