Here are the two pieces I had at the end of the first night of watercolor class. I’m not an illustrator and there are many mistakes in the paintings. I’m posting them because I’m not afraid of failing or looking amateurish. Once I understood how to do a wash, I wanted to layer the color and in both cases, started too early, applying the next layer before the first was dry. It caused runs in both pictures. But the pale, even wash was what I was working on, and I’m happy that I learned how.
One of the mistakes beginners often make is underestimating what it takes to become proficient. It’s practice. A lot of it. I won’t get to be a good watercolorist working on it one night a week for three hours. The more I practice, the better I’ll be.
The same is true for writing and giving a presentation. I cringe when I hear a client say they will “wing it.” Why would you do that to yourself and your audience? Practice and you’ll have a better result. I promise.
–Quinn McDonald is a writer having fun with watercolor. She is also a certified creativity coach and designer of programs in communication. See her work at QuinnCreative.com. Images: Quinn McDonald. (c) 2008 All rights reserved.
