NLP Part 2 - Progress Thus Far

 

~PDF of this post~

NLP Part 2 – Progress thus far

 

Since the beginning of this project, I have been exploring various YouTube videos to learn about watercolour painting.  Throughout the process, I discovered that not all introductory videos are created equal, nor do they adequately explain techniques.  The criteria I used to explore the sites were: clarity of instructions, presentation of materials, and visually appealing.  The videos identified below all met that criteria but, the second one explored the basics more clearly and their demonstrations were slower and thus better for a beginner.   

 

Tips to begin (video representation)

 

Exploration first began with Easy Watercolor Painting Ideas for Beginners Step by Step and then quickly added the information from  Watercolor Lessons for Beginners A compilation of six tips was created.

 

1. Using the right paper is essential, such as heavy papers. The suggestion of 200 grams or greater would be ideal.  These paper types usually have lots of pumps to gather the water. In full disclosure, I bought my paper at A Buck or Two and paid $4.00 per pack.

 

Figure 1. Pad of Paper (own photo).

 

2.      2.  When choosing your watercolours, keep in mind that they come in all sizes and all prices. In general, the better the colours the higher the price. 

  3.  Brushes come in various shapes and sizes and the bristles are either synthetic or natural.  A medium brush that comes to a point at the tip is recommended.  There are some brushes called aqua brushes which are basically a tube that holds water so that extra water is not needed.

 

Figure 3. Collection of paintbrushes (own photo)    

 Figure 2. Kasey, T. (2022, February 14). Pentel Arts® aquash™ water brushes. Michaels. Retrieved February 19, 2022, from https://canada.michaels.com/en/pentel-arts-aquash-water-brushes/10518699.html

4.    4.  Water is essential as these are watercolours.  It is suggested to have two containers of water, one for wetting the paper and the other for cleaning the brushes.  

5.     5.  Ensure the layers are properly dry before adding another layer. Otherwise, the colour will bleed.  

Figure 4. Bleeding colours (own photo).

6.     6.  The last tip is patience.  You cannot rush the process. 

  

Four Techniques described

Technique 1 – Wet-on-Wet.  Use a brush to wet the paper.  Apply watered-down paint still wet-paper.  Here I am waiting for the paper.

Figure 5. Wet on Wet Technique (own photo).

Technique 2 – Wet-on-Dry. Apply wet paint on dry paper or on a dry first layer.  This goes faster than wet-on-wet as it doesn't take as long to dry.  Is also good if you have paper of a lesser quality.  Figure 5 demonstrates wet-on-wet to create the gradients in the background, then, when dry, (figure 6) shows the wet-on-dry technique. 

Figure 6. Wet on Dry Technique (own photo).

Technique 3 - Dry-on-Dry.  This is a technique I have not used.  It requires you to use an almost dry brush.  It leaves white spaces which is great for creating textures.

Technique 4 - Gradients.  Used with wet-on-wet technique.  It is used for the blending of colours.  Notice the bleeding of colours which is caused by the second coat with a wet base.  

Figure 7. Gradient Technique (own photo).

 

 

Progress of S.M.A.R.T .Goals

•  Specific - 
• Learn 3 watercolor       techniques appropriate for landscape (accomplished and am learning that there are more techniques identified as beginner steps).
• try one watercolor other than landscape (to date, not yet tried).
• complete one landscape that incorporates more gradient colors, white space, and positive feedback from Sharon Yentin, an art major and a friend who will provide honest feedback. (a landscape done, waiting for feedback).
• Measurable
• The three techniques will be documented through photos and/or videos (shared in the blog (see posts REFLECTIONS (wqsbrecit.blogspot.com).
• the feedback piece will be documented and shared (an un-edited)  (not yet provided or done).
• Achievable
• The goals are specific and not open-ended.... as I don't know what techniques might be learned and/or taught I cannot be more specific, though I do believe there are more than three techniques.  (the goals are achievable and very appropriate).
• Relevant
• Relevancy in the scope of this project (yes, they are).
• Time-Bound
• I will spend a couple of hours a week exploring this exploration (to date, I have spent at least two hours per weekend on my new skills).
• April 6, 2022, the final project and blog post is to be shared (pending).

 

  Next Steps

 

One of the goals is to attempt more than just landscapes and, as such, an attempt will be made to paint flowers.  In one of my first posts, I listed the intended resources and will further explore Clementine Creative - Watercolour Painting Tutorials as she has flower techniques identified on her website.  If time permits, I may attempt Koi fish which is a tutorial available from Water Color Affair. I have to admit that when I first explored the site, a lot of beginner techniques seemed a little complicated and now, it all makes sense. Time will tell if the instructions and resources are clear and easy to follow.  Also, ensuring that the information is using simple words and not a language designed for expert artists.

 

References

Ccinos, Mako. (2019, November 30). Easy watercolor painting ideas for beginners step by step makoccino. YouTube. Retrieved February 19, 2022, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3kojEoKgrTY

 Ccinos, M. (2020, January 11). Watercolor lessons for beginners. YouTube. Retrieved February 19, 2022, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NkhQsTpkWrs

Habjanic, G. (2020, January 11). Watercolor lessons for beginners. YouTube. Retrieved February 19, 2022, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NkhQsTpkWrs

Kasey, T. (2022, February 14). Pentel Arts® aquash™ water brushes. Michaels. Retrieved February 19, 2022, from https://canada.michaels.com/en/pentel-arts-aquash-water-brushes/10518699.html