Watercolour painting

I definitely think that practice makes perfect, once you have mastered the basics. Even the great masters practised day after day after hour after hour to get to the sort of stuff we see. Look at De Vinci’s drawings of the body etc.

There are a lot of tutorials on line that you can dip in and out of.

Years ago I used to attend tutorial classes in a local village and we spent a full on day (picnic lunch) painting one piece. I learnt so much there.

I’m not very good as I simply don’t do enough, but it doesn’t really matter as I love just sitting doing it.

Yes, it is definitely down to practice. I hadn’t painted for years and I went through a few days of just throwing the paint on the paper and watching just where it landed. Very interesting. Also my youngest son used to drop paint on the paper and chase it around with a straw. The shapes were fabulous and I still have some of his paintings. Just enjoy it and don’t expect a masterpiece every time - that was the advice from an artist (professional) friend of mine.

Thank you for sharing your beautiful painting Purplepixie.

I do like the idea of dropping some paint on the paper and chasing it around with a straw. After I've practised that I shall do it with the grandchildren. But this aside, I've been meaning to get on and paint for ages.

My FIL who died many years ago was an enthusiastic painter. He had made his own easels and had a high quality set of brushes, which I kept with every intention to use and paint with.

I think I will follow the advice of others on this thread to look up an online tutorial or two.

Many thanks for the inspiration (and nudge)

I love your painting Purplepixie. Thank you for sharing. I do enjoy watercolours but unfortunately I’m not that good on paper. I was pleased with my miniatures painted on ‘ivorine’. One was an owl and the other was a landscape.
Have you tried watercolour paint on Yupo paper LauraNorderr? It’s water resistant so you can move the paint around and take it off if necessary. I enjoyed playing about with it, but I don’t think I’ll ever paint a masterpiece.

Oooooooh PurplePixie
That is BEAUTIFUL!!
I look forward to seeing more of your wonderful art!

How lovely to see all your work!
Purplepixie - you have managed to capture both the warmth of the sun, and the cool colours of the snow. well done.
Grandmabally - lovely little robin. They are such cheerful birds.
GrandmaSue - That owl is lovely. Background is well done as well.

Here is my most recent attempt. More of an illustration than painting. I did a card for my grandson's birthday; it is his dog Annie. I have just over the last year or so started up drawing and painting again since I have a bit more time. It's fun and I guess therapeutic to have an artistic outlet.

That's absolutely beautiful Purplepixie.

Thank you all for your kind words. I’ve since had the painting made into christmas cards, which I am chuffed with.

GrandmasueUK - Your owl is fantastic. I have had several attempts at painting a robin but without success but I will keep on trying.

CanadianGran - Your painting of the dog is fabulous. You are much better than me at animals. It is all down to practice and I must keep going.

Stay safe and sane during these very trying times.

Lovely pictures. Hats off to all you clever artists.

Thank you. ?

That's beautiful!

Lovely snow scene!

I love seeing other peoples art. It's great fun painting, doesn't matter how "good" it is or isnt. I'm trying watercolours which I think is much more difficult than acrylic.
My first robin.

Didn't attach for some reason.

Duh!!

Nadateturbe, that is very sweet! You should do a little collection of Christmas cards for next year. I love birds, but somehow they end up looking stiff.

So good both of you. You should be pleased with what you’ve achieved.

Oops sorry was only looking at one page. Lots of lovely paintings.

Thanks CanadianGran. Perhaps I'll get a few cards printed.
Your little dog is sweet too. The balloon completes the painting very well.
I love art class. Its fun seeing what other folk paint. There's always such a variety of subjects.

Nadateturbe Your robin is fabulous! I tried and tried but it ended up being binned but I will get there. I am embroidering a birthday card for one of my friends at the moment. Designed myself and hopefully it comes out ok. I’ll post a photo if the end result is ok.

Thank you Purplepixie!

I think an embroidered card sounds very original and a lovely thing to make for someone. I look forward to seeing yours.

I understand

it is amazing

I love all the talent shown here. Beautiful pictures.

I always felt a need to join in but was laughed at by my art teacher at school. Truly couldn’t draw a straight line, but how many straight lines are there in a picture?

Then, when living in Spain, an old Spanish man had such faith in me that I painted a romantic couple against balustrades in oils. He asked me how I planned to draw the balustrades as a total beginner and I said I just felt the desire and when I got stuck he would help me. He didn’t speak any English and my Spanish is only acceptable but he was the best teacher ever starting with me drawing an aubergine. Lots of rubbing out but then a perfect aubergine. I just started an online botanical art class and so wish he was beside me, but the basics he taught me are still there.