Watermedia

some comments, observations on Sketching as a great adjunct to waterclor

nick-ynysmon — Thu, 16 May 2013 05:59:02 GMT

I have only recently started sketching much of which I do from the car window, though I am going deeper into the countryside now spring has come. I have also started watercolor again and notice a distinct improvement in my usual freehand landscape paintings, I am very inspired at the moment. I find my freehand sketches of nature, trees and vegetation in particular, useful in setting out a watercolor, it enables me to have an instantaneous grasp of the placement, of various parts of the picture, also I find sketching enables a more spontaneous approach not only to watercolors but to oils as well. it improves ones confidence, and what would have taken a degree of thought now becomes almost automatic. I do recommend sketching as a preliminary to all manner of painting in this respect apart from the sheer satisfaction of the actual work one does.

your thoughts on synthetic watercolor brushes

Kris Aaron — Wed, 20 May 2009 15:37:38 GMT

As much as I'd love sable brushes, I don't wear fur so ... which manufacturer makes the best synthetic watercolor brushes? Which ones and what sizes do you or would you use if you were limited to synthetic? What are the drawbacks to these brushes?

I'm new at watercolor, so the learning curve is immense. Your help is most appreciated!

-- Kris Aaron

Arches Watercolor Paper Watermarks And Embossed Seals

William J Senior — Sat, 27 Apr 2013 14:56:09 GMT

Normal.dotm 0 0 1 346 1976 HiffnHoffer 16 3 2426 12.0 0 false 18 pt 18 pt 0 0 false false false

Throughout the years, Arches has changed both their watercolor paper and their watermarks numerous times. While they claim that their paper is the same now as it was in 1498, it’s not. They also claim that they have been making paper since 1492, but I have several extremely old examples of Arches watercolor blocks with the 1498 date on them.

As for the watermarks and embossed seals that Arches uses, there are quite a few different ones, however there is very little, if any information as to when they began using these various marks and why. All of the examples I have seen have the common “Arches France” watermark, however there are variations in the size of the letters used. The oldest example I have has an oval embossed seal on the upper left corner with the words “Veritable Papier D’Arches” around the inner border and “torchon” in the center. This paper also has four natural deckle edges. Aside from paper that I have, I have not seen or heard anything about this seal. Later sheets contain the “Veritable Papier D’Arches Torchon” on the corner of the sheet. This stamp then changed to say “Aquarelle Arches”. As for the watermarks, I have seen sheets with various numbers, letters and symbols. The newest sheets contain the “Infinity” symbol, but previous examples include letters such as “A” an upside down “T” & an upside down “U”, Numbers such as “61” “71” & “88”, and various other symbols.

Does anybody have any information as to why the various symbols were used, and when they started and stopped using each?

From my own experience over my 45+ year career as a professional watercolorist and teacher, I know for sure that the watercolor paper Arches produces today is not the same as it used to be. This is also evident in the vast difference between the various sheets I have from different periods of time, primarily in surface texture prior to the year 1980. I wonder if the various different watermarks used by Arches were a means of keeping track of batches of paper created using slightly different formulas or processes. Why they would have even done this remains a mystery to me since Arches claims that their paper has not changed since the company was established over 500 years ago.

Please add whatever you may know about the years the marks were used, any other marks you may have encountered, and any reasons why these various marks were used.

My first post! How to adhere an open-weave piece of fabric to Arches watercolor paper?

arlinek1 — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 22:36:29 GMT

Hello all! Have just decided to attempt a return to watercolor ptg. after a long absence and am so excited to have found this Forum. I'm strictly a beginner compared to most of you! Here's my "current" dilemma: I've seen a *professional* watercolor ptg. that inspired me to restart my favorite hobby. It included a few small pieces (maybe 2"-3" irregularly-shaped squares, or so) of very open cheesecloth (like medical gauze) that was then clearly painted over with watercolor and blended into the overall painting in appearance. I loved the resulting look but don't know how to achieve it! I use Aquarelle Arches - France paper, if that matters. Do I apply some background watercolor and THEN glue down the cheesecloth and THEN do my final painting over that? Or, glue it down before applying any paint? Or, what? Hmmm, maybe I should just use adhesive spray on one side of the cloth, flip it over and push down onto the paper? I wouldn't want it to eventually fall off the paper, obviously. AND, what "glue" can I use that won't (presumably) resist the watercolor? I'm presuming that just laying it over some watercolor paint and then painting over it again won't cause it to stick. What would be the best method here? Thank you all for any consideration.

Farmhouse behind the hills

Knitting Princess MH — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 10:56:18 GMT

Here is my painting Farmhouse behind the hills.

Hope you like it!!

♥MH♥

Bubusona

DaveJohnson — Fri, 19 Apr 2013 12:45:57 GMT

Problems with Arches Watercolor Paper

Paul Sullivan — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 21:02:55 GMT

I have used Arches 300 lb. cold press watercolor paper for many years. However, over the last couple of years I have encountered very serious problems with it.

As best I can tell, there is a drastic inconsistency in the sizing on the paper. On some sheets the paper seems to be resisting the paint. As a simple wash of transparent color dries, the color fades drastically and tiny pin holes of white occur. A second or third wash does not solve the problem, rather the condition continues. The general effect is that both the color intensity and value disappear before your eyes. I have talked to many other artists who have encountered the very same problems and are not happy at all. I've tried to email Arches through Canson and as of now, the messages bounce back. Obviously there is a gross lack of quality control with Arches watercolor paper. I have been a professional artist for 44 years. I know how to handle watercolor and watercolor paper and know what to expect. I am not interested in simply venting my frustrations. I want to see this problem corrected. I've soaked sheets, scrubbed them down and prayed over them. I am not interested in changing papers unless I have no other choice. I consider Arches almost as an old friend. However, as of late, Arches has been a friend I have not been abel to rely on.

Paul Sullivan

http://www.paulsullivanstudio.com

lonely blue flower

Knitting Princess MH — Wed, 17 Oct 2012 19:47:53 GMT

Watercolor mixed media (watercolor pencils,sharpies, ink, gel pens...)

KelseyKristine — Sun, 10 Feb 2013 03:06:40 GMT

I've been experimenting with watercolor and mixed media recently and would love some critique. It's surprisingly difficult to find considering the wide use of social media these days. Thanks for your time! :)

Varnishing aquabord

darbymarie — Tue, 20 Nov 2012 01:48:34 GMT

I know this has probably been discussed many times before, but I'm having a hard time figuring out exactly what to do. I just purchased a bunch of aquabord to paint with watercolors, and I need a good recommendation of what kind of varnish and fixative to get. There are many old posts about this on the web, but I can't seem to find anything recent with exact recommendations. I don't know anything about varnishes, and I really just need a direct link to something I can by.

-Darby

I'm stuck

Yevettee — Tue, 27 Nov 2012 23:29:42 GMT

Hi,

Please help me get unstuck. I started watercolor painting about 3 years ago, took some classes in Steamboat Springs and some in Florida and California, was having fun with it but it seems I've now been struck with fear and just can't get going again. I look on line for some watercolor painting exercises to get me moving again, but really haven't found anything. If there is anyone out there that could suggest where I could find such exercises or even some wonderful soul that would be willing to give me a little push by suggesting some painting exercises for me to do, I would so very much be forever grateful to you. I'm attaching a photo of one of my efforts.

Thank you so much,

Yevette

Mid-Southern Watercolorists Annual Juried Exhibition - Prospectus available

BJeannieFry — Mon, 18 Feb 2013 00:57:55 GMT

Mid-Southern Watercolorists 43rd Annual Exhibition will be held at the Butler Center in Little Rock. The exhibition dates are August 9 to October 26, 2013. This is a juried exhibition to promote the art of excellence in water media and to exhibit works from the best contemporary watercolor artists.

The exhibition is open to artists working in water media on paper and Yupo. Applicants for the exhibition must reside in one of the following states: Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Texas, Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Kentucky, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and South Carolina. Entries must be submitted in jpeg format by no later than May 1, 2013, 5:00 p.m.

The prospectus is available on line at the Mid-Southern Watercolorists website, www.midsouthernwatercolorists.com. I am also attaching a copy of the prospectus to this email.

BOTANICAL ART WITH WATERCOLOUR

yesil — Sun, 03 Jun 2012 10:11:48 GMT

Dear People,

I am a botanical artist using watercolour as a media. I am trying to be more active in these social networks, so I have prepared a page in facebook to exhibit some of my paintings. Feedback are important for me to improve my art.

If you have a few minutes, please check my page

EARTHY

And if you enjoy with my art, please like my page.

Any feedback are very welcome,

I am still in the learning process! :)))

handling w/c paint & palette... getting values correct

gitpen — Wed, 13 Feb 2013 05:41:17 GMT

All - new member here. I hope I'm not repeating someone's earlier question for help. I'm relatively new to watercolor media (an off 'n on oil painter for decades, and pencil guy...) but very inspired by a couple guys like John Lovett and Stephen Quiller. What I'd like to find is an real good video with some careful demos of just how to handle w/c paints & the water. I am just stumbling badly on how to go about mixing correctly so I can get the need values (you know, gradations/intensity) when getting the paint on the brush and thence to paper. It's much easier to control in oil, it seems. With w/c before I know it I've lost control of the darkness/lightness I need and it's all "a wash", or maybe "awash". I learn best by watching, so a good vid would be nice. Lots of demos out there on what to paint, I need something else. Thx much.

gitpen, Lakeport CA

"Renovation"

Charlie Gunn — Tue, 28 Aug 2012 14:23:21 GMT

"Renovation" 12" x 16" watercolor and ink 12-01-2011

Egg Tempera thread

Fergus A Ryan — Tue, 28 Jun 2011 07:48:31 GMT

There are a few egg tempera works scattered throughout the site, but I thought it might be good to have a thread particularly for egg tempera. Let's have your methods and other observations. This is a 10 x 8 piece entitled Buttermilk on a true gesso panel.

Girl in the Field

jm7445 — Thu, 31 Jan 2013 17:14:53 GMT

Done in watercolors on Canson cp watercolor paper, 11x15. Critique and comments welcomed.

First Signs of Spring

Knitting Princess MH — Fri, 18 Jan 2013 18:29:40 GMT

First Signs of Spring

(Watercolor on canvas)

Line of pines

Knitting Princess MH — Fri, 18 Jan 2013 18:25:24 GMT

Here is my painting Line of pines

(Watercolor on canvas)

Maryam Hurd

Please Remove Duplicates

woodyduncan — Mon, 17 Dec 2012 16:38:24 GMT

I don't know who to contact about fixing goofs - I got error messages and thought my posts were not going on the site. Can someone remove the duplicates ? I post under Woody Duncan and my problem is with my newest version of Tiffanie's Balloon - Thank You

Mat cutters

Jay Babina — Mon, 03 Dec 2012 14:18:52 GMT

I have been painting for quite a few years and do Oil, Acrylic and Water. I always used to cut my mats freehand but I'm thinking of entering the modern world.

My largest mats are about 22 x 30 outside mat dimension. I don't mind spending up to $200+ if it's worth it. Is there that much difference between the cheaper cutters vs. the more expensive ones to justify the extra money. Are some just so much easier to use? They all seem to use the same blades is that correct?

Thanks for any advice.

Watercolor nude figure

frizzlerock — Tue, 13 Nov 2012 04:21:47 GMT

Hello. Just wanted to post a painting. Comments are welcome. I am still learning watercolor...and painting for that matter.

Proper matting, framing

DeborahJane2 — Tue, 02 Nov 2010 22:20:46 GMT

I am wondering what the standard requirements are for juried shows in watercolor, Matting and framing have me confused. Sometimes a standard white mat just does not do a painting justice. I am sure this has been covered before somewhere on this site but I'd sure appreciate the advice of someone who's been there, done that, It has been suggested that I try for some of the more respected watercolor societies in my area and frankly, I'm a little daunted.

first time paiting a cat

khanhny — Mon, 29 Oct 2012 20:39:22 GMT

hey everyone, just started poking around artist daily here. i've been practicing my watercolor for about 8 months now. this is the first time i've painted a fluffy animal, and i think it turned out pretty well.

i always always mess up thebackground, this time i decided to paint the background first but i dont know..something doesnt seem right

any critiques are welcome as im really trying to become better.

cheers

"ORIENTAL PARASOL" done in 1 day

steverude — Fri, 03 Aug 2012 05:27:01 GMT

Hi everyone! This painting was done at the art school's Open Studio class with the live model. For this painting, I thought I'd try using--watercolor. Yes, watercolor. As everyone knows, watercolor has two particular qualities that we should all know about:

1. It's one of the hardest mediums to master.

2. Every kid in grade school has painted with it.

Hmmm.

Anyway, the painting turned out well that day, but with me and my math-impaired brain behind the brush, pulling off the entire thing in transparent watercolor seems all but impossible. So out comes the white gouache and when I mix it with the watercolor, I can use it to then go over my screw-ups and correct my mistakes. Ten points to the eagle-eye out there who can spot the areas where I've applied the gouache.

Gouache is an interesting medium, and an even more interesting word. When pronounced, it resembles the sound of a nation of conveslesants standing over the toilet during flu season. Most people can't even spell it, let alone paint with it. I somehow managed to memorize this word back in art school by realizing it contains the word "ache". I'm sure there's a correlation.

And don't forget to sign up for the Dude's very first instructional masterclass: "30 years in 4 days" The Steve Rude Painting Workshop in September. The cry of the loons at night are worth the price alone!

Talking in high volume,

Steve Rude the Dude
www.SteveRude.com
www.facebook.com/steverudethedude