“What should I paint? We all have to answer this question if we fall in love with watercolor painting and wish to improve our skills,” says Moira Johannessen.
“For my own work, I rely mainly on photographs. No matter where I go, I’m always on the lookout for a good painting subject — a harbor scene, sweet peas, or the nearby desert; in fact, anything that crosses my path can make a good subject. As I take reference photos, I am composing a painting in the process. If necessary, I can also crop the photos later on my computer.
“So that I always have painting possibilities on hand, I have created a file of fun and interesting photo references, from which I can draw inspiration. I also study other artists’ work that I admire. I’ve found that a good exercise is to paint in the manner of famous artists to explore various styles and techniques, or just for the fun of it.
“Painting is a journey. Enjoy!”
Couldn’t agree more. I too constantly take photographs, but I try not to allow the chance accident of composition to dictate my painting. I feel it better to let the photograph be the inspiration and then to move elements, colours, shapes around to make a more satisfying painting. Over many years I find that it is just about impossible to expect a photograph to be a great painting subject, unaltered. Let it take you back to the time and location and let it inspire an emotion. Then paint that emotion not a picture.