Watercolor Demonstration
In classes this week we were, once again, talking about simplifying. For me, it all comes down to simplifying. I don't like doing detail - I really like things left a little to the imagination. I think what this really means is "why am I painting this?". If it is actually about rendering an object, that's another matter, but if the painting isn't ABOUT the pattern or the lettering, for example, then it is best to keep it simple.Everyone in class seemed to have a lot of fun with these three objects. They felt freed up from perfection and did a great job.
Think how much more individual your paintings are when you don't worry about detail. You are free to express your own version of the object instead of a photographic rendering.
Sometimes I think it helps to do a few little studies of a subject for a painting. The painting itself is not always the place to experiment or figure out how to do a previously untried technique. There is something to be said for spontaneity, of course, but working out some problems or questions before starting the actual painting can save a lot of grief.
It's Friday. I have a long to-do list, and there are some pretty fun things on it. How does your weekend look? Where are you taking your sketchbook this weekend?
