I spent all yesterday attempting to paint my granddaughters. By the end of the day, my neck was sore and I had several pieces of high-quality watercolor paper I will turn over to use for scrap.
Watercolor is unlike any other medium. It has a mind of its own. Try to control it too much and you'll end up frustrated with a slight pulse behind your right eye.
The trick is to direct the paint and not control it. Easier said than done.
I'm not too interested in painting inanimate objects or landscapes. I like doing faces. I've been successful using watercolor to paint animals, but painting people is another story. I know there are techniques to paint people in a more impressionistic style. I'm going for that, but so far I have just made muddy messes. No matter how many washes I lay down their skin looks pasty and the person is in serious need of a blood transfusion.
I'm better at painting animals in a loose style. Listening to music helps. I put on a little Amy Winehouse, Lauren Daigle or Jack Johnson and go for it. Except for the background, I don't do washes. I load up my brush with wet paint almost the consistency of toothpaste. I work quickly doing bold strokes and then softening the edges with a wet brush. I do take care with the eyes, nose and mouth. If I get the features right I can capture their expressions.
Some of the best results I've had are when I paint fast, almost a little recklessly. Here are two of my favorites I did in less than 30 minutes. Sloppy but I like 'em.
