One day several years back I was sitting in my office around Christmas time and a friend's grandson was lurking about, and looking bored.
Im an effort to entertain him I asked if he wanted to learn to paint and his eyes lit up. I grabbed some inexpensive watercolor paper and some paints. Then I taped the paper to the working surface.
For my painting, the first step was to lightly sketch out the barn. This was an area that would not have water applied. Then came a large brush to wet the sky. Then Windsor yellow was added with light alizarin crimson to follow, finished with ultramarine blue.
The mountains quickly followed with a soaking followed with light pthalo green first, and the darker grey added for the tree accents. White was added to the flow for snow effects.
A light wash was added to the foreground, with more green, grey and ochre to add depth. Finally, the barn was finished with light and dark grey, and a little rose madder shadow to finish.
The total time from start to finish was about ten minutes, give or take a minute or two. The key to watercolors is to let the paints flow and make the shapes as nature would, and finish with a few details!
And don't be afraid to experiment! A lot of techniques is learned by doing, and there is no shame in having an experiment or two fail! The important think id to keep trying, and have fun!
And what about my friend's grandson? Did he become a famous artist? No, but he did enjoy his visit and went home with his creation, and I think he left with a different attitude towards art!
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Richard, you're a man of many talents. Thanks for sharing.
Maria...
THX, I just wanted to share a tip or two! Thanks for the nice comment!
Nice work -- there may be hidden talent there --- all the best for the holiday season.
B&C...
I just like to try my hand at everything ... I never say "I can't do it!"
Hey, Richard. I like how you think. Great job with the painting. Thanks for sharing, Jim
It amazes me what you can do in 10 minutes! by the way I love barns and even have a huge pictue of one in my living room.
I've had 3 years of art lessons, and I focused on watercolor, but I'm too much of a perfectionist to do that many. I keep painting over and over the same spots, trying to get perfect details. *sigh* I should just learn to use oil or acrylics.
Richard...you are one talented guy! I will make a deal with you. If I get into an art contest, you watch my back, and if you ever think you may be lost in the wilderness without food or fire, I will take care of you! DEAL!?
Pretty cool, Richard. Your talents are truly never-ending. Writer/blogger, photog, painter, mean hat-wearer...seriously, where does it end? Oh, wait, it doesn't! I just said it was never-ending, right...?
You sir are indeed a man of many talents... I, on the other hand, can't draw worth diddly.
My friend, you make this sound just too easy. You first have to see the finished product in your minds eye and my minds eye is, shall we say, blind. ;-) You are so talented sir.
Richard, why can't you live closer so I can have lessons! I dabbled with watercolor before I had the kids, but it is very tricky. I always thought about trying it again when I have more time.
Jim...
I'm just trying to say that it doesn't require a huge investment in either money or time, so why not give it a try? Have a great weekend, and thanks for the comment!
Mandi...
I think the key is to let the colors flow and to not interfere too much as the "artist!" I know that this is NOT a great technical painting, but it is one I am most proud of because of the circumstances under which it was painted!
Lisa...
As you already know, watercolors are unforgiving! So you have to accept the fact that the pigment will decide where to flow, and that you are only a spectator! Thanks for the nice comment!
Bill...
How could I possibly refuse a deal like that? Thanks, my friend!
Lanette...
Your comment hit my funny bone, I literally laughed out loud! Thanks
Jesse...
You are a true artist, your photos are magnificent, and I'll bet if you really tried, you could create beautiful art, because you have "the eye!"
Don...
That is actually true when working with watercolors. You have to think "backwards," because you must identify all of the light areas first, and fill in the dark areas as you go. It just takes a little practice!
Susan...
I am not the best technician in the world, because I am self-taught. I tried for years to paint, and then all of a sudden, I realized that the paints would do the work themselves if I provided the proper "forum!"
So I wet the paper where I want color and let the pigments flow! Now get out there and get your Christmas shopping done!
It sounds like an awesome grandfather in the making.
Mel...
Well, I keep telling my daughter to get on the ball and get me a grandchild and she comes up with this "I think I'd like to fall in love and get married first." Details, details!
It is always heartwarming to teach a child and give them appreciation for the arts and what pleasure they can receive from it!
Richard - I think I will let you stick with the watercolors, I will stick to art appreciation. Although, perhaps, if I had a teacher that taught about letting the paint flow instead of staying in the lines......
I really prefer finger painting when ever I get the chance. I feel I have more control over my creations when I'm more hands on.
Richard - Is there anything you can't do? Great photos and now I find out you're a good painter as well. I'll have to see if I can get a decent photo of a watercolor my mother-in-law did of the Riverwalk in San Antonio from a photo we had shared with her. Its amazing. One of our prized possessions.
Richard,
So did your friend's grandson enjoy the lesson?
My daughter and I spend time together painting. She gets jealous when she thinks mine is better than hers but I think hers are beautiful.
Ann
Richard, imagine your daughter wanting to take the time to get married first! These young kids today....
Richard - That's a great picture. I have never been much of an artist. I remember once, I had an art teacher that admonished everyone to simply paint what they see. Then, she stepped over to my easel, and exclaimed, "What is that?" I told her, that every perception of an event or thing is different, if you put a group of artists in front of the mighty oak, all will paint it differently. She replied, that mine looked more like the bottom of a swamp somewhere! I couldn't argue with her.
Richard - Whatever you do, don't ever let THAT talent go by the wayside! You're good!
Caren...
And it's fun too! lol
Big Mike...
Lines have destroyed many a budding ambition!
JL...
Well, a palette knife is pretty close!