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Swatching Watercolors

Swatching Watercolors

Why do people swatch? Swatching is a great way to get to know your colors and see how new colors fit into your existing palette. It's a useful tool for any creative process. Combining and mixing colors can spark ideas on how to paint different subjects and create helpful shortcuts and effects. In this blog post, I will discuss several aspects of swatching and share some ideas for swatching exercises.
2024 Art Challenge! YOU are invited!

2024 Art Challenge! YOU are invited!

In 2024, I would like to put art-making a bit higher on my list of priorities. I created a year-long art challenge for myself and I invite anyone who wants to participate. The parameters are not strict and allow for maximum experimentation. The main goal is to practice and make progress developing one's own recognizable art style.

Plein Air: Drawing and Painting from Life

Plein Air: Drawing and Painting from Life

Plein air is one of the most interesting and rewarding ways to paint! It propels so many creative processes that may take much longer to develop in the studio or at home, in front of a computer screen. Any painting or color mixing difficulty can be resolved when painting in nature, from life. If you like painting but feel stuck or unmotivated or feel that your artworks are missing some vibrancy or generally look plain, it’s time to paint outdoors!
How to Select Colors for a Balanced Palette

How to Select Colors for a Balanced Palette

There is one frequently asked question in the shop that is hard to add to the F.A.Q. section: “Which colors should I get?” There is no single “correct” answer to this question and selecting colors depends on the person’s color preferences, style, and subject(s) of painting. I would like to suggest a simple formula for selecting colors that can help you narrow down your color choices and compose a useful palette that would help you paint all the subjects: landscapes, cityscapes, seascapes, portraits, and all others.