One of the biggest challenges beginners face with any type of art, is the ability
to really connect with the creativity that is inside of them. It's difficult
in the beginning to just let go and paint from your heart and soul. Your mind
is being filled with techniques and systems for approaching painting, which
in my opinion, tends to drown out your inner creativity. Learning techniques
is essential, but there should be a point where you begin to draw from your
own creative imagination.
When painting a subject, whether it is a person or a landscape, it is important
to first observe your subject. You have to get close and personal to what you
are painting. If you want to learn how to paint great landscapes, then you should
spend time near the area that inspires you to paint in the first place. Only
then can you really understand how to transfer what it is you see to canvas.
Take a ride out to the area you wish to paint. Bring along some pencils and
paper. The best way to become really intimate with the scene is to just spend
time there doing some sketches. This will really force you to observe what you
see and burn the image and the environment into your senses.
Painting with watercolor on location is quite challenging, especially if you
are a beginner. The scene is constantly changing. There are certain techniques
in watercolor that require the paper to be at certain angles, or the paper needs
to be saturated to a certain degree, etc. To get everything right within such
a short time span is quite difficult, which is why you should bring a camera
in the event you are not able to capture the scene. Once you find a composition
that you like, take a bunch of shots at different distances and angles. When
you get back to your studio, you will now have a few reference sketches as well
as a bunch of great photos to work with. In the beginning, while painting on
location, try to choose compositions that are not overly detailed or complex.
One of the best ways to immerse your self in watercolor landscape painting
is to find people with the same passion. Search online for any groups or websites
for landscape painters in your area. Start chatting and get to know everyone.
Many of the artists in these groups love to connect with other artists and plan
painting trips. This is a really great way to gain experience.
You do not need to bring your entire studio with you when painting on location.
Many beginners will bring far too many supplies, which becomes more of a nuisance
than help. Only bring the colors and supplies that you really need to work on
a particular scene.
Remember, things change very quickly outdoors. Lighting conditions and weather
can change in a matter of minutes. You must be able to paint quickly without
being too sloppy. Block in all of your large areas first then go back and start
adding your details.
Many landscape artists usually block in the sky area first. The sky is generally
paler than the rest of the painting, which enables you to work from light to
dark. The sky area also influences the way you paint the rest of the objects
in your painting.
When painting objects in the foreground that require great detail, do not try
and paint every single leaf or blade of grass that you see. This will usually
create too much detail that will draw focus away from the center of interest
in your painting. It is also far too time consuming if you plan on painting
on location. Besides, a painting is not meant to be an exact replica of what
you see, rather your unique impression of the scene. If you want exact details,
you are better off taking a photograph.
Don't be afraid to use your imagination. If you are painting a scene and feel
that you should add a few trees here, or a bush there, or a bird on a branch,
then by all means go for it.
If you find one particular location appealing, and have already painted there
once before, don't hesitate to go back and paint it again, only this time go
out on a cloudy day instead. You will be surprised how different a scene can
look when the weather changes.
I hope these watercolor painting tips have helped. If you ever find yourself
getting discouraged or frustrated by your progress, don't give up. Instead,
welcome and learn from your mistakes. It will make you a much better painter.
For more free watercolor painting techniques & tips head over to http://www.creativespotlite.com/watercolor-techniques.htm. Another site you will find of interest is Artsymmetry.com, where you will find more free art and craft ideas & tips.
