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How to Track Your Watercolor Progress

How to track your watercolor progress

How to Track Your Watercolor Progress

Sometimes as artists we don’t see our progress because we are too close to what we are creating. So what I recommend is to put up your paintings so when you walk into the room they are at a distance. Another way to see your painting at a distance is to take a photo of it or look at it reflected in a mirror. Here are some questions to ask yourself:

1. Does my painting read well from a distance?

If you can’t tell what your painting is then your values and shapes need some attention. Look at it in Black and white and that may help you see it even better.

2. Do the colors sing?

If you use too many colors they will all compete with each other. Try experimenting with color harmony and create paintings with a color statement. For instance, what is the dominant color story – a specific color? Warm or cool? We are all drawn to color – you’ll discover you’re favorites as you continue to paint.

3. Is there something drawing attention that shouldn’t?

You’ll know it when you see it. Minimize what isn’t important to the painting. If you save your paintings as you go and put them up in order, you’ll start to see your progression. Sometimes, it’s a few steps forward then a couple steps backward – but as long as you keep painting you will keep progressing. Over time, you’ll have more control over the medium and find reasons to celebrate each time you paint. See mistakes as learning opportunities. And, know that when you are struggling it’s because you are pushing yourself and about to discover something new and step up a level. My watercolor supply list includes some tips to get you started. To try one of my basic 
watercolor videos, please see the Mixing Watercolors: Watercolor Painting for Beginners, an online program that shares many of my techniques.

Ten Tips to help you Finesse Fix your Watercolor Paintings 02

Ten Tips to help you Finesse Fix your Watercolor Paintings 02 mobile

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