Learning attitude

© 2006 Joe Cartwright

When you tackle watercolour, and I think to some extent any art, you have to go after it with the right attitude.

Watercolour requires a great deal of observation and study, and just like climbing a mountain the best way to do it is one step at the time. You must learn from every painting. Don’t throw out your early works as you will be able to go back and gauge your progress against them. As you continue to paint and learn you will realise that from time to time the quality of your work takes a step up. Then if you keep working at it you will one day arrive at the top (through you may also, at this point, decide to climb an even higher mountain with your work)!

When you paint keep observing what the pigments are doing, how they mix together in the pallet or on your paper. It is an ongoing learning experience. Keep an eye on the amount of water and pigment on the paper as well as in your brush and pallet. Look at how different consistencies of paint and pigment react with one another. I could go on for quite a while, but my message is basically to observe – not just look at your finished result but keep a close observation on everything you do during the painting process. There is much to learn and this is one of the best ways to do it.

I think sometimes people start with watercolour expecting it to be very easy, because it is clean and quick, and we all probably played with some cheap watercolours as kids. But it truth the more I learn about it the more I am amazed at how much there is to learn.

Most importantly, however, enjoy yourself and marvel at the beautiful effects you create with your watercolours. Tackle your work with a fun attitude and it will show through in your work!

Enjoy the journey.