Researching Watercolor

This semester at the Des Moines Art Center I have signed up to take a watercolor class with my friend Candace Camling. My first one. I'm not joking. I'm pretty excited the more and more I think about it.

"Be My Valentine" WIP detail

For the last couple of years, and more than ever today, I feel I lack something in my watercolor, and I think it's how to actually paint in watercolor. I am completely self taught (aside from a few tips here and there from teachers in college illustration/high school art).  You'd think I'd have a bit more knowledge after over 10 years in the medium, but after the last couple of days I have learned I lack a lot!

I some how got started on watching watercolor painting how-tos on YouTube. Wow. Though I didn't truly find what I was looking for, I got hooked on just watching other artists paint in the medium....and I would have been caught with my mouth open and my eyes glued. Such astounding fluidity and use of color! Everything so translucent and full of breath. I want to be able to do that too!

Now I do have some knowledge of color, and some knowledge about glazing, but there are steps I have missed because I haven't been taught. And I don't know about you, but if there aren't enough pictures or a video to demonstrate something, rarely get it. Translation: Books only help if they have pictures. :P Sad, but oh so true.

So I'm puttin' on my student boots again (it's been awhile!), and taking the plunge to learn more traditional watercolor. It's time. :) I look forward to sharing what I learn, but for today, here are some links I have found that I think you need to view if you have any interest in the medium, or if you just love to watch others paint!

Paint Realistic Portraits - http://www.artistsnetwork.com/articles/art-demos-techniques/paint-watercolor-portraits

Portrait in Watercolor (Grey Owl) - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6kxo7OkkDdY&feature=related
Portrait in Watercolor (Grey Owl pt. 2) - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=crSdLlTdrMA&feature=related

Susan Harrison-Tustain, Amazing Portraits! Check out her Art Lesson section - http://www.susanart.com/blog/watercolor-technique-dvd-watercolor-portrait-workshop

Then do your own search and see what you find. Just awesome!