Use Your Biggest Brush

   This entry was originally posted on Monday, April 30, 2012

When I started to work small, I discovered not only how satisfying it can be 

but that I became a better watercolorist.

Prior to doing these sketches and studies, I had always just used a #6 brush.

For everything.

I wanted to break free from that #6.

 

Another guideline I gave myself for these small paintings was to use my biggest brush.

My biggest brush at that time was a #12.

What a difference it has made to my painting!

In fact I love using a big brush so much that I have gone even bigger (#30!) for when I do my large pieces.

 

So pull out that big brush and paint away.

If you don't have one, be sure to invest in one with a good point.

 

Give Yourself A Time Limit

 This entry was originally posted on Saturday, April 28, 2012

Part of my working small was that I also gave myself a couple of rules.

One of which was that I had only an hour to complete the painting.

It is only an hour but a lot can be done in that time.

 

I discovered that it was actually freeing to me to have a time limit.

I had permission to work fast and furious. 

 Unnecessary details had to be eliminated.

It was also a great beginning to painting outdoors.