How I Started Using Watercolors
Watercolor Month is a celebration of a medium that, for many artists, represents a delicate dance between control and spontaneity. My journey to watercolor, however, began in a place far from its gentle washes and ethereal layers.
During my university days, I specialized in oil painting. Oils, with their rich textures and slow drying times, were my world. I would never have dreamed of painting in watercolor. It was a medium often described as unforgiving, difficult, and frankly, boring. We never even had watercolor as part of our curriculum. It seemed out of reach and unappealing—a realm best left untouched.
Discovering the Need for Change
Life has a way of surprising us, and after moving to different countries, I realized my beloved oil paints were becoming more of a burden than a joy. Traveling with oil paintings was cumbersome, and the prolonged drying times became a significant drawback. I needed a medium that could fit into my increasingly mobile lifestyle.
I began my exploration with pen and ink. Their immediacy and precision offered a new kind of satisfaction. But it was only when I picked up a watercolor brush for the first time that I truly felt a spark. I started with trepidation, unsure of how to navigate this seemingly elusive medium. Yet, from the moment the brush touched the paper, I was captivated.
Falling in Love with Watercolor
Watercolor, with its fluidity and unpredictability, quickly became my new passion. It was a medium that demanded respect and patience but rewarded with unparalleled beauty and delicacy. I taught myself through trial and error, experimenting with techniques and discovering the magical effects of layering and texture.
Each watercolor painting became a journey—a play between light and shadow, between the controlled and the accidental. There’s a whimsical quality to watercolor, a sense of the magical in how pigments blend and diffuse, creating unexpected and captivating effects. It’s this enchanting unpredictability that drew me in and made watercolor my favorite medium.
A Journey of Learning and Growth
Even now, I feel like I am only at the beginning of my watercolor journey. There is so much more to learn and explore. Every painting session is a new adventure, a chance to uncover more of what this medium can do.
Why You Should Try Watercolor
If there's one thing I’ve learned, it’s that watercolor is a medium worth trying. Don’t be discouraged by its reputation for difficulty. Embrace it with an open mind and a spirit of curiosity. Let go of the fear of making mistakes and allow yourself to play with the colors and water.
Watercolor can be a wonderfully liberating experience, offering endless possibilities for expression. Whether you are an experienced artist or a complete beginner, there’s a joy in discovering what you can create with watercolor. So this Watercolor Month, why not pick up a brush and see where it takes you?
In Conclusion
From my days of oil painting to my present love affair with watercolor, the journey has been transformative. Watercolor has taught me to appreciate the beauty in the unexpected and to find joy in the process of creation. It’s a medium that continues to inspire and challenge me, and I can’t wait to see where it leads next.
So, here’s to Watercolor Month—a time to celebrate the magic, the challenges, and the endless possibilities of this beautiful medium. And to anyone hesitant to try it, I say, don’t wait. Dive in and let the colors and water take you on a journey of discovery.
Happy Watercolor Month!
---
Feel free to share your thoughts or your own watercolor experiences in the comments below. Let’s inspire each other to explore and celebrate the wonders of watercolor!
Commenti