 |
|
|
|
Carnations flowing in a loose watercolor with
exciting watermarks and color effects evident
within the
composition.
|
|
|
I have just taken a week of watercolor painting workshops and I came across a problem that many watercolor artists have in common. Many of us start a wonderful painting but
when we seem to be half way through the creative process we hit a wall of what to do next.
Often the problem lies in that the painter has
gained such a beautiful result so quickly that he or she is terrified of ruining it
by going any further. This can result in many half finished paintings that
never make it to a frame. I can understand the problem, but it is only by
fighting through the fear that we
can improve and grow in technique.
To understand how we should progress in any painting we need to fully comprehend where we are heading. Unfortunately, this
too is a huge problem for many new artists who have yet to find
their style. Picking up a brush and simply hoping for the best does not always
lead to great results!
So before you begin painting, decide what
you wish to achieve, especially if you are aiming to working in a loose
interpretative style of watercolor art.
1.
Soft Results.
|
 |
|
Adding darks can add powerful
impact and drama to a painting. |
|
|
These carnations were specifically painted
with a soft result in mind. The composition
indicates a gentle flow of
direction. It holds a sense of movement and leaves much to the
imagination. But is it finished? This is where a watercolorist's personal opinion will make the
decision on whether to add more detail or leave the painting as it is.
2.
Drama and Definition.
I decided to keep going. By working further and adding strong darks
to surround the flowers, the composition appears more dramatic. In the second image where darks have been added as a
backdrop they literally jump off the paper but is the original sense of
movement that was so beautiful in the first version now lost?
Adding darks to sections of a painting can make or break the
composition. Careful additions of a few brushstrokes can make all the
difference to what otherwise could have seemed a boring work. But too much
definition can kill the excitement and freedom that so many artists struggle to
achieve when creating a watercolor painting.
3. Finding
the Balance.
 |
|
|
|
Blue
Rhapsody by Jean Haines, watercolor painting.
|
|
|
Trying to create a fantastic masterpiece that screams of fascinating
sections and is unique and interesting because of its originality is a hard task.
But to the artist who is not afraid of the dark, knows when to add strong colors and when to leave
sections soft as a contrast, the pleasure involved in creating is endless.
Don't be afraid of the dark but do use bold brushwork and color additions
wisely.
Study your paintings at different stages in
their creation so that you know exactly what is needed to either make your work
fantastic or just a touch bolder. Most importantly, be unique!
--Jean
You
can discover more about watercolors by Jean on her website.