Cronin - Watercolour Painting Made Simple

Watercolour Painting Made Simple

by

Steven Cronin

Introduction

Materials

Step by Step Watercolours

Sutton Park

Parkland

Beside the River

Estuary

Kingsbury Water Park

Street Scene

Sutton Park Path

Credits

Contents

Introduction

This book is part journal, part instruction and a big thank you to all my patrons at www.patreon.com/StevenCronin for allowing me the opportunity to explore the world of art. Patreon helps artists and creators fund their artistic ventures and keep it sustainable. Id like to thank each and every one of my patrons for allowing me the time Ive been able to dedicate to this book. Your support is very much appreciated.

A World of watercolour

My entry into the wonderful world of watercolour came at the age of 35 as I explored a car boot sale in Brean, Somerset. The painting kit I bought that day back in 2005 took me on a journey that included most notably TV instruction from the likes of Bob Ross, Ron Ranson and Frank Clarke amongst others. These three artists inspired me more than most and ever since Ive tried to develop a style and technique incorporating the most exciting qualities of each.

I have always been fascinated with landscapes, forever craving to see

worried about what you are creating on the paper. Dont begin with expensive materials as this will only add to your worries of wasting quality paint and paper. Start off with the cheap stuff until you get into your stride. Youll be less nervous about throwing paper in the bin.

With experience youll begin to feel more in control of whats happening on the paper and your confidence will start to soar.

All my paintings in this book are 15 x 11 watercolours unless stated otherwise.

Practise, practise, practise!

There are no shortcuts with painting. The only way to learn is lots and lots of practise. Ive heard countless times people speak of talent but its no

whats around each corner. I think I would have been well suited to being an explorer! I see painting as my way of documenting my world around me as I explore further and further afield.

Overcoming the fear of failure

The most common concern I hear time and again is a fear of making mistakes, a dread of picking up a brush in case they make a fool of themselves. But we learn from our mistakes and worst case scenario we just turn the paper over and start again. I find the easiest way to get started is to wet the paper all over and start splashing the colour on. Once the paper is wet weve started and suddenly were in our flow and starting to find our rhythm.

Theres really no need to get anxious and

coincidence that those at the top are those that practised most. They were the ones who were prepared to put in the hours and battle through the barriers that stood in their way. You reap what you sow and if you put the time in you will get the rewards.

Its easy to get frustrated when things arent going well, especially with watercolour. Often beginners tend to use too much water resulting in weak and washed out paintings that can quickly quash enthusiasm.

Step by step

Ive broken the exercises in this book down into a series of step by step photographs so you can see the painting build up in stages. You can also watch the demonstrations on my YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/c/stevencronin

So grab your brushes and give it a go. Its not as difficult as youd imagine. Best of luck and happy painting!

Materials

Top Left: I would guess approximately 99% of every painting I do is completed with my large Ron Ranson hake brush.

I've been using this brush pretty much since I first started painting and can't imagine using anything else.

I use a number 3 rigger for the finer detail such as figures and occasionally use the flat, smaller flat and smaller rigger.

Below Left: I use Cotman watercolour tubes from Winsor and Newton that I squeeze out onto the palette and allow to dry. This way I never have any wasted paint.

Opposite: This is my palette. It may look messy but I wouldn't have it any other way!

Clockwise from top left my colours are Payne's grey, alizarin crimson, raw sienna, burnt umber, light red, ultramarine and lemon yellow.

With regards to paper, I use 130lb 15" x 11" Fabriano but any brand around 140lb should do the job.

My trusty brushes

Cotman watercolour tubes

'Sutton Park' Step by Step Watercolour

I've tried to brighten the painting up a little from the scene in the reference photo.

I've attempted to enhance the drama in the foreground by introducing strong shadows cast across the path.

1. Wet the paper all over before brushing in some raw sienna with the large hake brush. Clean the brush and then add some ultramarine for the sky area.