And thus it begins – Rome watercolor paintings! I have a gajillion photos I want to paint (ha, don’t worry, I won’t burden you with them all!)…and decided to jump in and tackle this one!
I’ve been doodling around with watercolor quite a bit – lots that ended up in the circular file. But for some reason I decided to get out a sheet of the GOOD watercolor paper, and turned on the camera *just* in case it wasn’t a waste of a sheet of it. And guess what? It worked! I can tell you it surprised even me. It is AMAZING the difference that quality paper makes. I know I say that in my cardmaking all the time…now I can vouch for it with painting too.Â
I wish I could do a voiceover on a video like this at the start of my watercolor journy…so far I honestly have no idea how to explain what I’m doing. I do have a few details I can provide….**updated in 2020 with better info!
- I used Kuretake watercolors. These are no longer the paints I use (I now use Daniel Smith pretty exclusively)
- I’m weird in that I mix paints on the paper and layer colors, just like I do with my Copics – most people mix on a palette. I know I need to be a grownup and start doing it the ‘real’ way, but this has just seemed easier. Well, except I didn’t get the colors of the buildings quite right, but I’m good with how this came out anyway.
- Good paper matters. Seriously. Even for crafting I use Arches.
- I used Princeton Neptune Brushes. These have been supplanted by Silver brand Black Velvet brushes!
Europe trip video
A peek into what I saw on my trip!
Supplies
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It is such a joy to watch you paint! I find myself watching you and praising Him for the beauty we can see in everyday things (even if this is a corner of … Rome!) 🙂
I really love your watercolor series. I’ve taken up water color more seriously and am taking classes. I learn a lot just from watching you. Color mixing is challenging and I’m so impressed that you can do it on the paper. The one color I know I can mix is mud, I continue to work on the rest. Please keep on painting and sharing.
Lovely work Sandy! I have to say I could’t agree more that finding paper and brushes that work for you is a great investment. Layering color on the paper is not that unusual especially for an experienced WC painter who can master the extra control … So you just keep on going! My favorite brushes ever are Raphael. Red sable and admittedly pricey but if taken care of they last a long time and they were literally a turning point for me. Have a blast shopping….can’t wait to see what you get! 🙂
I almost picked up a Raphael til I saw the price – eeep! Maybe on my next trip to the art store… 🙂
Woooooow….this is STUNNING!!! Love watching you bring a blank canvas to life!!! AMAZING!!!
Beautiful. I enjoyed watching your piece come to life. I also enjoyed your tip series. TFS
Gorgeous..great to see you painting..you make it look so easy..while I know so well it isn’t….
AMAZING!!!! My 10 year old and I watched in complete amazement!
Loved watching your painting. I started watercolor about 4 years ago and my instructor always mixes on the paper and not in the palette. She gets amazing results and layers of color this way (and wins awards!) So paint the way it feels natural to you. When you try to tubes, try M. Graham. It’s an Oregon company that makes rich juicy colors using honey as the binder. They are amazing.
That’s so good to hear…I’m learning so much! I did get some of the M Grahams, and my rose paintings in the store use them 🙂
P.S The Quindacrome Daniel Smith colors are AWESOME!
Hi Sandy! Beautiful watercolor! I to have found that using quality products (I use Daniel Smith Watercolors) like good watercolor paper (Arches) and good quality brushes (Silver and Royal Langnickl) definitely improves the quality of your art. I so look forward to seeing more of your watercolors. You got me motivated to dig mine out and play. I haven’t done any real watercolors since the studio group I was in got kicked out of the space we were using and we had not where else to go. I miss it and the fun the group had.
Just beautiful!!! Love!!!
I happen to like the way you do it since I am not talented enough to mix anything! Gorgeous as always!
Your comment about doing it the grown up way made me cringe! I think you are doing it the grown up way. An artist is entitled to use the medium in any way she wishes. You just use a different technique than others! 🙂
I was just thinking you needed to start selling them, and then you said you had them in your store. That’s awesome!! 🙂
Beautiful job. Captures a memory and a feeling you will never forget. Love the backstreets of Europe…a special painting.
Beautiful!
There is nothing more to say than WOW!!!
Absolutely AMAZING! TFS!
Beautiful! I’m so glad you filmed this one and shared it. I enjoy watching you paint!
Just beautiful Sandy, and you are so right about “good” watercolor paper making all the differance. A big YES, I am looking forward to seeing lots more of your watercolors. Best of luck with your sales. Go girl!
So lovely, Sandy!! Yes! Please turn on the camera and let us watch as you paint. Your Paris paintings will carry me right back to a place close to my heart! Happy painting! ♡
Wow Sandy! I feel like I am back in Rome sitting in a sidewalk cafe watching life being lived! Fabulous! Thanks for the memory.
Fabulous talent.