Artist's Back to Basics

Making a good impression

Watercolours have a life of their own, ‘so let them flow’

Keep a wooden ruler next to your easel to rap yourself over the knuckles with, if you have any thoughts about overworking an impressionistic painting. Its whole appeal is in its freshness. Here I have used this impressionistic watercolour painting ‘’Dustbins’’ by English artist Judi Whitton. It really speaks for itself - in fact, it shouts, “leave me alone, let me go my own way!” and no attempt has been made by Judi to control the paint as it moves and fuses together, giving it a wonderful loose freshness. Painted on damp paper then left to find its own way, a dull uninteresting subject has been transformed into a lively interesting work that grabs your

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