Lessons in watercolor painting

I’M learning to paint with watercolors these days. In the past, I stayed away from it simply because I perceived that I would have much difficulty dealing with its “temperament.” It is a far cry from my usual medium, acrylic. Both can utilize water for painting but for me, that is where the similarities end. I am a rather impatient painter which is why acrylic suits me fine, because the paint dries fast. Quite honestly, there are times when “fast” isn’t even quick enough and I eventually mess up my colors! Arrgh. Obviously, I need a lesson in patience. Haha.

It’s a lengthy process... prepping myself psychologically to try watercolors. I had toyed with the idea for over a year but always end casting my thoughts aside. I had tried using watercolors when my beloved friend, Mama P, gifted me with an awesome Cotman set from Morning Light two years ago. Tried painting with it. It was a disaster. So I set the WCs aside and went on my merry art way using my usual art weapons (acrylic, pastel, compressed charcoal, ink pencils). Then about four months ago, watercolors beckoned. Again. And much to my surprise, I obliged.

Patay.

Hey, I am not saying that I have, since then, blossomed into a great watercolorist. I am still learning and finding my way through its fluid, waterhungry, crazy color-mixing maze! It is what they say it is, challenging and quite difficult, but it is also fun and surprisingly insightful too! It has taught me more than just the how-tos of watercolor, it has made me realize how art can pretty much represent life in the guise of our own personal experiences.

“Don’t judge a book by its cover.” To date, I have about 12 brands of watercolor paint at home. I have 4 more coming by the end of the month and about 10 more on my wish list. Yes, most are brands I have researched or read about, but there are also those that I had chosen because I had never heard of them before. It is so easy not to pay any attention to them but sometimes they turn out to be really good! My artist buddy Rex would agree with me that the brand name isn’t everything. Sometimes, you find inexpensive treasures by sheer luck! In my quest, I have found a couple of good ones that are worth keeping. of course there are disappointments but as long as you are able to find something good about it, you won’t feel to let down in the end. I do not deny the fact that I have found “bombs,” I just learn to accept it as such and move on. Similarly in life, people and experiences come and go. Some by choice and others by chance. However they manage to come into your life, keep an open mind and try not to get stuck on impressions nor perceived notions too eagerly. Give it a chance so you don’t regret anything. Even when things do not match your expectations, find something that you can appreciate about it. Do not fret too, when things really don’t work out, just accept things as it is, learn from it and move on.

Patience is a virtue. Ohmygerrd. I am guilty of impatience. Most of the time when I paint, my brushes carry the brunt of my antsiness. Gigil does not even begin to describe how I can be when I paint! And when the paint cannot dry fast enough, I huff, puff, fan, use the fan or use a hair dryer (on certain occasions) to really dry them faster! Well, watercolor is 1 part paint and more parts water and so, I cannot be bratty about paint drying as fast as I want! I need to be patient when dealing with watercolors because “it” has a mind of its own. Just like in life, we sometimes need to go with the flow simply because we cannot always get what we want. Besides, it is exhausting to always fight the current when we’re trying to fight the odds. As I learn to be more patient, I also learn to deal with discontent and the discomfort of seeing “ugly” things. Watercolor painting is filled with accidents in the way adjacent colors mix and wander off in places of the paper you don’t want it to go. Many times, I would roll my eyes and swear because of it. I would try to remedy it and make it look even worse! With constant practice, I was able to train myself not to react too hastily. I learned to wait. Soon enough, I began to see how waiting can have a meaningful purpose. It allowed me to realize that some beautiful things need time to develop and to appreciate it, we should allow time to work its wonders. I have become patient enough to admire beauty in unfavorable things. Really, there is good in every bad thing, if you know where to look. Sometimes, what you initially perceive to be unpleasant blossoms into something beautiful right before your very eyes and it is, a wonderful feeling to savor!

For all it’s worth, try anything at least once... or twice. I have always believed that trying at least once prevents a lifetime of regret. It is true. But, when you do get the chance to try something again then by all means, do it. I tried watercolor two years ago and didn’t like it. Now, I am learning to appreciate it again not only as an art form, but also as a means to develop and improve good habits. I am beginning to realize that despite the challenges of trying to familiarize myself with its intricacies, it is also fun! Life is too short with too many good things in it for us to concentrate on the bad things. Although we learn from the negative too, there is no need to dwell on it especially when your whole being can suffer from it. Do things that are good for your soul. Nourish it and cherish it because it will be good for you. It will make you feel good and you will surely be a better person with a better outlook on life because of it.

Happy Sunday Everyone! :)