Investing in good quality watercolor paper can significantly improve the results of a painting.
Understanding values and using the full range of lights and darks helps create dimension in artwork.
Being part of an artistic community provides inspiration, encouragement, and opportunities for learning and growth.
Deep dives
Paper and Brushes
Shelley primarily uses 100% cotton paper, specifically Arches brand, and she prefers cold press for its ability to provide both detail and washes. She stretches her paper using lightweight Gator board, which allows for a flat result. For brushes, she uses squirrel hair brushes for their capacity to hold a lot of paint and water, opting for large rounds for most of her work and smaller rounds for detail.
Choosing Paint and Colors
Shelley believes that there are many good quality brands of watercolor paint available, such as Winsor & Newton, Daniel Smith, Da Vinci, and Holbein. She recommends starting with artist quality paints whenever possible, but acknowledges that student quality paints can be used when budgets are tight. She advises focusing on a limited palette of primary colors and learning color mixing rather than buying a large set. While convenience colors can be useful, Shelley prefers mixing her own shades for more variation and dimension in her work. She also finds Payne's Gray and Neutral Tint to be valuable colors in her palette.
Process and Techniques
Shelley begins her watercolor paintings by sketching the composition on tracing paper before transferring it to the watercolor paper. She prefers not to erase directly on the paper to keep it in good condition. She uses masking fluid to preserve areas that need to remain white or to work around intricate details. Shelley also uses wet-on-wet techniques for laying down washes and building up layers of color. She emphasizes the importance of understanding transparency and opacity in watercolor paints to achieve the desired effects in shadows and highlights.
Using Masking Fluid and Gouache
Shelley uses masking fluid primarily for areas that require precise and crisp edges or to preserve small details. However, she avoids using gouache for correction purposes or to fix mistakes. She reserves its use for small accents or highlights, making sure not to overuse it so that the application still blends well with the watercolors. Shelley believes that painting shadows creatively with multiple colors rather than relying on a single gray color helps to bring life and dimension to the artwork.
Importance of quality materials and values
One of the main insights from the podcast episode is the significance of using high-quality materials, particularly in terms of watercolor paper. The guest emphasized that investing in good paper made a significant difference in achieving better results. Additionally, understanding the importance of values in creating depth and dimension in a painting was highlighted. The guest mentioned the value range and the need to use the full range of lights and darks to create dimensional-looking objects.
The value of community and pushing artistic boundaries
Another key point discussed in the podcast episode was the importance of connecting with other painters and being part of a supportive artistic community. The guest shared how being part of a community, both offline and online, provided inspiration, encouragement, and the opportunity to learn from others. Additionally, the guest highlighted the significance of pushing artistic boundaries and stepping out of one's comfort zone. Taking risks, experimenting with colors, and exploring different techniques were encouraged as ways to grow and develop as an artist.
Mike reflects on his class from Wild Wonder Conference 2023 and upcoming changes. Shelley Prior joins the podcast to talk about her love affair with watercolour. It has led her to develop a highly realistic style, capturing everything from birds and wildlife to portraits, still life, and breathtaking landscapes. But that's not all; she is also an active instructor who's been imparting her knowledge in workshops in Canada and occasionally in the U.S..
What stands out when you look at Shelley's work is the play of light. She believes that light is the 'life of the painting,' a philosophy that shines through every piece she creates. Shelley's work perfectly exemplifies how meticulous planning, quality materials, and an endless love for experimentation can lead to stunning artistry.
