“I recently spent a month serving an Artist Residency at Chateau d’ Orquevaux in France doing what I love more than anything else: painting with watercolor,” says Catherine Hillis.
“The experience allowed me to paint without interruption and return to the soul of why I paint: put quite simply, joy. Without deadlines or a “to-do” list, I could tap back into the spirit of why I paint and commit to slow, heartfelt strokes once again, enjoying every moment when fluid paint joins with water.
“Part of what makes watercolor painting fun are the special techniques an artist can use to explore texture. Everyone knows about throwing salt into a wet watercolor wash to create a unique starburst effect, but have you heard about grating watercolor pencil shavings on a wet wash or splattering paint with a toothbrush? Did you know that sponges, bubble wrap, and textured paper towels are excellent for stamping texture on your painting?”
You may not have the advantage of spending a month painting in France, but it’s always a good time to reconnect to your love of watercolor painting and to explore new techniques and effects that can enhance your work. Why not carve out an hour today to play and have some fun? You just might discover the secret to your next painting success!
Thank you for publishing my article. Have a great weekend.