Elena Rossi
Developing your own style in watercolour painting is a journey of self-discovery and gradual evolution. It is not about reaching a destination but about embracing a creative process that continually shapes and reshapes your expression. It is important to remember that there is no fixed timeline or formula for developing your style, as it depends on factors such as your artistic background, the time you dedicate to practice, and your willingness to experiment. To begin your journey, set aside time to play and explore the paint without worrying about the outcome. Keep it simple and observe what happens when colours blend together. Making mistakes is an essential part of the learning process, and it is crucial to be okay with failure. Start with a subject that interests you, whether it's flowers, sunsets, or landscapes, and begin with small pieces to avoid feeling overwhelmed. Online tutorials and workshops can provide guidance, and it is beneficial to learn from other artists while developing your unique style. Remember, your style will emerge as you explore, experiment, and express yourself, reflecting your creative soul.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Be patient with yourself | Developing your style takes time |
| Be open-minded | Your style is a journey of self-discovery and gradual evolution |
| Be fearless | Fear and lack of confidence could be holding you back from painting authentically |
| Be experimental | Explore, experiment, express yourself, and embrace your individuality |
| Be observant | Observe and learn from other artists' styles and techniques |
| Be inspired | Keep an inspiration file, a mood board, or a Pinterest board |
| Be playful | Set aside time to play and enjoy the process without worrying about the outcome |
| Be loose | A loose, free approach can help strengthen your painting skills and encourage self-expression |
| Be simple | Start small and keep it simple |
| Be mindful | Think like a child and make a mess |
| Be consistent | Practice consistently and sustained |
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What You'll Learn
Embrace experimentation and expression
Developing your own style in watercolour painting is a journey of self-discovery and gradual evolution. It involves a quest for personal expression and a distinctive artistic identity. While there is no fixed timeline or formula for finding your style, there are certain things you can do to embrace experimentation and expression.
Firstly, set aside time to play and experiment with watercolours. Allow yourself to make a mess and have fun, without worrying too much about the outcome. Try different techniques and explore the behaviour of watercolours. See what happens when you let two colours blend together, or try your hand at creating abstract paintings. Remember that mistakes are a natural part of the process and can often lead to incredible discoveries.
Secondly, choose subjects that you feel drawn to. Whether it's flowers, sunsets, landscapes, or something else entirely, paint what inspires and excites you. Start small and simple, and don't be afraid to copy the work of other artists as a learning tool. You can also create inspiration files or mood boards to spark ideas and guide your creative process.
Thirdly, don't be afraid to take risks and step out of your comfort zone. Every painting involves a certain amount of risk-taking and the potential for failure. Embrace this as an opportunity for growth and exploration. Let go of the need for control and perfectionism, and instead, allow your heart to lead the way. Remember, your style will emerge organically through the act of creating and expressing yourself.
Lastly, seek out resources and guidance to support your development. There are numerous online tutorials, workshops, and courses available to help you improve your technical skills and find your unique style. For example, you can enrol in intermediate courses that focus on different subjects and techniques, such as "Creative Watercolour" or "Colour Drenched Florals". Additionally, consider joining communities or seeking mentorship from established artists who can provide feedback and help you refine your style.
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Learn from online tutorials
Online tutorials are a great way to develop your watercolour style. There are many free tutorials available on YouTube, as well as online courses and classes that you can pay for.
YouTube is a great place to start, with many artists offering step-by-step guides and video tutorials for beginners. You can also find inspiration from other artists' styles and approaches, whether you prefer a traditional or contemporary look.
If you're looking for a more structured approach, online courses and classes can be a great option. These often provide more in-depth instruction and may cover a wider range of topics, such as choosing brushes, paper, and paints, loading paint onto your brush effectively, and foundational techniques to practice. Some courses also offer guidance on developing your unique artistic style. For example, Angela Fehr's courses include demonstrations of her decision-making process and the techniques she uses at different painting stages. This type of imitation can strengthen and refine your skillset, giving you more headspace to focus on your personal style.
When choosing an online course or class, consider your goals and challenges. Look for courses that align with your interests and the specific techniques you want to learn. For instance, if you want to practice giving shapes dimension, you can try painting basic shapes in different colours. Louise De Masi's online watercolour classes are highly regarded, with over 200 full-length, voiced-over classes and tutorials for beginners to advanced painters.
Online tutorials can provide a wealth of information and inspiration, but it's important to balance watching tutorials with creating your own art. Practising regularly is essential for improving your skills and discovering your style. Set aside dedicated time to paint, even if it's just a few minutes each day, and don't be afraid to experiment with different techniques and step outside your comfort zone. Making mistakes is all part of the learning process and can often lead to new discoveries.
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Understand your watercolour tools
Understanding the tools and materials used in watercolour painting is essential for developing your own style. Here are some key considerations to help you get started:
Paper
The choice of paper is crucial in watercolour painting. Watercolour paper comes in three textures: hot, cold, and rough. Hot-pressed paper has a smooth texture, allowing for sharper details. Cold-pressed and rough paper have bumpy textures, resulting in more vibrant colours. The weight of the paper is also important, as heavier paper is less likely to buckle under water. Aim for paper weighing at least 140 lb, and consider well-known brands such as Arches or Strathmore.
Paint
Watercolour paint is another vital tool, offering variations in vibrancy and depth. Choose a high-quality brand, as cheaper paints may lead to frustration due to their lower pigmentation and colour-lifting capacity. Windsor & Newton and Winsor & Newton Cotman are popular choices for tube and cake watercolours, respectively.
Brushes
Watercolour brushes come in both synthetic and natural hair varieties, each with unique characteristics. Natural hair brushes, such as those made with Kolinsky red sable, tend to hold liquid better but are more expensive. Consider your budget and preferences when choosing between synthetic and natural brushes.
Additional Tools
Other tools can enhance your watercolour painting experience. These include paper towels for blotting and cleaning, kneaded erasers for corrections, masking tape and fluid for preserving certain areas, and a sea sponge for creating textures.
Practice and Experimentation
Lastly, remember that developing your style is a journey. Experiment with different tools, techniques, and creative approaches. Allow yourself to play and explore, embracing the unique relationship between watercolour and the artist. This process of discovery will shape your expression and help you find your distinctive artistic voice.
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Conquer fear and self-doubt
Developing your own style in watercolour painting is a journey of self-discovery and gradual evolution. It takes time, patience, and dedication to practice. It is important to embrace the journey and let your style be a reflection of your creative soul.
Fear and self-doubt are common obstacles on the artist's journey. It is normal to feel intimidated or uncertain, but it is essential to recognise that these emotions should not hold you back from expressing yourself authentically. Remember, even the most prolific artists throughout history, such as Leonardo da Vinci, Vincent van Gogh, and Rembrandt, struggled with self-doubt. Their success came from persevering despite their fears.
Confront your fears and embrace courage. Understand that your artistic journey is unique, and there is no fixed timeline or formula for developing your style. Embrace experimentation and view mistakes as opportunities for learning and discovery. Instead of striving for perfection, shift your focus to enjoying the process and exploring the medium.
Let go of the need for control. Watercolour painting is often about embracing a loose, free, and intuitive approach. Allow yourself to play and have fun with the paint. Explore colour theory by observing how different hues blend and interact. Redefine your outcome by letting your heart lead; your perfect style will find you when you paint from your truest self.
Remember, your artwork is a reflection of your unique perspective and connection to the world. Do not get discouraged by comparing your work to that of others. Instead, find inspiration in nature or other sources that spark your creativity. The key is to trust in your process and believe in the importance of your artistic journey, even when faced with challenges and self-doubt.
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Study the work of other artists
Studying the work of other artists is a great way to develop your own style. It is important to note that there is no fixed timeline or formula for developing your style; it is a gradual evolution and a journey of self-discovery.
Firstly, find artists whose work you admire and would like to learn from. You can use platforms like Pinterest, Instagram, and Google to discover new artists and their unique styles. When studying their work, pay attention to the details that attract you, such as their choice of subjects, use of brush strokes, colour palettes, or the message they convey. For example, you might be drawn to the simplicity and linework in Peter Sheeler's art or Noelle Curtis's approach to complex paintings. By understanding what inspires you, you can incorporate similar elements into your work while making it your own.
Copying masterworks as exercises can be beneficial. While you don't want to become a copyist, studying the techniques and solutions used by other artists can inform your future approaches. It helps build a strong foundation for your skills, but remember that your goal is not to mimic but to develop your unique style.
Additionally, sketching and painting regularly are essential. Sketching allows you to experiment with different techniques, mix media, and gain confidence with your brushwork. It gives you the freedom to explore and make mistakes without worrying about the outcome. Regularly creating art will help you refine your skills and gradually shape your artistic expression.
Remember, developing your style is a continuous journey of exploration and celebration of your unique artistic voice. Embrace the process, be patient, and let your creativity shine through.
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Frequently asked questions
Developing your own style takes time and patience. It is not about reaching a destination but about embracing a creative journey that continually shapes and reshapes your expression. Experiment with different subjects, techniques and styles and don't be afraid to make mistakes. You can also try copying the work of other artists as a way to learn and refine your skills.
There is no fixed timeline or formula for developing your own style. It depends on factors such as your artistic background, the amount of time you dedicate to practice and your willingness to experiment.
Pick a subject that you feel drawn to and start small. You can also try an abstract painting as an easy way to get started. Choose a good palette with a range of colours, such as the Winsor & Newton set of 24 watercolours, and create a colour chart to get a sense of how the colours will look on paper.
