Eight Great Reasons to Paint with Watercolor
By Charlene Thomforde
There are many mediums to paint with, so why is watercolor
one of the best? Besides being one of the most beautiful ways to
express any subject matter, watercolor painting has many advantages
over other kinds of painting.
1. Fast... Watercolor painting techniques allow for
spontaneous strokes and quick washes. That is part of its
beauty. Some of the best paintings taking an hour or less.
What other art form can provide such satisfying results in
so little time?
2. Easier than you think... Even a beginner can get
great results in relatively short time.
3. Great for travel... Watercolor kits come in compact,
lightweight boxes that you can easily carry with you. Paper
comes in blocks that take up little space and don't require
preparation.
4. Dries quickly... unlike oil paints that can take days or
weeks to dry, watercolor dries in minutes.
5. Won't smudge... like pastel or charcoal.
6. Fluid in nature... so you can fill large areas with
few strokes.
7 "Happy accidents" help you be creative...
Some great starts are made by pouring on the paint and
seeing what magically develops.
8. Versatile in style and look ...watercolor can
range from tightly controlled illustrational works to
experimental and abstract art.
Although watercolor is thought to be one of the harder
mediums to control, what other medium actually helps you
in the process? Through the magic of its fluid nature,
all you have to do is get out of the way, and let it work
its own magic. Allow for endless explorations and a
lifetime of creativity.
Charlene Thomforde is a watercolor artist/instructor,
and publisher of Inspirations for the watercolor Journey,
a weekly newsletter. For watercolor painting tips and
techniques go to www.watercolorways.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Charlene_Thomforde
Creating a Great Watercolor Workspace
By Charlene Thomforde
Watercolor Art Timesaving Tip 1
Finding time to paint can be a challenge. If you have to clear off
your counter, drag out your paints and set up your palette every
time you want to paint, most of your time will be used up before
your brush even hits the paper. If you can set aside a space or a
whole room where you won't be easily distracted, you can sneak
in a few minutes here and there. Ideally, you will be able to close
a door, but a even a corner of a room is better than nothing. That
way you can leave your supplies in place and you will always be
ready to go.
Here are some tips for setting up a studio you will love to work in:
1. Make your space the happiest place in the house. Hang plants
and inspiring pictures, and place your favorite objects around to
fill the room and make it inviting.
2. Be sure your lighting is good. A task light with a full spectrum
bulb works well for low light days and evenings. The ideal natural
light is steady north light which comes from the left of your table
if you are right handed.
3. Keep a small table beside your work table or easel to hold
your supplies. You don't want to crowd your working surface.
4. Work standing as much as possible. Sitting down keeps you
from using the full movement of your arms and body and cramps
your style and spontaneity. I like to have my table at standing
height with an adjustable chair, so I can sit to do areas of detail
or if I need to rest. If you must sit to paint, its easy to stand back
to look at what you are doing when you work at standing level.
5. Playing music or talk radio can be beneficial. Sometimes too
much quiet can cause you to think too much which can block
your free flow of creativity. Great music can also inspire you
to greater art.
The most important thing is to enjoy being in your working space.
Because if you don't, you won't want to spend time there!
About the Author: Charlene Thomforde is a watercolor artist/instructor,
and publisher of Inspirations for the Watercolor Journey,
a weekly newsletter. For watercolor painting tips and
techniques go to www.watercolorways.com Article Source:
http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Charlene_Thomforde
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