On Wednesday night we were thankfully back in the Tractor Shed to be treated to a watercolour demonstration by our long standing WSA member John Maule-ffinch.
John started his watercolour painting after retiring. Yes it seems unbelievable! His talent is natural and John has not looked back since taking up painting, enjoying a successful career now as a watercolour artist.
John is not someone who takes an easy path, in fact I think he is a bit of a trail blazer. Although he started painting in a traditional watercolour style, he quickly moved forward with his ideas. His approach to his craft has led to a method of painting today which is very contemporary. John’s enthusiasm for using titanium white pigment in his watercolours produces some amazing results.
For the purpose of the demonstration John very quickly mapped out the composition idea and then with squirrel mop brushes and 140lb Arches Rough paper he produced a wonderful water colour that had depth and atmosphere. There were lots of hints and tips too. John uses Arches paper which is heavily sized internally and externally allowing the paint to sit longer on the surface thus giving a longer manipulation time and easier lifting. Combined with his ‘go to’ watercolour paints, which are Holbein in skies and foreground, this induces a different “feel” to the resulting image.
John says he has had the benefit of seeing some fantastic watercolour artists at work. One of his favourite artists is Chien Chung-Wei, which you can check out on YouTube.
It was a lovely, relaxed evening and everyone enjoyed seeing how effortlessly John produced a rather fab watercolour piece. It was also great to see so many members venture out despite the very windy and inclement weather to join us back at our meetings in the Tractor Shed
Thank you again John – a night made even more special for it being your birthday!
