It's easier than you think!
If you have been thinking about starting watercolour but are a little overwhelmed by the sheer volume of paints, brushes, papers, palettes, pens, courses, books and more, then you are not alone!
I am the son of a well known and established watercolour artist, I was surrounded by art from a young age, but until recently I did not think I had the art gene!
I was always rubbish at art when we did it at school, was disheartened when my peers produced wonderful recreations of the subjects and mine juts looked like deformed misshapen lumps next to their masterpieces.
At least that's how it felt all those years ago.
Recently though I decided to take the plunge and I will admit right now, it was a little easier for me because I run an art business, so already knew what brushes and paints I was going to use.
However tools are one thing but application is a whole other task.
I took my usual approach which was to jump right in with no idea and start messing about with the paints and brushes.
I soon realise that this was just going to create a mess and I needed at least a little guidance so I went through the Beginning Watercolour Modules that Fiona Peart has created.
As a complete novice I cannot recommend this enough as it gave me such a great grounding in how the paints work together, how the water affects the paints and how to use a brush properly.
Her course uses just 2 brushes and some paints, but I got a great sense of achievement from following the various projects, even though I am only half way through the first module:
It has already inspired me to try my own subjects and crucially it has taught me to see where I am going wrong and what to try again to improve.
I recently wanted to branch out and try a couple of silhouette seascapes - here are the reference images and my first attempts:
This is Lindisfarne Castle on the north east coast
This is Bamburgh castle on the north east coast
Finally a little robin that I had a go at
Now I am under no illusion about those landscapes, but they are at least recognisable as their subject photos and I am going to take that as a win.
More importantly I thoroughly enjoyed painting them and I can see where I want to try something different on each one.
That's what I have learned from the course, not just how to apply the paint but also the theory behind it.
I hate being rubbish at things - its been something that has always stopped my from starting something because I naturally get frustrated when I try something and it doesn't match what's in my head.
This has been such a great lesson for me because Art is so subjective and nothing is ever perfect. Everyone has their own style, their own approach and I’m enjoying the freedom that this is providing.
So if you are struggling with how to start watercolour - just take the plunge. It doesn't have to be our course (but would be great if it was!) but find someone who's style you like and take the plunge. Spend a little money, get a couple of brushes and some paints and just give it a go, you will not be disappointed!
To help I have pulled together a great little taster bundle consisting of the Fiona Peart Pointer brush, a size 10 red sable round brush and a full set of 2.5ml taster pots of each of the Terry Harrison Paint pigments.
All for just £35 - you can find the bundle here
This is designed to accompany our beginners course - you can use any watercolour paper you have to hand and even an old plate for a palette whilst you try out something new - of course you can also check out our paper and palette in our shop along with all our other brush and paint products.
As a reminder you can get both Beginners Modules for just £60, saving 25%.
Thats it from me - if you have any questions or queries email me on the below or message on our socials
Happy painting
Martin