Today I painted fairly quickly. I felt a bit rusty to be honest. You know the feeling of not being able to paint for a week. The thoughts–the fear they all rushed in. However, these are normal because I am painting.
I tried bleeding away the first application of violet but it stays. It seems to stain. Any thoughts?
This is another attempt–to paint tomatoes..
To console myself I painted this with nothing in mind.
I am not sure if I am frustrated with my paints.. after all those are student grade paints. I have lots of them since the moment I want to learn watercolors. And friends and family also gave them to me as a gift. I am not sure if I needed an upgrade. Will the quality be much better?
But one thing’s for sure: I have to finish all those student grade paints by painting often. By then I can definitely treat myself to artist grade paints. By then I am not saying I will be a good painter. But only creating a habit of painting that I cannot live without.
I will not be around next week as my family will be going for a vacation. See you all soon.
Have a blessed weekend ahead!
“If you hear a voice within you say “you cannot paint“, then by all means paint and that voice will be silenced.” — Vincent Van Gogh
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17 Responses
Tracey Fletcher King
Good paints do make a bit of a difference, but more than that good paper is essential… as to the tomatoes… i think they would make beautiful poppies… at least that is always my go to when tomatoes don’t work… it will be our secret!!!!
Carolyn Dube
I am not a watercolor artist because I never know where I am going- I do a layer and then add another and keep working it until it takes form. I love the way your violets are floating away! Happy PPF!
Jessica Sporn
The colors are so vibrant and lush. Love Tracey’s idea of turning tomatoes into poppies. May I be in on the secret? Happy PPF!
Faye
Wonderful colors to brighten my somewhat disillusioned week. Thanks for participating in PPF. I love the violets, bleeding or not bleeding. And the abstract of colors is heartening. I’m with Tracey. The tomatoes show up on my screen as the color of poppies.
Marji
Good paints and good paper are definately worth the investment. I think your colors are fabulous. Happy PPF
laurie
I agree with Tracey, good paper is so important, I use some artist grade and some student grade, I have found a few colors in student grade that I really like, I don’t care what the cost or name,its what it does on paper for me that counts! Beautiful tomatoes and violets and the one where you just went with it is also pretty, soft and dreamy, if you enjoyed doing it then it was a success!
Mary C. Nasser
Painting is a habit I cannot live without either. :)
I do think that good paints make a difference, too.
I think it’s wonderful that you are experimenting with your paints!
Happy PPF!!
Mary
Mixed-Media Map Art
Annette G
Great advice from Tracey and am loving your fab shapes and colours. Happy PPF, Annette x
carlarey
Most violet pigments straight fro the tube (or pan) are staining. If you want a more neighborly violet that plays well with it’s neighbors, you should try mixing it from red and blue.
Lots of teachers (and artists) will tell you not to waste your time and money on student grade paints, but I disagree. I think of using student grade paints as sort of like playing sports with less that top level equipment. It’s going to make you work a little harder in the beginning to get the result you want. Later on, when you spring for the good stuff, it will be that much easier to do exactly what you want. Plus, you can be especially free painting with the student grade stuff, since the sooner you use it up, the sooner you can buy the quality. Having professional grade paints isn’t worth much is you can’t bring yourself to use it because it was too expensive.
The teacher I am studying with right now says you can do perfectly well with student grade paints and synthetic brushes. if you have to make a choice, put your money in good watercolor paper.
Elisa Choi
Thanks so much Carla. I am learning a lot from what you said. :) Thanks for sharing!
Elisa Choi
Now that becomes a PPF secret! Thanks Tracey! I do agree that good paper is important. For now I have to practice with my student grade paints! :)
Anne
Nice practice paintings! I think the enjoyment is the most important thing. Watercolor is such a tricky business (I just started too), but of course, that is the fascination of it. Great advise from Tracey and Carla! HPPF!
MissyK
I love all your paintings but especially the last one….. I think the good thing about the student grade paints is you can use them freely without worrying so much about wasting supplies. As you use them up maybe you could upgrade then?
Keep painting! and happy holidays!
Karenx
Gina Sismilich
Although I rarely paint with watercolor (allergic you know – LOL) I learned in one class that good paper makes all the difference. I learned by trying it – my watercolor skills are nonexistent but the color lays down better and spreads better on high quality paper. Paints make a difference too – but if you get a couple of sheets of Arches or equivalent cotton paper it is a smaller investment (you can cut them into small pieces). Happy PPF
Lynn Cohen
Love the loan Van Gogh quote! That should keep us all going. I’m happy with all my paints. Student and “grown up paints” as I call them! ;-)
I hope you’ll find time to paint on your vacation…
giggles
That quote is what I needed!! Love the colors here and when you let go, I love that piece…truly a way to find your own style…beautiful blend of color!! I love reading the comments here, very informative! Happy vacation!!
Hugs Giggles
Mary Walker
Happy PPF!