Watercolour……After Wesson by Fiona Phipps

We must be grateful for Mr Bickley's bullying, since this is a very pleasing watercolour: and far enough from Ted Wesson's to be more than a mere copy or pastiche.

I really like this Fiona. Great colours and a lovely sky.

Thank you Robert for your positive feedback. I don’t make a habit of copying work but when I feel rusty I like to do a couple from my list of admired artists, to loosen up and get a feel for the paint again….if that makes sense. It was my first attempt using Two Rivers paper and didn’t find it an easy paper to work with to be honest. I think because I tend to start with a loaded brush on to dry paper, rather than on wet paper, I found the paint and water just sat there. It behaved completely different to Saunders and Arches, which are my preferred papers. I’ll need lots more practice before I get close to Alan’s examples!

Sorry David, missed you. Thank you very much for your comment. I think the sky is a bit patchy, the bottom half isn’t too bad, as explained to Robert, it’s the first time I’ve used this paper. Hope to do better next time……thanks again!

Let’s say inspired by, rather than copied! Because it’s your style and I think you’ve done a splendid job!

It’s definitely a Phipps and a extremely good one as well .

Love that lively sky.

Excellent Fiona.

I quite like the textures in the sky Fiona! I've not done much proper painting for what seems like ages and I always feel a bit nervous when getting back into it especially with watercolour. I think you've done a great job .

What a special sky Fiona.

This is your style Fiona, even though you have tried to copy Wesson. Love how such a simple scene shouts life, so loudly. Love it Fiona.

Love this Fiona - top class painting!

Very pleasing Fiona.

This caught my eye straight away Fiona, and I love it. The textures, colours, the sky, excellent. Especially as first attempt on that paper and you didn't find it easy, certainly that doesn't show in the painting.

You have done a great job, Fiona - it's most appealing!

Very nice Fiona, almost makes me want to get the watercolours out!!

Nice work Fiona.

Everyone else's comments have been spot on, very good Fiona

I like the way you’ve created your sky in particular Fiona. Interesting your comments on the TR paper which I was also considering having a go with!

Fabulous, it is a great piece Fiona.

I love it Fiona! You have inspired me to break open my Two Rivers sketch book which I bought at the Patchings Art Festival this year... I've been admiring its blank pages for too long!! Your sky is great, and the foreground too; a super painting!

Excellent Fiona. Sometimes it is right to stop for a while, we all need to refresh and reset at times.

Very good - distinctly yours despite your misgivings about the paper.

A big thank you to everyone for your generous comments……I just sloshed the paint on the paper, Mr. Wesson did the hardest part! Thanks again x

Tessa/Karen……got for it! It will take me a few goes until I feel confident using Two Rivers but I like the challenge.

Brilliant!! You know how I love your wonderful loose style and this is no exception and I agree with Alan Bickley, not so much Wesson but your own approach and style. Love it! By the way Fiona do you still paint with Old Holland watercolours, I have tried them but they seemed very sticky if that’s the right word? It seems as though there is some kind of honey content in them and the also lift to easy for my liking, just a thought? Great painting though.😉

Superb, Fiona!

Beautiful painting Fiona.

Like it, Fiona

William, thank you very much for your lovely response to my painting! Ref Old Holland watercolours, yes I still use them and can’t see myself ever changing to be honest. I love the quality, the earthy pigments and the way they behave. I don’t find the the “lifting” a problem, in fact it can be useful on occasion! Thanks again.

Thalia, Emma, Maureen…….thank you ladies for your lovely feedback.

Very effective!

Thanks spencer!

Simply brilliant Fiona.

Many thanks Chris!

Love that big luminous sky. You have made great progress during the time you have been showing your work on P.O.L.

I really like the colours in this and those little boats.

Thank you Stephen……it’s been a long time!😆 I think I posted my first effort in 2011, and I still keep practicing. Hi Diane, the little boats were the easiest bit! Thank you x