Practicing my watercolor painting skills after receiving a YouTube video request.
Earlier this week, I received a request for a watercolor video. I wasn't planning to fulfill this request this soon, but I was able to put aside a couple hours last night to devote to practicing my watercolor painting skills.
Getting Started
Since I'm working on several other projects now, I didn't think I'd attempt to fulfill this request until next week or the week after. However, I decided to do a quick and easy watercolor painting to free up more time to work on my multiple projects.
My goal was to paint on a cut 4" x 5" piece of watercolor paper I could either frame, add to the front of a greeting card base, or turn into a postcard. I'd record the painting process and easily turn it into a speed painting video for a quick upload to YouTube.
Unfortunately, I struggled with my first and second watercolor painting attempts.
For my first attempt, which I initially hoped would be my only attempt, I decided to use my watercolor pencils. I've used the pencils before and without issues.
I took inspiration from Animal Crossing: New Horizons. I just finished playing for the day before starting this painting, so the beach was on my mind.
I struggled to sketch a decent beach scene. It's OK as a cartoon landscape, except I was trying to create a realistic scene. When I realized I couldn't fix it, I outlined everything with a thin permanent marker to make it look like I intended for this to be a cartoon scene.
I didn't want to upload the video of the first attempt to YouTube, so I decided to paint an intentional cartoon scene. When I played Animal Crossing: New Horizons, Red visited my island. I thought his ship would be an easy cartoon subject for a watercolor painting.
I decided to use my watercolor markers for this painting. I scribbled marker ink onto wax paper and applied water to active the colors. The colors were very vibrant when applied to the paper. However, I struggled to sketch a decent ship.
While I thought this painting was better than the first, I didn't like it much. I also didn't want to upload the video to YouTube.
I decided to try one more painting, but I had to decide what I was going to paint and what I would paint with.
Trying New Watercolor Paints
After some thought, I figured I needed to paint an easy subject I didn't have to reference another source to create. While a lighthouse may not be an easy subject for some people, it's one I used to paint frequently in my youth when I first learned how to paint with watercolor and acrylic paints.
I couldn't decide whether to use my watercolor pencils or markers for this third attempt. I thought those were the only watercolors I owned, until I remembered a travel watercolor set that I received for my birthday last spring.
My joyful niece gifted me a travel watercolor set because she knew I loved art and traveling. I tried it last spring after she gave it to me. I believe this is for beginner artists, but it doesn't state who the recommended audience is on the packaging.
The set comes with 18 colors, a water brush, a detachable sponge, and a palette. It's all connected and fans out, so I don't accidentally misplace any colors. I just need to add water in the brush and it's ready for painting anywhere.
My set was in a luggage bag because I only intended to use it when I traveled. Before the pandemic, I traveled often, but I've only done a couple day trips to visit my Mom these past few months. Otherwise, I've been in my home periodically harassing my Dad for fun. I bet he regrets moving in with me now.
I loved using the watercolor travel set better than the pencils and markers. It reacted better with water than the pencils and markers. I felt like I had better control on how soft, dark, or vibrant I wanted the colors to appear on the paper.
For the lighthouse painting, I primarily used the wet-on-wet technique. The technique seemed great for achieving a soft look. This is the look I always get when using watercolor pencils, even when I attempt to layer the pencil marks for darker or more vibrant colors.
Since I was satisfied with the lighthouse painting after I finished it, I decided to do a fourth painting primarily using the wet-on-dry technique. Sure enough, I was able to achieve sharper and more vibrant colors. This is the look I often get when using the watercolor markers, even when I attempt to go for a softer, more subtle look.
My Thoughts
I'm glad I practiced my watercolor painting skills and compared different watercolor tools. I realized I need to practice with more simple subjects until I feel ready to move on to more ambitious designs. The lighthouse and the flower paintings were my favorite of the four, but I still need to improve my skills and techniques.
I don't know what I'll do with the notecard paintings I created. The Animal Crossing inspired paintings will probably be tossed in a box and forgotten. As for the two I like a little better, I may frame them, add them to the front of a greeting card base, or turn them into postcards to send a short message to family or friends. Then again, they may also be tossed in a box and forgotten. Who knows?
What's Next?
I'm about to complete my New Year's resolution, but then I'll need to decide what to do afterwards. I'll post about my thoughts on next steps sometime next week. There are pros and cons I need to weigh.
As for now, I'm still working on a large project I hope to finish soon. Completing this project opens many arts and crafts possibilities for me, but would anyone be interested?
Is there a specific watercolor paint you recommend? Login and Sign up to let me know what watercolor paints you'd recommend to a hobbyist like myself. I may splurge for watercolor paints I can use at home, but don't know what to get.
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Thanks, and have a great day!
Simply Jelly Jam
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