Aren’t watercolors difficult?

It seems that every time I show my watercolors at exhibitions or events, someone tells me: “Watercolors are difficult.”

I smile and ask, “Why do you say that?”

THE MYTH: The myth circulates that painting with watercolors is difficult. Why? Is it because watercolors can get out of control and people tend to want to be in control? Are they the effects of the environment? Now what, I don’t know? This myth continues to fascinate me and who knows, maybe one day I will have an answer.

THE TRUTH: Watercolor painting is no different from other disciplines.. Whenever a person undertakes a new experience, there seems to be a “training period” in which knowledge and skills are acquired. At this stage of the game, most people are looking for an experienced person whom they admire and who possesses what they would like to emulate. This is true with any effort, so why not paint with watercolor?

What makes watercolors different? What makes them so different is that you never know what will happen. Are you a person who likes surprises? The watercolors will amaze you every time you paint. A colleague of mine has a favorite saying which is “Let’s see what will show up when I paint today.” It is absolutely fascinating what the water and the pigment will do. Repeating an effect is challenging or impossible. Each time is unique.

There are established techniques for watercolors. as with any other artistic medium. These skills are useful but not necessary to express yourself in watercolors. Many artists, and I think everyone is an artist at heart, they paint freely and allow whatever they want to tell them where to go or what to do next. Sometimes “what is” can be pleasant in itself. exist WITHOUT RULES! I believe that artistic expression is in all of us and it just requires a sense of trust and freedom to allow the magic to flow.

A favorite way to express myself freely with watercolors is to paint Mandalas. Basically painting within a circle, a mandala, creates a meditative state in which a person freely paints whatever they want. In my experience sharing mandala painting with students, we have witnessed a variety of beautiful and unique mandala creations.

The only thing that distinguishes watercolors of other painting media is that it is a spontaneous method. First impressions are vital. You can’t go back and change it, or rarely. This can be a bit intimidating for people, but it can also be very refreshing. I have found that my favorite paintings have had this light touch of first impression that flows magically, effortlessly. It is simply there.

Not all pieces are a masterpiece. Of course, there is always more paper. I must admit that I have turned less successful paintings into new collage paintings. The watercolors are full of happy accidents. You will never know what to expect and this is the nature of watercolors and probably fuels the myth.

ARTISTIC EXPRESSION: The fun of creating is what it’s all about, right? It is our connection with our soul. I feel like I learn every day when I sit down to create a watercolor painting. The watercolors change, I change, the themes change. People tend to avoid change because it requires letting go of the outer layers of belief. Perhaps the myth that watercolors are difficult is true, what do you think?