I know that you have a great many ideas from the topics you've been working on so this month is consolidation month!
We'll use the Easter break to work on developing ideas into resolved pieces of work. If your creative mind takes you off on a tangent – so be it! It does not matter at all if your work doesn't fall exactly in line with the topics – they are simply starting points. What matters is your work
Here are my top tips for developing your ideas -
Clarify Your Vision: Look at your sketches and identify the elements that inspire you most — this could be the mood, composition, or a particular detail. Use these as anchors to guide the final piece.
Experiment with Materials: Before diving into the final painting, test out different tools, textures, and colours on a smaller scale. This can spark new ideas and refine your approach. What happens if you change your support, use mixed media, tear, burn or cut sections of paper – use your sketchbook for informal rough versions. Refine what works (and is appropriate to your piece) and rule out what is not working.
Create a Value Study: Use your sketch to map out light and dark areas. A monochromatic value study can help you see the overall balance and make adjustments before adding colour. This is ALWAYS useful.
Stay Flexible: Allow yourself room for improvisation. Paintings, especially watercolours often take on a life of their own during the process, so embrace unexpected changes.
Step Back Frequently: Look at your work from a distance or take breaks. This helps you spot areas that need adjustment and keeps your perspective fresh.
Finish with Fine Details: Take your time, consider the implications of each element. Save the intricate elements, like highlights or texture, for last. They add depth and polish to your finished piece.
Have a great Easter. In May we’ll have an art show!