 Bait & Ice Thames NZ
Many of my students and fellow painters ask me "how did I get from this to that?"
When I’m out painting en plein air (or in my studio), once I have my idea and have taken a “mental snapshot”, I rarely refer back to the scene. I focus more on what my painting needs rather than creating a replica of a scene. The same for studio painting, especially from photographs (and when on location); the scene and your photo are merely your inspiration - your idea must come first. The same for studio painting, especially from photographs (and when on location); the scene and your photo are merely your inspiration - your idea must come first. Faithfully producing a scene, en plein air or from photos suggests the painter has to find the perfect scene. Yes there are plenty of perfect scenes but can you find them when you want them? probably not - jolly annoying. The serious painter has to make do with what is in front of them - we have to make a silk purse from a sow's ear. The point of this blog post is to remind ourselves to be not so precious about painting every little detail, every little nuance - paint your idea, turn away from your subject - stop looking and just paint - enjoy the process of painting the flower or the picket fence - focus on your painting!! if you have a photograph, turn it over, paint your painting and use your artist's license!! My painting Bait & Ice (Thames NZ) has won many awards and is not very much like the scene itself. Comments from collector's all say "this is just how I remember it!" ciao cari pittori!!
3 Comments
31/8/2022 11:50:19
I like what you said about getting inspiration first before the paint. I need to get a new coat of paint applied to my house. I'll have to order the paint after looking at samples.
Jan Leitch
19/11/2024 08:20:39
I enjoy your tips every week. This one I have already learned and it helps very much to work with what the first wash gives you rather than the reference. Thank you.
Susan Court
26/3/2025 19:50:00
Hi Amanda, I’ve just reread your blog and you said the same to me on Tuesday. Tomorrow I’m going to continue the Essex’s St painting without reference. Thank you. Leave a Reply. |
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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 
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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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