My Issues With Watercolors

Issues, issues... we all have 'em! Some bigger than others and some that are just bothersome. For me today, watercolor is the issue. I can't control it, and maybe that's WHY it's bothering me. I can't instantly whip it into submission, so... ha! It could be a control issue. Whatever it is, I'm determined to get to know it much better. WHY? Because watercolor is this beautifully mysterious thing that can be pure magic. It's unlike other mediums.

Most likely, a crayon or a pencil was the first tool I ever used to make a mark. THAT was followed by watercolors. I specifically recall those metal tin boxes of Prang paint in school. Primary colors that were generally turned into a muddy brown mess by many students who would mix them all together. This slim tin of watercolors was my introduction to color mixing, which I was immediately fascinated with. It was like a magic trick to me. I could barely wait to get home to share the exciting news.

As a kid it didn't matter what type of paper I had when to came to watercolors. I recall using regular typewriter paper, cardstock, posterboard, cardboard, newspaper - basically anything I could find. I simply liked making marks and enjoyed it all so much then. Even with those cheap student grade Prang watercolor paints and brushes that shed hair like crazy. It was all so much fun!

As an adult, I've tried inexpensive and pricey watercolor paper, cheap brushes and natural hair brushes as well as student and artist grade watercolor paint. So, I've played with a wide variety of materials. The verdict: It's still a very mysterious and elusive medium. The majority of time I feel like I cannot control the medium at all. Despite exposing myself to a variety of supplies, the majority of paintings I've made are either OK or disasters. Once in a while I really love how something turned out. You can see a recent watercolor I'm happy with below.

I haven't actually used watercolor that often. So, I'll periodically give it a go and chalk up the fails as proof that the experience is necessary. Realistically, I know that don't make progress without practice.

There is that little part of me who simply wants to skip ahead to a part that may not be as frustrating as where I am now. Because that's just how I am. Impatient at times! Are we there yet? Nope.