Priya Kapoor
Tim Wilmot is a semi-professional watercolour artist based in Bristol, UK. He has been painting with watercolours since he was young and now teaches the craft through online workshops, YouTube videos, and in-person courses and workshops. Wilmot's watercolour tutorials cover a range of scenes, from rural landscapes to street scenes with figures and shadows, as well as scenes with people, buildings, and cars. He emphasizes the importance of understanding how watercolour paint dries and the unique effects that can be achieved with this medium, such as wet in wet. Wilmot also offers critiques and shares tips through his Patreon Painting Club, fostering a supportive community for watercolour enthusiasts.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Artist | Tim Wilmot |
| Medium | Watercolour |
| Subject | Rural scenes, street scenes, people, buildings, shadows, cars |
| Style | "Wet in wet", "contre jour" (painting into the sun) |
| Techniques | Underpainting, loose wetness, mixing colour shading |
| Materials | Saunders Waterford watercolour paper (hot pressed, medium, or rough) |
| Online Presence | YouTube channel with over 20,000 subscribers, Patreon Painting Club, website with gallery and courses |
| Workshops | Live and online, one-to-one and group sessions, art retreats |
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What You'll Learn
Watercolour paper textures
Watercolour paper is available in varying textures, which can greatly affect the outcome of a painting. The texture of the paper is determined by the way it is pressed during manufacturing. Hot-pressed paper is completely smooth, as it is pressed between two hot metal rollers. This type of paper is favoured by artists who work delicately with subtle details, such as botanical artists. Cold-pressed paper, on the other hand, has a slightly textured surface, often referred to as a "tooth". This texture allows the paint to sink into the dimples on the paper, creating a unique effect. Cold-pressed paper is the most popular surface for watercolour painters as it allows for a balance between texture and detail.
For those seeking a more pronounced texture, rough surface paper is also an option. This type of paper is pressed between sheets of textured felt during the drying process, resulting in a felt-like texture. The heavier grain of texture enhances granulating effects, creating irregular colour applications. Jackson's Eco Paper is an example of a rough surface paper that retains its texture even when colour is lifted from it.
When choosing the right watercolour paper, it is essential to consider the desired level of detail and texture in the final painting. Smooth paper is ideal for intricate work, while textured paper can add depth and character to the artwork. Additionally, the absorbency of the paper plays a crucial role in the drying process of the paint, influencing the final outcome.
Tim Wilmot, a semi-professional watercolour artist, shares his preference for Saunders Waterford watercolour paper. This paper offers a choice of surface textures: Hot Pressed for a smooth finish, "NOT" for a medium texture, and Rough for a more pronounced texture. Wilmot's paintings showcase the interplay of light and shadow, warm and cool tones, and strong contrasts, all of which are enhanced by the chosen paper texture.
To add a watercolour paper texture to digital artwork, one can download a high-resolution image of watercolour paper and set it as the base layer. By adjusting the opacity of the painting layers, the texture of the paper will shine through. This technique allows artists to create the effect of watercolour paper as the canvas for their digital creations.
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Watercolour painting techniques
Tim Wilmot, a UK-based artist and instructor, has been painting with watercolours his entire life. He typically paints landscapes, seascapes, and street scenes, and his work has become looser and more abstract over the years.
In his watercolour workshops, Wilmot teaches a range of techniques. In one riverside scene, he demonstrates how to capture soft skies, reflections on the water, and the character of boats. He also discusses the importance of saving whites and keeping washes fresh.
In another workshop, Wilmot covers the topic of painting with people, buildings, and shadows. This class focuses on the use of shadows to ground figures and integrate them into the scene. He also mentions the importance of considering the light source to create believable depth.
When including figures in your watercolour scenes, it is essential to consider proportion and scale. For instance, people are generally taller than cars and shorter than doorways. Placing the heads of multiple figures on or close to the same plane and then varying the length of their bodies can effectively show distance.
Additionally, the positioning of the head and shoulders is crucial as they are the most expressive parts of a figure. Simplifying the details and keeping them to a minimum can make the painting process less daunting. Fiona Peart, another artist, also recommends sketching the scene a few times to decide on the final composition. She also suggests using a hatching technique to suggest movement and create a dynamic result.
To enhance the believability of your watercolour scene, consider the body language and posture of your figures. For example, hunched shoulders and hands in pockets can add to the overall impression of a cold, wet day. Including figures in your paintings can suggest a narrative, connect with the viewer, and bring the scene to life by adding meaning and vibrancy.
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Painting with light and shadows
Tim Wilmot, a semi-professional watercolour artist based in Bristol, UK, has loved painting with watercolours since he was young and now teaches others how to do so through online workshops, YouTube videos, and in-person courses and workshops. He particularly enjoys painting everyday scenes, capturing the interplay of light and shadows that brings a moment to life on paper.
Wilmot's watercolour paintings are known for their remarkable depiction of light and shadows, with one student commenting that his "water paintings look like the water is actually moving." In his tutorials, Wilmot emphasizes the importance of understanding how the paint will dry to achieve the desired effect. This involves trusting the underpainting layer and its loose wetness and application before moving on to colour shading.
Watercolour, as a medium, has a particular affinity for strong light, areas of high contrast, and the juxtaposition of warm and cool tones. This makes it ideal for painting 'contre jour' or into the sun. The transparency and fluidity of watercolour allow for unique effects, such as the "wet in wet" technique, which can be challenging to replicate in other media like oils.
To master the art of painting with light and shadows in watercolour, Wilmot recommends starting with high-quality materials, especially when it comes to paper. He suggests using Saunders Waterford watercolour paper, which offers a range of surface textures, including Hot pressed (smooth), Medium, and Rough.
Through his online demonstrations, Wilmot shares his techniques and approaches to painting, providing a step-by-step guide from the first brush stroke to the final detail. His Patreon Painting Club also offers a supportive community for watercolour enthusiasts to connect, share tips, and receive feedback to improve their craft.
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Painting indoors vs outdoors
Painting indoors and outdoors each have their own advantages and disadvantages. The decision to paint inside or outside depends on several factors, including the medium, weather conditions, and the artist's personal preference.
When it comes to watercolour painting, as artist Tim Wilmot mentions, one needs to be mindful of the paint drying too quickly, which can be challenging when working outdoors. Watercolour also requires strong light, areas of high contrast, and warm tones against cool tones, which can be easier to control in an indoor setting. Additionally, the UK's unpredictable weather may limit the opportunity to paint outdoors. Thus, Wilmot often paints indoors in his studio, using photographs as a reference. He also emphasizes the importance of investing in good-quality materials, which may be more accessible when painting indoors.
On the other hand, some artists, like Simonne Roy, prefer painting outdoors whenever possible. Painting en plein air offers the advantage of direct observation, allowing artists to capture the light, colours, and details of a scene more accurately. Roy mentions that completing a painting outdoors can be challenging due to changing light conditions, and she has since adopted a mixed approach, taking her paintings about 80% outdoors and finishing them in the studio. This method provides a fresh perspective and helps prevent errors in roof lines and other elements.
While the choice between painting indoors or outdoors is a personal one, artists can benefit from the advantages of both settings. Painting outdoors can provide inspiration and a unique connection to the subject matter, while indoor painting can offer more control over lighting, materials, and the ability to work at a slower pace.
Additionally, when considering the paint itself, there is a distinction between exterior and interior paint. Exterior paint is designed to withstand outdoor elements and often contains higher levels of VOCs (volatile organic compounds), which can be harmful if used indoors without proper ventilation. However, in certain indoor areas prone to moisture and mould, such as bathrooms, basements, and kitchens, exterior paint can be beneficial for added durability and protection.
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Watercolour workshops
When it comes to painting scenes with figures, artist Tim Wilmot has a distinct style and approach that can be a great guide for beginners and a refreshing twist for more experienced painters. In his watercolour workshops, he often focuses on this very subject, offering a step-by-step process to create vibrant and lively scenes.
The first step is to establish the composition. Wilmot often starts with a simple pencil sketch, blocking in the main elements of the scene. This is a crucial stage to get right, as it provides the foundation for the entire painting. He pays particular attention to the placement of figures, ensuring they are positioned in a way that tells a story or conveys a sense of movement. Once the sketch is complete, he begins to lay in the colours, usually starting with the sky and working downwards. This creates a sense of depth and perspective. He often uses a limited palette, focusing on the complementary colours of blue and orange, which gives his paintings a harmonious and cohesive feel.
As the painting develops, Wilmot adds more detail and starts to bring the scene to life. He uses a variety of techniques to create texture and interest, such as splattering, lifting out colour, and using salt to create a grainy effect. He also pays close attention to the lighting, using washes of colour to suggest sunlight and shadow, and adding highlights to create a sense of depth. Another key element of Wilmot's style is his use of figures to add scale and interest to the scene. He often paints them in a loose and impressionistic style, capturing the essence of the figure rather than every detail. This gives the painting a sense of movement and spontaneity.
In his workshops, Wilmot encourages students to experiment and develop their own style, whilst offering guidance and techniques to improve their skills. He emphasizes the importance of practicing and developing an understanding of colour theory, as well as learning from the masters of watercolour painting. By the end of the workshop, students will have a completed painting and a set of skills they can use to continue developing their artwork. Wilmot's approach is ideal for beginners as it offers a simple, step-by-step process, but it can also be adapted for more advanced painters who want to explore a new style.
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Frequently asked questions
Wilmot recommends buying the best possible materials you can afford. He uses Saunders Waterford watercolour paper, which comes in different textures: Hot pressed (smooth), medium, and rough.
Wilmot is a semi-professional watercolour artist based in Bristol, UK. He has loved painting with watercolours since he was young and now does it full-time. He has a YouTube channel with over 20,000 subscribers and offers online workshops and in-person courses and demonstrations.
Watercolour is considered one of the most difficult painting mediums because mistakes are hard to correct. It is also loved for its spontaneity and the speed at which you can work—paintings can often be completed in under 2 hours. Watercolour loves strong light, areas of high contrast, and warm tones against cool tones.
