All artists know that framing is really expensive. So, I’m painting loose sketches in watercolours to match the size of frames I already have stored. There are two double frames with openings in the matte for A6 sized works. Today I am painting abstract watercolour sketches in A6 size.

The works are very loose and intuitive. I need to put them aside for a few days and before I look at them afresh. It always takes a bit of distance to know what I really think of any work. The four small paintings on paper are variations on a theme. I’m really just playing with ideas.

Which of the four do you think works the best? Light marks? Heavy marks? Infilled detail or sparse? I’ll do a few more tomorrow.

Building My Skills

The paintings I generally show to the public are acrylics on canvas. I tend to keep the watercolour ones for myself. For this reason, they are often loose and unformed. I’ve decided I want to improve my watercolour skills. Painting a watercolour every day is my challenge to myself.

Two factors draw me to Skillshare as a way of expanding my knowledge of watercolour techniques. Firstly, I don’t drive and life is easier if I do things online. We live half an hour drive out of town. Secondly, once I had paid for a membership, I had so many choices of tutor and technique. Being self-paced, it’s up to me how much time I spend on it. I can also switch and change between courses as it suits me. There is no -one looking over my shoulder or judging me. It’s all totally up to me.

Watercolour Techniques Journal

One thing I do is to build a library of techniques I have learned. I use a journal which has watercolour paper pages. Every time I learn something new I create a journal entry. First, I draw a circle. I paint within the circle, using the technique. Then write down the colours I used and how to use this technique. When I come to paint something new, I can simply flip through this for ideas and inspiration. This is something I learned in the “Watercolour Texture Masterclass” course by David Poxon on Domestica. Similar to Skillshare, Domestica is a platform which offers short courses online.

Preparing for my Open Studio

I hope to have some interesting watercolour paintings ready when I have my open studio. This is part of the Golden Plains Arts Trail weekend. I am Stop 7 on the North Trail. I will be open from 10am to 5pm on both Saturday 12th and Sunday 13th April. Come and visit if you can. You can download the brochure, which has details of all of the 54 artists participating.

Otherwise, follow me here on WordPress by entering your email address below. Or sign up to receive my ‘From the Studio; newsletter techniques here.