Gibraltar
Water Colours Painting by Helen Rea
This page includes some questions you may have about my techniques, general thoughts about painting in watercolour and how to get started as a watercolour artist or hobbyist yourself.
Watercolour Paintings - My Favourite Techniques & Painting Process
Like every artist from the stone age to modern day, I like to start by getting inspired.โ
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I take a walk outside, in nature, in the city or even in gardens or at home. I try to look at the scenes around me with the view of an artist or photographer. What catches my eye changes every time but a scene with lots of different colors or a limited color palette with interesting light and shadow casting is usually par for the course! I love to imagine how something may look like in paint, in water colours. How I would sketch it out and paint it if I had to paint there and then!โ
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I also search online: search engines, Pinterest, Youtube videos, documentaries, travel blogs, etc. I find just about anything I see can inspire me paint; a particular textured surface, high-pigment photograph, a print on a cloth, a little illustration or mix of nature photographs can be the catalyst.โ
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All artists are different, some blend their creative resources, some have a set method. We all find our own way of becoming inspired to create our artworks.โ
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Once I find a subject that inspires me to get out the watercolour paints, paper, water and brushes, I like to grab a pencil before any paint touches water or paper! I sketch out a few ideas of how I feel the painting should look, it may not look right the first couple of times, but eventually I will find what feels and looks right.โ
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Once I have created my base sketch and pick the watercolour paper that suits this scene or subject best. I start with base colours by first colour mixing and with an excess water to begin. The next steps are mixed, it depends on the subject.โ
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Reach out to Helen Rea if you want to know more about the next steps and how to make the most with your watercolour paint and paintbrush with some simple or more complex lessons from a professional watercolour artist.
Unusual, Interesting and Inspiring Watercolours
When I paint, I am inspired by many things. Namely my surroundings! The beautiful architecture and nature found in Spain and Gibraltar. The unique blend of cultures and environments make for wonderful subjects to paint. Whether it be watercolor paintings, mixed media or ink, the different colours, landscapes, animals and people make for beautiful, inspiring subjects all around me. They result in watercolour paintings that are fun, exciting and dynamic art that appeals to many different kinds of person.
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I hope that my art inspires artists and tourists to visit the wonderful part of the world that is Gibraltar and Southern Spain.
Vibrant Watercolour Paints on High-Quality Watercolor Paper
As you can see in my shop, my work has a LOT of detail. This is generally unusual in the watercolour painting community. I love getting down into the details, mixing the impressionist nature of watercolour paint (also seen with acrylics in other artists art work) and the tiny details of photo-realism, I have a blend of mixed materials, ink and different paintbrushes and techniques to achieve this look.
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Your surface is so important! The paper I use is produced using techniques that have not changed since 1492 and come isn't a variety of forms. My favourite depends on the subject I am painting but I tend to lean towards the hot pressed, rough grain (but I am sure other watercolour artists, may have their own distinct preference!), it is a fun paper to work with!
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The watercolor paper I use is extremely high quality, easy to work with and forgiving. I find that it holds watercolour paint and water well no matter how much water you need to use. You can even erase some mistakes you have painted easily. Blending is easy and you are not limited to using less or more water to achieve your look while saving the paper from getting excessively wet. The colour pigments look vivid and beautiful, no matter the paint palette you use.
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Whether you like to paint with watercolour pans or watercolour tubes, the paper you use is a vital component that is worth your time researching and testing out - plus it's fun to see how your art looks on different paper types!
FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions About My Watercolour Art
What paint do you use for water colour?
To paint, I like to use watercolour palettes (little watercolour pans basically), but some of my older work has been achieved using watercolour tubes (liquid watercolour paint)! A little ink or fineliner on top of your watercolour paint can go a long way too when used in moderation, to pick out the fine detail in your colour mixing.
What is your golden rule of watercolour?
Get yourself some quality watercolour paper, quality watercolour paint and brushes.. most importantly, relax! You may feel like you need some watercolour classes from professional artists to make your art, but that may not be the case! You can have fun with mixing colors, trying a dry brush, a wet brush, mixed media (pens or pencils), there are no strict rules. Whether you use watercolour tubes or watercolour palettes, big or small brushes, basic supplies or the high-end watercolours, the most important thing is to try new techniques, develop your own and have fun :) oh and make sure you have clean water ;)
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Many artists, especially those who are new to watercolour painting or painting as a whole, some watercolor classes may not go amiss. Getting some guidance from professional watercolour artists such as myself will set you in good stead, teaching you good habits with your watercolor painting techniques (from using too little or too much water, how to deal with excess water, the best brush or paper types to achieve the watercolor look you want) and a great resource for asking questions!
Where can I buy a watercolour painting by Helen Rea?
Right here on this site! Have a look at the shop for a watercolour painting today :) If you prefer the personal touch, you can buy my watercolour paintings in real life in Gibraltar, you can find them at any artist fair and in the Arts & Crafts Association shop in Casemates Square, Gibraltar.