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Experimenting with Watercolor

chloeepstein21

For years, I have been using Prisma, Ohuhu, and Copic brand markers, as well as, ink pens to create my illustrations. They were the most reliable set of tools to me, and I felt confident when using them. However, recently I was becoming curious about using different mediums, especially watercolors. I have always struggled with painting, especially oil painting, and it has never been my preference to use as a medium for my illustrations. I always felt a lack of control when painting, and difficulty in producing smaller details. However, after watching videos of illustrators using watercolor, and seeing many examples of watercolor illustrations, I was interested in trying it out. Watching others, particularly illustrators, use watercolor highlighted the more detail-oriented pieces they were able to create through this medium. I was also interested in the interesting colors, patterns, and designs, one was able to make when using water.


Around August, I decided to paint a series of self portraits of all eight of my characters from "Evangeline and the Latchkey Kid". This project was also directly after my fashion design project I had completed using the same characters, so I had been influenced by the outfits I recently created. At first, I was quite intimidated by the project, especially because I had little experience with using watercolors before this. I was worried this would turn out like most paintings I have created in the past, and that I would dislike watercolor just as much as oil or acrylic. However, after learning from various tutorial videos, and gathering all of my materials, I decided to go for it. As soon as I started, I learned that watercolor does not require a lot of paint compared to other painting mediums. I had purchased a package of (Master's Touch Fine Art Studio) watercolor paint tubes, instead of watercolor pans, and I was afraid I would have to use a lot of paint from such small tubes. However, the tubes ended up having a lot of pigment for such a small size. Because of the smaller amount of paint used, the process was less messy. This was a plus, especially after taking an oil painting class in college, where I would come back covered in paint and turpentine after every session. Also, since it used less paint, It ended up being cheaper, compared to buying expensive oil paints at my local art store.


Already, I had been finding more pros than cons when it came to using watercolors, but the true test came when I began painting. I had first tested my watercolors out on some old prints, and then I finally moved onto my portraits. I was still a little unsure of watercolor after I had painted over old prints, but that all changed once I started on the portraits. Right away, I took to the medium, and found it just as enjoyable to use as markers and ink. The paints covered the surface of the canvas easily, and I didn't have to keep mixing paint over and over again. I also did not have to completely throw out my paint once it dried on my palate- I could just wet the pigments with water and they were ready to use again! I found that the water made it much easier to mix colors, cover more of the illustration, and create more pigment. I did have to be careful with how I used the colors because it was easy for one color to mix with another since this process is using water. Other then that, my first watercolor project turned out to be a success! I had some difficulty with the backgrounds, but besides that I was pleased with the outcome of my figures.


Since the many months ago I began painting with watercolors, I have created many more pieces using this technique, which you can find within both the personal and professional portfolios on my website! I have not only come to love this medium, but maybe even prefer it over markers and inks, depending on the illustration. I hope to learn more from this medium, and explore different artistic techniques and styles as well.

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marybeth.gasman
Feb 24, 2023

Love all of this new work, and the writing.

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©2020 by Chloë Sarah Epstein.

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