Belper Boats by Suzanne Parnell

It's hard to believe that you only started in watercolour in May and that you have achieved such a high level of accomplishment in such a short time. You have asked for tips and I can offer couple which I usually emphasize when teaching: the first is that the clue is in the title: WATER colour. I find that most beginners simply do not make sufficient wash and use a brush that is too small to hold much. The consequence is that they work very dry and the result looks laboured and not spontaneous. The second is tone - many watercolours are spoilt for want of a few darks to make an impact. Every artist has their own ideas - these are mine and I am not sure that they apply to your picture above other than to suggest perhaps just a little more tone to the underside of the boats - a small point but this is a small point and I feel almost mean in making it. It really is a lovely picture Suzanne

A very competent painting Suzanne. Boats are difficult to draw but you have pulled it off well. Great colours too.

Hi Michael...thank you for your lovely comments; I am quite stunned really. But yes I spent more years than I care to remember in the corporate environment and decided to close down my in-tray last March! I had never painted anything before (other than at school along time ago!) but had an inkling it was something I would like to do. I went on a three day course given by Keith Fenwick at Derbyshire Arts and became hooked, I guess. I dont think I did too well in those three days but I had been given the thirst and the desire to go on from there. Thank you for your tips as well. Yes, I agree about the WATER colour. I think at times I probably have too much water! I think some times, though, I dont yet have complete mastery of my brushes and my colour mixing can be a bit erratic at times but as long as I keep challenging myself and improving I am sure things like this will come. Thanks once again, Michael, for taking the time

Thanks Carole. The boats took some time, believe me. And thanks for what you say about the colours. As I have said to Michael I think I am a bit erratic with my colour mixing at times but hopefully its improving