My monthly painting challenge in 2021

One of my resolutions in 2021 is paint more and I decided to challenge myself to paint watercolour painting at least one in every 2 - 3 days. And part of the challenge was to running my digital space where I can share my artwork and keep motivate myself.

It’s been only just over a month and so far.. I am happy to report that I think I can do this! I found myself more motivated to pick up my brush and get in the mood for painting even after a hard day at work. Perhaps especially when I had a tough day, I’m more motivated to find my zen and just paint.

In February (only 5 days passed so far at the time I’m writing this blog), I painted 6 - 7 pieces although I do not care so much about the number of paintings - hope the quality and technic will improve over the time. I feel really happy while I’m doing it and it is strange, once I finish this little 5 x 7 size of art, it gives me some kind of closure of my day. I hope I can keep this up as it’s been also a great practice and learning time for me.

Recently I also found that how much I love putting little birds in the sky on my painting! Which is.. kind of funny as nowadays that’s all I do - putting those birds in at the end of my finish. It’ll be interesting to see if all of my Feb painting will have the birds silhouette. :p

My painting exercises until 2021

I think the most important thing you need to do when you learn something - not just watercolour painting - is to Keep Practicing. For me, it took a couple of years to really have that consistent (sort of) habit of keep practicing watercolor painting.

At the beginning, I was really fascinated by so many Youtube videos to learn as a beginner and I still am! And then, my next phase was to try out and copy painting from the YouTube without really studying much, it was all about fun and trying new things.

And then I moved on to browsing watercolor brushes, papers and paint brands and watching other people’s crazy art supply shopping howl for a while (guilty, I still do and enjoy watching them!) And after all that finally grab my brush and paper and really try and paint.

There is nothing wrong about just watching a lot of YouTube videos and try to understand all the theories until you actually feel comfortable to start painting. I think it’s matter of finding the moment that gives you a joy and happiness when you paint. When you’re ready and start painting, you just need to keep going and don’t give up. :)

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Here’re some of my watercolour paintings - mostly from 2019 and 2020. I think it’s not the best artwork but I like them anyway.!

Greenfield

Forest

Forest in the evening

Lake in the evening with Mom's favorite red flowers

Mountain view across the ocean

One fine cloudy day in the ocean

My water-colour painting journey - how it all started..

It all started.. probably sometime in 2017 or 2018 (not sure when exactly). My very first water-colour painting as an adult was not really out of my own interest, it was actually me just being helpful try to find a hobby for my husband. He once said learn how to paint is one of his retirement plan. I thought of learning more about it before I actually recommend it to him but I ended up liking it so much, I pick it up as my own hobby. Although my husband did not learn but he is very supportive of me learning and enjoying water-colour painting so I’m very happy.

I watched a lot of YouTube videos and after I learned how it can be so ‘free’ in crafting or how it is unpredictable but yet beautiful - if only I knew… this is definitely not the easiest medium - I decided to try.

Daler Rowney Aquafine 12 half-pan water-colour paints

Now I have a couple set of water-colour paints from different brands. - I will talk about my main water-colour brand next time - but my very first water-colour was a 12 half-pan of travel set from Daler Rowney which is a great UK brand.

Though there’s been a lot of ups and downs in terms of learning and keep motivating myself, I am going to continue learn and keep practicing and practicing. And if you just started, I hope this place gives you some comforts and know you’re not alone!

Hope I can continue post with many more interesting stuffs here and also sharing my humble paintings.

Cheers,

Jo