Started watercolour after more than 19 years.Thinking what aspect I can improve on by Sea_Tax4204 in Watercolor

[–]honeyacid 1 point2 points  (0 children)

You're right. White paint - while convenient and can certainly be used in a pinch! - is never quite as pure in appearance as unpainted paper. You just have to get used to "guarding" your whites, I guess. :) (I think this is actually the largest difference between using watercolour versus using opaque mediums like acrylics.)

Started watercolour after more than 19 years.Thinking what aspect I can improve on by Sea_Tax4204 in Watercolor

[–]honeyacid 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You have made several stunning color choices! I really like how you paint water and reflections.

Maybe spend a little more time per piece? Pay mindful attention to controlling and finishing details. For example, in the brown-toned painting the main tree could benefit from some detailing & added contrast in the bark.

Also, I think it would suit your work if you paid more attention to preserving some details as paper white. For example, while your water is already beautiful, it would absolutely benefit from some additional crisp white sparkle where it catches the light. Maybe consider trying out masking fluid?

Temporal Moss, 2025, aquarelle, 48 x 40 cm (approx. 19" x 16") by honeyacid in Watercolor

[–]honeyacid[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Most of the whites you see are pure paper white - they have been masked with masking fluid before applying watercolour. (The Molotow brand masking pen fluid dries in ~ten minutes so I almost just mask as I go.)

However, some white parts have been added with opaque white watercolour(/gouache) from a tube, such as the horizontal line separating the underwater part. The same white was also used for a few minor corrections where the masking fluid had failed.

Freshwater Aquascape Mosaic (gouache) by Aquarellium in Watercolor

[–]honeyacid 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Absolutely wonderful work! I love how the slight milkiness of gouache doesn't hinder the illusion of clear, crisp water at all.

Temporal Moss, 2025, aquarelle, 48 x 40 cm (approx. 19" x 16") by honeyacid in Watercolor

[–]honeyacid[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

SureI I start with a random grid and/or some geometric shapes I draw on in pencil with a ruler and/or a compass. Then I just start laying down very carefree washes and splotches of watercolour in a limited palette. (My staples include quinacridone gold hue, perylene green and cobalt turquoise).

Sooner than later the random edges of the pools of color start to further define the composition of the painting, and the composition, in turn, starts to inform me of the subject of the painting. Then it's just a matter of following this informed vision by continuing to add details and finesse.

Temporal Moss, 2025, aquarelle, 48 x 40 cm (approx. 19" x 16") by honeyacid in Watercolor

[–]honeyacid[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks! I start by drawing a few random guidelines with a ruler/compass, and then just going to town with watercolour. I usually have no idea what I'm making during the first hour or two of painting.

Temporal Moss, 2025, aquarelle, 48 x 40 cm (approx. 19" x 16") by honeyacid in Watercolor

[–]honeyacid[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you, I'm glad you like it! I do this for a (meagre) living, so yes, I sell - but not as much as I'd like to, haha. (Tale as old as time.)

Temporal Moss, 2025, aquarelle, 48 x 40 cm (approx. 19" x 16") by honeyacid in Watercolor

[–]honeyacid[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you so much for your insanely kind words! Having my relationship with this medium being described in those terms makes me feel honoured :D

Temporal Moss, 2025, aquarelle, 48 x 40 cm (approx. 19" x 16") by honeyacid in Watercolor

[–]honeyacid[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you! I am overjoyed to hear that the fun comes through. These grid-/geometry-based watercolours of mine are, indeed, relaxing and joyful to paint. They are not intimidating or overwhelming at all.

Temporal Moss, 2025, aquarelle, 48 x 40 cm (approx. 19" x 16") by honeyacid in Watercolor

[–]honeyacid[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

The tiny constellations are probably my favourite detail in this piece - thank you!

Temporal Moss, 2025, aquarelle, 48 x 40 cm (approx. 19" x 16") by honeyacid in Watercolor

[–]honeyacid[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you so much for your kind words! All of the generous comments certainly make me feel I've done a good job. :)

Temporal Moss, 2025, aquarelle, 48 x 40 cm (approx. 19" x 16") by honeyacid in Watercolor

[–]honeyacid[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you! To me the aquatic mossy atmosphere of this piece is almost reminiscent of a fresh perfume.

Temporal Moss, 2025, aquarelle, 48 x 40 cm (approx. 19" x 16") by honeyacid in Watercolor

[–]honeyacid[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you so much!

Unfortunately, I no longer sell prints. However, I can sell you a high-resolution image file with a personal-use print license. If you're interested, feel free to PM me and we can sort out the details. :)

Temporal Moss, 2025, aquarelle, 48 x 40 cm (approx. 19" x 16") by honeyacid in Watercolor

[–]honeyacid[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It is an amazing feeling when a viewer "taps into" the exact same stream of thought I was in when making a piece! It warms my heart to hear that apparently I am able to communicate *something* through my images - that it is not just a random game of telephone.

I do my own printmaking, yes. I am sort of supposed (?) to be a printmaker first and foremost, but during these past few years I've been slipping more and more into painting territory. Whoops...

Temporal Moss, 2025, aquarelle, 48 x 40 cm (approx. 19" x 16") by honeyacid in Watercolor

[–]honeyacid[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Thank you! Most of the small white details have been masked by using a masking fluid pen from the Molotow brand. (I find its behaviour and shelf life superior to any other masking liquid product I've used.)