What I’m learning today: how to paint with watercolors while standing at an easel.
Learning: Watercolor & Vertical Easel.
Greetings! And, may I say there is much to be learned while painting on paper held vertical by an easel. My usual mode is more horizontal.
What do you need to learn, you might ask. How to control drippy, runny watercolor paint, for one thing!
And why paint vertically with watercolor paints? Because you can move your shoulder better which makes drawing and painting from life easier. Also, you can see your subject as well as your paper (canvas) at the same time.
As if that wasn’t enough to learn how to do, I’m also trying a new watercolor brush that is about twice as long as my other brushes.
Sometimes, you just have to jump in, experiment and learn.
New Watercolor Brush Too.
See, most of my watercolor brush handles are around six inches or less. My new Escoda Size 14 Optima Kolinsky round sable brush has a ten inch handle. Its so long, I haven’t been able to use it while painting horizontally. You see, I keep hitting myself in the chest or shoulder because I get too close to the paper.
So, I’m using my wonderful new brush while painting with my paper being held vertically by the easel. The advantage? I can stand back far enough that I can see my still life and my watercolor paper at the same time.
But, control is a bit more difficult for me. At least for the time being; things are loose!
Painting Tip.
Here’s a tip for you, then. Do you want to paint loose? Try a big brush with a long handle. Chances are your default mode will be loose!
Take Away: Try New Things.
OK. So what’s the take away? I figure a big part of learning is trying new things. Using the bigger brush and painting vertically are two big skills I’d like to have. So, here’s to learning something new!
About Today’s Art Works.
For today’s “#30paintingsin30days challenge, I have two watercolor and one graphite value studies. The subject is familiar: and espresso cup and timer.
I did an extra watercolor study so I could be working while the other one was drying. As you might guess, it keeps me busy and thinking!
I’m also trying different compositions to make the subject more interesting. Or, just to see what happens. Plus, I tried to different color combinations to see what I like. Need I say it? Its all about learning!
PS. Why The Long Handle?
You might wonder why I have this big brush with such a long handle. The truth is, I wasn’t paying attention to handle length when I purchased it. I just wanted a new size 14 sable brush. It wasn’t until I bumped my shoulder the first time that I realized it was much longer than normal!
Ah, well, learning how to handle it will make me a better painter, me thinks!