the world of watercolor

I use a variety of mediums when I make art.
This includes: chalk pastel, oil pastel, charcoal, graphite, ink (both printing ink and pen), colored pencil, watercolor, watercolor pencil, acrylic & oil paint. Whenever I'm asked what my favorite medium is, it's impossible to answer! Each tool to create art is beautiful and diverse in their purposes.

In ninth grade, I was introduced to watercolor. I had heard that it is one of the most difficult painting techniques you could possibly conquer. I believe it is THE most difficult.

Last fall I was frustrated with how unprofessional my watercolor pieces were turning out. I decided to take a taste of "practice makes perfect!" and began exploring watercolor as much as I could. It's a painful process to try something new, but well worth it. The discipline I forced myself into gave me the exact results I was hoping for! Now it is one of my most favorite mediums to use.

If you love to watercolor but are intimidated with the process, buy watercolor pencils! (Yes, they exist. I didn't know this til a couple years ago!) Its a purchase that I promise you will not regret! I recommend Derwent. Though there are many other brands that are less expensive, I've found Derwent leaves the least amount of pencil-sketch residue. They are my secret to clean eyes and lips on detailed watercolor portraits.
Seriously, whoever invented them is genius.

I'm getting a feel for children's portraits, and I am absolutely loving it. Filling every spare second of my time free from college work with their adorable little faces. This girl is going to be one of a series of little girls for this month.

Remember that if you sacrifice the time for a skill you wish to develop, you will see yourself change. I believe in talent, but I know that hard work can make up for anything you feel that you lack. I wish you all a wonderful week!

Brittany