I’m so excited to share this list of artists who are offering free online lessons in watercolor right now!
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I don't always feel joyful and free when I paint, but that's the mindset I look for when I paint. I do this by choosing to focus on the process over the product; it's not about turning out a perfect painting, but about creating a nurturing painting process. It's about making one beautiful color play on the paper, and then adding another, and another! Painting really is as simple as that.
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For many years, my security as an artist came from painting realistic paintings. Being able to paint something identifiable, something that could be measured as skilled by anyone felt like the safest way to create good art.
I would often look at abstract art, simple, powerful paintings and wonder how the artist could be brave enough to present something so hard to identify. How did the artist know that way of painting was for them? How did they not feel bound to make art other people would understand?
I didn’t want to paint weird stuff, but I craved the freedom that the most innovative artists seemed to channel so effortlessly.
How do you develop creative self-confidence?
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…painting with the distraction of TV, cramped in my seat with a board on my lap wasn’t really the best way to create a quality painting process and be mindful of the creativity that would enrich my paintings. It’s little wonder that my paintings from that era were stiff and controlled. There was a lot of tension between the paint and the artist, and it shows in my work from those days.
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Want to learn how much water to use to create magical effects? Paint and watch, and then do it again tomorrow. Familiarity makes the act of painting feel instinctive, and while you can learn a lot from a great teacher, actually doing will create the muscle memory that makes a skill yours.
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I used to feel a little self-deprecating about my status as a self-taught artist, but over the years I’ve realized that every artist is self-taught. If I’ve learned anything over the years, it’s that everyone can become their own favorite artist. Here’s how to find out what stage you’re in and what you can do next.
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A few days ago in my Facebook group, my friend Mila Renault, who is an amazing watercolor artist and a beautiful soul from New Zealand, posted a painting by artist Vjekoslav Nemesh; a prayer for rain for Australia, and asked us: What if we all prayed for rain for Australia?
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I spent some time today putting together a video look back at the year's paintings. This is really just a sampler because I really failed this year to do a good job of documenting works created in my studio or in classes, so it took a little struggle to track down a good sampling of the paintings I've worked on this year. Some you may recognize from lessons, demonstrations and past posts:
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In my watercolor community we are talking all month about how art and beauty fill our lives in a series of posts I'm titling, "The Gifts of Watercolor" but it's really the gift of Life, Love & Beauty.
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I spend so much of my painting time simply working to get away from my own expectations. I know that there is a place of freedom, where a painting comes alive before the brush even hits the paper. It’s a magical place, and like all magical places, there’s no straightforward route to arrival. Sometimes the wardrobe is just a wardrobe, and other times it leads to a wintry forest in another world, and I don’t get to decide when that happens.
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I love looking at art supplies at Christmas, even though I know that when it comes to painting goodies, I buy for myself. Because I set goals in January for my painting through the year, I always try to stock up on supplies that will inspire me and strengthen my painting habit.
I’ve made a list of some of my favorite supplies, things that will help you if you are growing your own painting habit, and a few delicious luxuries you and I can dream about, and maybe, splurge on!
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Because winter inspires me so much, I've made it a tradition to release a new workshop every year at the beginning of December. A holiday mini watercolor workshop is my way of celebrating the season (and giving you something for your Christmas list).
This year's Christmas mini course is something a little different; on December 3rd and 4th, I'll be recording four live video lessons, painting a series of winter scenes in watercolor. You can paint along with me!
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When I was first starting to make my name as an artist in my community, it was interesting how frequently I had to turn down possible art jobs. I was painting landscapes and florals in watercolor, but I received requests for mural paintings, portraits, graphic design, children’s book illustration…a smorgasbord of variety! And I hated turning down work! But I knew my limitations and no matter how creatively I looked at it, there was just NO WAY my watercolor would translate well to mural painting. I knew my limitations.
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The 5th annual Angela Fehr watercolor calendar features some of my most exciting watercolor paintings from the past year. Order your collector’s copy today!
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The question I get asked most frequently by growing artists is “How do I find my style?” I am never sure if I can offer an answer that satisfies, as what I’ve learned over the years is that we artists are often asking the wrong questions.
You can’t pick your style from a list. Your style is as instinctive and intrinsic to you as your own personality, and that’s actually a really good thing! When you learn how to listen to yourself and paint from that inner artist, you will start creating your deepest and most authentic work.
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The giant “canvas” sat against my studio wall for months before I finally mustered the nerve to touch brush to paper. I had never painted anything larger than the standard “full sheet” of watercolor paper, so a piece of paper that was 20 inches longer is a big stretch for a watercolor artist! Just setting up a piece of paper that large takes time and effort, as wet the paper, then stretched it over a wooden frame, stapled it and allowed it to dry, tight as a drum. The investment of time added to my anxiety about messing up that big, white expanse of paper.
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When you’re working in watercolor, a large painting is usually quite a bit smaller than what’s considered large in paintings on canvas. The largest common size for watercolor paper is 22 x 30 inches, so that’s one limitation. Watercolor brushes are scaled for smaller size paintings as well, and even palettes usually have small wells that won’t accommodate a large brush. All reasons why watercolor painters tend to work small.
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There are times when I’m painting and nothing turns out. Nothing. The painting process feels off, my brush is clumsy and awkward, and the most promising beginnings turn into ugly, gauche messes. It feels like everything I thought I knew about watercolor has failed me, I’ve lost any skill I might have had and NOW WHAT?
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I want to create exceptional art. How can I do this when I can never match the image in my head of my goals for the work?
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When I was first approached to teach a 3 day plein air workshop in Tobin Lake, Saskatchewan, I said no. First of all, I was too busy, secondly, I usually teach 2-day workshops, and finally, PLEIN AIR? I don’t really qualify as an expert; I hardly ever paint on location. However, the organizer, Roberta, doesn’t give up easily, and somehow she talked me into coming to this beautiful lake resort area for a three day workshop, which ran last week. I’m glad she did!
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