When I decided to do another 30-day painting challenge I chose to switch mediums. I had never used watercolors before in any consistent way. Why would I do that to myself? Because they don't call it a challenge for nothing! And a challenge it has been. I'm not through it yet, I have 9 days left, but I have learned so much in the last few weeks. And daily painting is so good for me!
The biggest lesson so far is how to loosen up. With watercolors, things happen that are out of your control. The paper could have a weird bump that sucks up all the pigment or repels pigment. If your brush is wet and you paint near another color you can pull that color into what you're painting even if it's dry! For a reflection or a cloud that can work nicely. For a horizon line or a sharp edge, it can be infuriating. Also, I find it nearly impossible to go back in to fix things later. Most days I paint several paintings and only post the best one!
Here are my favorite three paintings so far.
