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A huge question don't you think?
But so important, it helps us to redefine our goals, values and priorities, what we want and how to articulate it. For me (and I'm sure you too) the past 2 years have brought quiet and solitude (a bit too much - I want everything in exactly the right measure - it's all about me!). I've had unprecedented amount of painting and creating time (not used wisely) plus a weird type of stress and overwhelm. Several years ago, in my wisdom, I decided that a new path forward for my teaching was online, the good thing about lockdowns etc, I've learned that my passion is about helping my students become the creatives they want to be not creating clones of me. I see that as no value to you at all, further it means a constant dependence on me and no way forward for you (this is a similar reason why so many art school students struggle to forge their artist's careers). So what do I want? I want more creating and painting time. Fortunately for me, a restructure of our main business unit in NZ means I have less work to do - yay!! More time to play and see what emerges - a year of using up lots of paper!! It also means I can be in my studio at 7am (jammies and all) to start my daily creative process. The good thing about writing this down (longhand is always best) is the re-embedding in my brain and my heart. I've really struggled with motivation these past 2 years, everything has felt 1 step forward and 2 back, my next big birthday is looming - time to pull myself together! I want to go out and sketch more, I want to see more of my hometown and NZ (and the world!) - new aspects of familiar things; a good thing about lockdowns? they've taught us to slow down again! So what do I want from my teaching? Actually, the question is what do I want to give to my teaching this year? How can I make it better? My job this year is to help you learn to see - to broaden your painting and creating horizons and see the possibilities, right down to the nitty gritty of understanding your subject; to see there are many ways to paint watercolour and every one of them is the right way. I want you to see that every subject you draw or paint, prepares you for your next drawing and painting. Every drawing and painting is a cornerstone for your learning. what do you want from your art this year? what aspects of your art do you want to work on? What do you want to learn? Dica mi – tell me!! Amanda Sign up for weekly Watercolour classes here
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AuthorPaintBox Tips, secrets, random thoughts, 
Poetry in watercolour is made in the freedom of the here and now. Amanda Brett Inspiration exists, but it has to find you working - Pablo Picasso 
There are no mistakes in watercolour, just some extra surprises!! Categories
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What my readers and viewers have to say
Your emails are so informative! I must confess I've watched a couple of your demos from beginning to end, and it makes me want to watercolor!!! I've only ever painted with oil or acrylics and haven't know how to begin with WC. Your content is excellent!
Susan VN Hi Amanda
Thank you for your tips. They inspired me to practise and I realised I haven’t been loading the brush properly. I learnt about adding more paint, and not water, to washes. In today’s tips I like the idea of painting with purpose. Your tips are very helpful. I very much appreciate receiving them. Elizabeth Hi Amanda I enjoyed your post and generous tips. Looked up Dan Burt I begin to see that you can colour any subject to give it pizazz so long as the tone and form is correct Certainly adding value now to my attempts Thanks heaps Annie
Yes very wise words. Agree with not fussing and agree with comments about good quality paint. Well written and inspirational as always. Cheers Janet xxxx Archives
February 2025
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