Blog
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My favorite supplies
It is no secret that the most important materials and tools for a watercolorist are paper, paints and brushes. But, if suddenly there is a choice between really high-quality paper and expensive paints, then I advise you not to skimp and take the first one. I want to highlight a few of my favorites: Saunders Waterford medium grain, 300 grams, 100% cotton. Fabriano Artistico medium grain, 200-300 grams, 100% cotton. Fabriano blocco per artisti medium grain, 300 grams, 50% cotton. St. Cuthberts Mill Millford medium grain, 300 grams, 100% cotton. Arches medium grain, 300 grams, 100% cotton.
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How to draw snow?
Today I want to talk to you about how to draw snow? Let’s start with the fact that, like all objects, it has a volume that needs to be depicted. But then the question arises, is the snow white 🤔White, yes. However, from physics lessons, we remember that black is the absence of color, and white is all colors together) And this is where the main clue comes in: you need to look at the environment and lighting. For example, if we write bright sunlight, then the snow acquires a yellowish tint, and in some places it is pure white, but the shadows will be opposite in color, that is,…
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Where to look for inspiration?
Where to look for inspiration? They say that inspiration has no timetable, which means it is almost impossible to evoke it on purpose. I cannot completely agree with this! My sources of inspiration are very simple but very powerful! I am happy to share them with you. What inspires you?
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Experiment with watercolors
Dedicated to all experiment lovers! I have compiled for you a selection of unusual techniques in watercolor painting, so that you can easily complement the drawing with original textures.
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How to transfer ideas from your head to paper?
How to transfer ideas from your head to paper? The value of creative work lies in an unusual view of familiar things. But for the exact embodiment of artistic ideas, it is necessary to have a clear idea of the construction, to be able to draw straight lines and, in general, to find the answer to the question: how to solve this or that plot? What can help in this case? Practice only. You need to draw a lot and train your observation.In order to fill your hand and be able to portray what you have conceived, you first need to draw a lot from nature. Do at least 5…
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What to draw when no inspiration?
What to draw? 🤔Surely, you have asked this question more than once. Some of the plots seem to be very complex, so let’s break down the topics that even an aspiring artist can handle: Also, if you are a beginner artist, I advise you to take simple plots. To begin with, it is better to do without complex architecture, which requires knowledge of perspective, and an abundance of textures. It is also better to save portraits for later, when you already have a basic knowledge of anatomy😉 I propose to collect in the comments a list of easy-to-implement ideas to help each other)
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How to store your watercolors?
The paper ripples, the colors fade … How to store the work properly and stop this madness? In any case, the most important thing is to let the work dry completely, otherwise all efforts will be in vain. As for storage, I advise you not to fold the drawings in any case: there is a risk of getting ugly folds or difficulties in aligning the sheet later.It is better to store your work in folders, you can make them yourself from thick cardboard. And of course, keep your artwork out of direct sunlight (even if framed under glass). You can use a fixative, but you should still avoid prolonged exposure…
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Watercolor sketching rules
Everything is possible in watercolor sketching 🙈 Complete freedom of action! There are no hard and fast rules and restrictions. The only thing to consider is linear perspective and volumetric rendering. Let’s highlight the basic tricks: 🌟In sketching, you can use a liner. Lots of liner! Combine different thicknesses and types of tips, feel free to enter the white gel pen. And, an important point: first do the main drawing with liners (they should be waterproof, for example, a Micron), and then add some translucent watercolor. Try to use a limited number of colors – 2-3. 🌟 Liners – not your strong point? Then just give them up. Let watercolor…
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Copy other people’s work
There is an exercise that novice artists are advised to do – copy other people’s work. Not only for video lessons with a teacher, but also independently. A very useful activity! It makes you think about how the artist achieved a certain effect, what palette he chose, how he composed it, and why exactly this way, and not otherwise. Professional growth should not end after taking a couple of courses and watching a few webinars. Most of the work is the ability to analyze and see subtle intellectual work behind a beautiful picture. Of course, you can learn to think like an artist. But it is important to remember that…
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Reserving fluid.
Reserving fluid is a kind of rubber glue that can be used to cover individual parts of the paper. This layer will keep the surface free of paint, even if you paint with a lot of water. Masking fluid can be used when you need a clear boundary between the background and elements on it, or when you need to place small light details on a dark or colored background. There is no doubt that reserve fluid is a wonderful material that deserves your attention. However, be careful and keep your favorite brushes away from her, but rather use some inexpensive, one that is not a pity. Since the masking…
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What is the difference between zinc and titanium white?
⚪Titanium white is mainly used in the finishing phase. For example, for placing highlights. Their consistency is quite dense. ⚪ In watercolor painting, you can use titanium white for accents. However, neither titanium nor zinc white should be mixed with the watercolor itself. ⚪Zinc white is more transparent and not as dense as titanium. When working with gouache, zinc white is usually used in mixtures to obtain pastel shades and lighter tones.
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Rules for working with dark backgrounds:
Rules for working with dark backgrounds: 🌟 Play on contrasts. If you are introducing a dark background, I advise you to use contrasting shades for the objects. For convenience, you can open the color wheel and navigate along it. 🌟Use two bottles of clean water, one for dark shades and one for light shades. This will help keep the colors clear and avoid dirt. 🌟After work, be sure to wash your brushes with soap and water to remove pigment residues from the bristles. 🌟Don’t be afraid to take a lot of pigment on your brush. If you are working on cotton wet, remember that the color lightens a little as…
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How tone plays a big role in watercolors
Friends, you probably know that tone plays a big role not only in graphics, but also in painting. Even in a watercolor work that is rich in gradients and play of color, it is important to correctly build tonal relationships. Grisaille painting is a versatile and powerful exercise for developing tone skills. You need to choose one color (for example, black or brown) and paint only with that, combining different degrees of saturation. This will help you not to get confused in the tonal solution and move with confidence to work in color – you will already have an idea of which places to make lighter and which ones are…
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How to train yourself to draw every day?
Practice is 80% of success. Therefore, artists often have a question: how to paint every day? First of all, I recommend that you carry a small sketchbook and a pencil / liner with you. Draw for at least 5-15 minutes when you are not busy with anything: during a bus ride, while standing in line or enjoying a cup of aromatic coffee in the morning. Try to get into the habit of pulling out your sketchbook and sketching quickly. Another way is to set aside time for drawing in advance. You can get up 30 minutes early in the morning to devote some time to your creativity. Or do it…
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How to start drawing?
I share ideas: 🍊Fruits / vegetables / berries – set yourself unusual tasks. For example, not just depict cherries (having managed not to eat them while working), but to outline the space around or arrange the berries so that you get an interesting rhythm and composition. 🍶 Still lifes. Even if you are a person who is very bored with making subject sketches, try to collect an original plot on a specific topic: summer cottage, workdays, birthday, wedding, quiet evening … 🌷 Flowers. And what about without them? Even in the most unpretentious, at first glance, plants, beauty lives. Observe, seek and try to convey it. Remember that you have…
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Paint with watercolors with granulation
Larger and heavier particles of pigments (in comparison with the usual thin-grated homogeneous paints) fall into the “pits” of the paper, thereby forming the effect of a heterogeneous paint layer. Thus, granulation is more pronounced on paper with Fin and Torchon texture, and weaker on paper without texture (Satin). If you take a closer look at the photo of this post, you will notice the unusual texture of the lower part of the facade – it was the watercolor with granulation that helped to achieve it. Most of the time I use this effect in sketches – it looks brilliant there! The main thing is to know when to stop…
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How to carry out long-term work with watercolors?
⚪Before starting to work in the wet technique, I recommend thoroughly wetting the sheet on both sides. If the paper starts to dry over time, re-moisten the back side. ⚪ To keep the sheet damp for as long as possible, place wet gauze between the paper and the plate. ⚪If the work involves several stages, then at the end of each, let the paper dry completely. After a while, returning to work, wet the sheet again on both sides. ⚪If the density of the paper allows, fill the bathroom with water and send the sheet to sail for 5-10 minutes. Alternatively, wet it on both sides under the shower. ⚪If…
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Pros and Cons of using cotton paper in watercolors
Today I want to tell you about the advantages and disadvantages of cotton paper. Pros of cotton:💫 Keeps moisture longer.💫Ideal for long jobs.💫 Perfectly holds layers – you can glaze over the same place several times, the previous layers will not wash out.💫Allows you to make a large number of fills and soft gradients.💫 Endurance. The cellulose can form pellets and the cotton will stick to the last. Cons of cotton:❌Colors become less saturated after drying. Therefore, for creating colorful illustrations, it is better to choose 100% cellulose.❌The cost is higher than that of cellulose paper.❌ It dries for a long time, as it deeply absorbs moisture and paint (although,…
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What brushes are needed for watercolor painting?
Now on the market there are a large number of brushes of different shapes, sizes and types of bristles. I advise you not to dwell on one thing and try new – this way you can find the most comfortable option for yourself. Squirrel and column are my favorites. The latter is ideal for working out small details thanks to its elastic pile. If we compare the properties of a protein and a column, then first of all it is worth noting the softness of the pile – in a protein it is higher, therefore, such brushes absorb water better. By the way, the cost of squirrel pile brushes is…
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Watercolor paintbrushes, which ones to use?
Let´s explore the topic of watercolor brushes! 🌟 The beginner artist’s kit should include the following brushes:▫️Fleitz – wide flat brush 20-30mm for creating large fills. Preferably pony or goat hair. Or you can purchase a large round natural bristle brush (size 9-10)▫️Thin brush made of kolinsky or synthetic bristles (size 2-3)▫️Medium round brush (size 5-6). Continuing artists should add synthetic flutes for wet painting to the set. 🌟 My favorite brush makers are Da Vinci, Paul Rubens 🌟I recommend using a liner brush to work out fine details. 🌟 Use a fan brush to create unusual textures, and a flat brush to paint over large areas (if it is…
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6 principles of working with glazes in watercolors
🌟6 principles of working with glazes🌟 ▫️ Glazing makes the image more realistic due to the ability to work out the nuances of lighting and volume transfer. ▫️The “wet” technique, as a rule, involves working in one session, and if you work for several days, then each time you need to wet the sheet again. Glazing allows you to continue painting with watercolors without preparatory work. ▫️It is important to remember that a new layer of paint should be applied only after the previous one has completely dried. ▫️Use a soft brush – a hard one can destroy the bottom layer. ▫️ Glazing allows you to make the colors deeper,…
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Why sketch for an artist?
“Why sketch?” The topic is interesting, so today I propose to disassemble it. It is desirable for every artist to make sketches, especially for a beginner, because they help to preliminarily disassemble the work by tone, composition and color. I can distinguish three types of sketches: tonal, color and linear. ⚪Tonalities allow you to competently decide where to put the darkest and lightest place.⚪Colors help you determine the location of color spots and highlight differences between similar shades.⚪ Linear facilitates compositional searches and volume distribution (by size). Sketches are usually made small – about 5 x 7 cm. However, if your work involves a lot of detail, it is worth…
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Why use styling?
Stylization is the deliberate modification of an object or plot, which implies the complication or simplification of the initial image. Avoiding realism, adding effects, as well as colors or textures that are not typical for the model are all examples of stylization. When drawing an object with a lot of detail, you can simplify it and omit minor details – this technique helps to highlight the main thing and control the viewer’s attention. Another approach is to complicate and increase the amount of detail. It makes the work more decorative. With styling, you can convey the character of an object. For example, use only smooth or only broken lines. Finally,…
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Observation in art
Friends, today I want to talk to you about observation. This is a quality that every artist should undoubtedly possess. Try to “catch” yourself in the moment from time to time. Look around, find something beautiful: color transitions in the sunset sky, interesting silhouettes, compositions, textures. You can see the plot that you want to transfer to paper. In order not to lose the idea, fix it in notes or photograph it. Someday it will definitely come in handy for you😉 It is observation that makes it possible to see beauty and convey your unique view of the world. And this is an excellent foundation for the development of the…
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Drawing portraits
Many do not dare to approach portraits, because drawing them is not an easy task. But, we all know that no matter how difficult it is, with the proper desire and perseverance, you can learn everything! Let’s overcome our fears together!Let’s start with the main points to look out for when drawing a portrait: Have you tried portraits yet?
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How to draw people?
There is a proven way to learn how to draw people! Sketching is called In other words, quick sketches, on which you spend no more than 10-15 minutes. They do not require deep knowledge of anatomy. The main thing is to take basic proportions and convey the mood. If you have a brush with a reservoir, you can take 4-6 watercolor colors (or just a travel kit) and sketch literally everywhere: on a walk, in nature, in a cafe, or even on the road. Draw from life more often! It is exciting and very useful for those who want to relax and draw from the heart!