My love/hate relationship with watercolours!
This may come as a surprise but I used to HATE watercolours. I remember being introduced to them as a child. It caused nothing but catastrophe and failure (I promise I'm not being dramatic). The paper would immediately begin pilling, and I would lose control of the painting process as the colours bled and became sloppy. Watercolours were my worst nightmare!
A good few years later I chose to explore watercolours once again while studying Art at College; this time it seemed more like a love-hate relationship. I still couldn't figure out how to paint properly, and it was as sloppy as ever, but I did figure out how to make my sketchbook look pretty with information. This was then the only reason I carried a watercolour palette around with me, to make my page look appealing with information. Did anyone else let the colours bleed together, creating a lovely backdrop for their page?
It wasn't until a few months ago that I wanted to learn how to work with watercolours. I recalled being given a watercolour pad during my studies, so I searched all over my house, finally finding it, and really just wanting to give it a go. I had some inexpensive watercolours with me, so I followed a simple guide to paint a window decorated with flower pots, and to my surprise, I loved the process because my paper didn't ruin.
I've always been captivated by working in a variety of mediums, from oils to acrylics, to sculpting with clay and drawing with charcoal. I've always been interested in every part of art and textiles, as well as all the materials you could possibly work with. Watercolours, on the other hand, were not for me.
After a few trials, I decided to invest in professional artist watercolours, so I purchased a Sennelier palette online for about £95, which was the best I'd ever used (because it was the best I have ever used). I also purchased an Arches watercolour pad and, honestly, I don't think I could paint on any other watercolour surface since the texture is sublime.
I began painting more and more, eventually falling in love with watercolours for the very same reason I detested them; I love how the paint flows, the wildness and spontaneity, and how the colours bleed together, blossom, and blend.
I hope to continue working with watercolours, experimenting and learning new techniques, all while sharing the process with you!
