Use a paper that's too small

October 25, 2016

Last week we talk about "Use a brush that's bigger". Today let's continue this idea and talk about using a smaller paper. Using a smaller paper is something I recommend for most of students, especially the ones who just getting started.

Use a brush that's too big

October 18, 2016 in Technique, Fundamental

If you want to paint a powerful picture that looks fresh and alive, you have to learn to paint with bigger strokes in confidence. You have to think twice, paint once. 60%-70% of my painting is done with my size 12 squirrel brush. It's not until I start get into detail such as small figures and car will I use a smaller brush. And even with a smaller brush, I try to paint as few brush stroke as I can.

Yes, I do believe there's bad art...

October 11, 2016 in Fundamental, Principles and Value

It's true that art is subjective, and who's to say what's good and what isn't. But it is also a skill and a discipline. To me it is disrespectful to the artists who have spent countless hours practicing and learning the fundamental by calling a messy, amateurish painting "art".

Erase in watercolor

October 05, 2016 in Technique

Erase is possible in watercolor, within the first few seconds and when it is wet enough. I know I should not encourage this "trick", because I am a big believer in focus on doing it right without fixing it later. But I cannot deny there are times I took the wet paint out so I can give myself a second chance to make it right.