I think every artist experiences the excitement of testing new art materials. A new medium, a new set of colours, different surfaces. Yes please!

Art supplies shops hold endless fascination for me. I spend a long time wondering what makes one brand of paint or paper different from another brand. Sometimes the only way to find out is to buy a new brand and test it out. The Kuretaki Gansai Tambi watercolours fall into this category. The set of 48 had so many bright colours, I had to try them out.

‘Leaf and Fountain’

I began testing the Kansai watercolours in an unused bound journal of thick khadi paper. Initially I was literally trying one colour after another. The paint truly was creamy and luscious. Unlike other dry watercolours I’ve used, it loosened up quickly. This meant I worked quickly. The khadi paper seems to be a great match, with the textured surface. It allowed me to transfer my painting style from acrylics on canvas to watercolour on paper. Retaining vivid colours is important to me. They make me happy.

As I tested colours, I started to see a leaf. My approach to testing colours shifted in considering where I placed them. Finally, I took a Posca pen and drew outlines. I really love this simple painting.

The original of this painting is still in my bound journal, but I have put it on Redbubble, where prints of it can be ordered. This includes prints on paper, metallic prints or framed prints. If you’re interested, you can check it out here.