I paint on a tight schedule. One finished watercolor per week is what I am trying to achieve and unless I get better at it quickly, it’s going to be only one per month. Patience and persistence are key and I’m working on both of those.
I’ve had two paintings in the past two weeks not turn out. I learn a lot by making mistakes but it’s a frustrating way to go. Of course one can also learn by reading and studying. I’m not sure which takes more time in the long run, but it certainly feels a lot better to learn and execute successfully without making the mistake in the first place.
Albeit, the best skill to know how to execute quickly is forgiving oneself.
So the above painting doesn’t work, even though I still like it. Each one has their own personality and I don’t really have much to do with that, oddly enough. But I clearly made the mistake of running the mane down over the shoulder – and purple isn’t easy to control for some reason. So I over did it big time. Not to mention I don’t always plan ahead where I want a brushstroke 🙂 I should get better at that.
If horse manes were mullets….
I traced the composition and started again. I was satisfied with this outcome but the personality is different. Even though it’s the exact same composition, the expression changed. Anyway, I have SO much to learn! And so many ideas in my mind I want to do but don’t have the technique down yet. His adorable perky ears are endearing…
Though he kinda resembles a Manga comic…lol! Must be the spiky mane~
Make it a great week beautiful people~
One a week is very normal, especially when it’s more complex.
When I give a class, one watercolor usually takes us 3 hours. Since hardly anybody of new students can draw, I allow using my drawing templates here and there. Realistic and semi-realistic watercolors are as good as the drawing is.
For realistic or half-realistic as I prefer watercolor drawing is essential. Values are very important, as well.I draw from nature and real things and do it fast, have done for almost 50 years. I think not using photos helps.
Other than that, I have 2-hour watercolors and full month paintings. I do still life sometimes, full sheet (29 x 22 in). When there are many parts, alone drawing and value drawing take the entire day.
You are doing fine. It takes many years to master a medium. Watching others do it, doesn’t help, but can give an idea.
Some paintings never come out right, and that is normal, too. I don’t know why people call them mistakes, but that is just lack of experience (yet!!!) in using the medium, arranging composition and knowing small tricks that make a painting sparkle.
I have a post: 5 stages towards becoming an artist, and that pretty much describes how one goes from what they get to what they want.
Supplies matter a lot, too.
It takes me about 3 hours to complete one of these small watercolors. I’m working on 6×8 inch Arches paper. If I painted any larger it would take much longer. I’m not sure if that’s because I’m still learning techniques, or because of the more detailed work. Probably a little of both I guess. I try to remind myself to not worry about details and paint loosely! It doesn’t always work, haha. Maybe one day I’ll have more time to dedicate to focusing on my art.
I think of all the years I’ve had to spend my time in other ways and how little my style has developed because of it. But once art becomes a part of who you are, there’s no giving it up. So I’ve stuck with it, just more on the fringes of my life instead of the main focus.
I will search your site for the article you mention: 5 stages towards becoming an artist. Your artwork is beautiful with a very unique style.
29 x 22 in would be super large for me! Perhaps one day I’ll get there – I do believe that painting directly from nature and not using photos give the work a fresh, crisp expression and the lighting can’t be beat. With photos, you never know how the light will be captured through the lens once your back in the studio. Thanks again for the encouragement and sharing of knowledge~