Dear Reader,

There are three important elements to growth that all need to happen if you really want to feel a sense of ownership over your artistic practice.

I talk about these in detail in one of the introductory lessons in Watercolour Mastery. Preview that lesson for free here: VIDEO LINK​

3 Areas of Artistic Development

You might categorize the first area of growth as physical - moving your brush, mixing paint and applying it to paper will give you a body of knowledge that will help you use technique instinctively over time. It's muscle memory.

Application of technique in your personal style is much harder to measure. One aspect is brain training - learning to see like an artist, often built on learning principles of art and design. How can you simplify what you see to create a strong painting with good design?

The third aspect is artistic voice - mindset that positions you to feel free to express yourself and create art that reflects who you are. The voice of the artist shows your individual style and makes the painting feel alive. What is the secret sauce that makes this happen?

Watercolour Mastery: Dynamic Value has been created with each of these three areas in mind. I've outlined the course around 4 key concepts:

Value Supports Technique: Leveling up your paintings with value-focused techniques. Result: crisper, stronger paintings with stronger design.

This section of the course includes tutorials for evaluating and solving paintings that you've created in the past, using past work as a tool for understanding where you can build strength and use watercolour more confidently.

Value Informs Process: Learn multiple ways of using value to plan and execute your paintings from start to finish. Result: Fewer overworked paintings, quick strategies to help you paint more loosely, and the ability to assess your work during the painting process.

This section of the course teaches the "why" of working with thumbnail sketches, value studies, and how to stretch your studies "like rubber" to create more innovative and exciting paintings.

Value Expands Ideas: Using value to abstract your subject and work more intuitively to design lively, spontaneous paintings. Result: Develop your ability to see and think with a design prioritization, stronger ability to simplify or abstract your subject.

Abstraction isn't just for abstract artists! This section of the course will help even a realist painting plan and simplify for stronger paintings, while also learning some exciting watercolour techniques.

Value Supports Identity: Strategies for inviting your personal values and your inner artist to come to life boldly in your paintings. Result: More freedom and confidence both during the painting practice and when evaluating your work.

This section of the course is reflective and personal. As you think about your own artistic identity, you become more confident in your choices and goals for your art.

Watercolour Mastery: Dynamic Value starts Monday, September 7th.