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Creative Ideas & Techniques

Find a variety of unique lessons in this library.  All of them take a unique approach to the subject – in style, technique or composition. 

Lessons like this are helpful in many ways but especially in expanding our approach to watercolor painting and the broad range of stylistic and technical possibilities. 

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Fun Technique With Focus on Composition

Tonal Value Thumbnail Sketch

Basic Value Composition

Value has an important role in helping to create strong, dynamic compositions. Taking the time to plan your painting using Value Composition Studies is far more likely to produce a successful painting.

These studies are usually small and are often called Value Thumbnail Sketches. The concept is easy to understand, but it requires a shift in thinking and a commitment to the process to really make it work

This group of lessons will introduce you to the ideas behind Value Composition and show a simple process for getting started.

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basic watercolor color wheel with neutral colors

Composing The Picture Plane

START WITH THE PICTURE PLANE INSTEAD OF SUBJECT

The method and process offered here is easy. The mental challenge is not.

We are literal beings. The impluse to begin with subject is strong and is also our ‘safe’ place, so we go there even when trying not to.

Do your best to give in to the method and explore. Repeat the process until subjects start to emerge from the abstract.

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