Watercolors give me confidence, satisfaction, and happiness. I have also explored other mediums, like oil, acrylics, and gouache, but my heart lies with watercolors. Having said so, I am writing this blog to open a discussion/ platform to discuss the approach to painting the sketch.
In today’s internet age, one has complete freedom to learn from any artist worldwide through various platforms.
COVID-19 opened many opportunities as everyone around the world was at home and was almost forced to reflect so that some transitions could be made in their lifestyle and careers. Covid lockdown also made people find alternatives where they can use their time for recreation purposes and one of the activities was Painting. Be it any medium, people who were interested in this activity were searching online tutorials and the online learning process started.
For me too, YouTube, Skillshare, and Domestika were the platforms where I have learned and still learning, discovering so many things about my art.
How do I make use of these resources?
There are so many talented artists around the world. I never had formal training in art but being an architect by qualification, the architectural studies did focus on many art “terminologies” which helped me understand the approach to art. We were taught about the color wheel and its related vocabularies like contrast, complimentary color scheme, composition, focus, methods and steps to draw and paint the sketch on the paper, and many more such things.
Most importantly, you should not accept whatever you see, but question/ analyze. If you do not appreciate the building or art, then analyze and find the answer to that “why?” Similarly, if something catches your eye, then again that “why?” needs to be answered.
Similarly other aspects like knowing the tools, materials, their strengths and failures, and always trying to find alternative methods to get the result if the proven method doesn’t work.
So whenever I watch any artist painting any topic, be it portraits, landscapes, or still life, I always pay attention to how that artist started the work, their thought process, and their approach.
Sometimes artists use reference images or draw from memory, some stretch the watercolor paper before painting, and some do not, some tape the paper to the board, and others rotate the paper as they paint. Some have a habit of painting the entire sketch first, that is laying the initial first layer and then starting the detail painting while some paint in detail at the first go.
Preparing color palettes, mixing colors, using other materials like masking fluid, kneadable erasers etc, artists try to explain in so much detail.
One more important thing is choosing a topic, a subject to paint. Many artists explain how and why they chose a certain topic giving references to their older paintings, images they found on stock image websites like Unsplash and Pexels, or they themselves must have clicked it and now use it as a reference.
Some of my most visited references, and guides are:
Louise de Masi
I came across her YouTube channel when I was searching to paint a wren bird. And when I saw her video library, it was an extensive treasure of varied topics. Later I discovered that she has classes on Skillshare and Patreon too, where in detail she explains her painting process. She not only talks about the process but also explains the materials she used, why she is painting that subject, and techniques/ methods used. Her Patreon channel and her blogs are a treasure house for an artist, be it a beginner or a very experienced artist.
Anna Bucciarelli
She explains how to compose many subjects together, and demonstrates so many techniques of painting in watercolors. Her detailed videos are a treat to watch. Some of the terms like underpainting, and lifting I have learned from her. Her YouTube video thumbnails are as beautiful as her paintings. Any painting video is packed with so much information which she gives in her sweet voice. She posts detailed videos on Patreon and Skillshare as well. She is also a Canadian currency designer! So next time you see that beautifully designed Canadian currency coin, you know who designed it.
Sarah Stokes
I recently came across this artist when I was searching for painting birds in watercolors. Birds are my absolute favorite topic to paint and when I saw her work, I could relate to her painting style. She has wonderful classes on Domestika where she gives detailed information about how to paint birds and create some textures around them. Her teaching style is simple and filled with details, making sure that the student understands every step. She also conducts a lot of Art Retreats and workshops. She sells her paintings through her website and has also published a book called "Painting birds - Expressive watercolor techniques"
Nadine Dudek
If we are talking about birds then I have to mention one more brilliant artist, Nandine Dudek. Be it her Skillshare class or her Instagram, it’s a visual treat. Her painting style is very different, her birds look very soft and aesthetic. She also sells her paintings and has been part of many exhibitions
Altea Alessdroni
Besides painting, Altea has a wonderful way of presenting things. Her Instagram page is a delight while her skillshare classes focus on painting, and drawing like a meditation. Her graphic design skills are amazing and she paints beautiful flowers and botanicals, draws mandalas, and much more. She is a Canva creator as well, and her sense of aesthetics can be seen everywhere, from her aesthetic videos on YouTube, Skillshare and to her Instagram page.
Stacie Dale
I came across Stacie when I discovered her Instagram page Surface Design News, a platform where all important information regarding the industry, job opportunities, and even a discussion regarding any issue happened seamlessly. Most important, for every post of her’s she promotes a designer by showcasing their design and then talking about the post. And the best part is, she sends a monthly newsletter filled with contact details of art directors and companies and much more. Also, she illustrates birds and has written and illustrated a book available on Amazon! Some amazing work can be viewed on her website. She has licensed her work as well!
This list will continue...
Make sure that you check it regularly and share with someone who is affraid to hold the brush or waiting to get inspired.
Happy Painting :)
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