You Don't Need a Beret or a Degree in Fine Art!

You Don’t Need a Beret or a Degree in Fine Art

Content Overview:

• Watercolour Myth-Busting: I'm here to dispel common fears (e.g., "I can’t paint," "Watercolour is too hard," or "My dog paints better than I do"
• Encouraging Abstract Thinking: It's about expressing a feeling or mood rather than precise details. You’re painting impressions, not selfies.
• Second Assignment: "The Blob Test" – paint some random blobs, then turn them into something (or nothing—it’s all okay here).

Watercolour Myth-Busting: You Don’t Need a Beret or a Degree in Fine Art

First things first, let’s tackle the biggest myth in the art world: You have to be "good" to paint. Spoiler alert: You don’t. In fact, some of the most amazing art comes from happy accidents. Watercolour is a perfect medium for those who want to break away from the pressure of making things look exactly right. In this space blobs are beautiful, drips are divine, splurges are superb, and guess what? You’ll probably enjoy the process way more once you stop trying to make everything perfect.

You don’t need to channel your inner Picasso or spend hours studying art history (though you could if you wanted to sound fancy at dinner parties). All you need is a willingness to play with colour and water, and the courage to let it all get a little wild. Are you ready to be a wild thing? 

Abstract & Impressionistic Painting: Because Who Needs Details? Meh.

Here’s the good news: you’re not here to paint hyper-realistic portraits of people who look like they might step out of the canvas. Nope. We’re diving into the wonderful world of suggestive and impressionistic painting where a few splashes of colour can hint at a whole scene. You know, like when you’re looking at a sunset and it’s more about the feeling it gives you than the exact number of clouds in the sky. That’s the vibe we’re going for. When I write a book I suggest a feeling, as in show don’t tell and it’s very much like that. 

Let’s start simple and abstract, with a dash of whimsy and a splash (literally) of water. Just remember, in watercolour painting, less is more! Let the paint do some of the heavy lifting, and don’t stress about the details. After all, it’s called impressionism for a reason: it’s all about the impression, not the precision.

Second Assignment: The Blob Test (No Judgement Zone)

Are you ready for your second challenge? It’s called The Blob Test, and it’s exactly what it sounds like. Grab your brush, dip it in water and colour, and make some random shapes (a.k.a. blobs) on your paper. That’s it. No rules, no pressure. Oh yeah, baby. Blob on!

Once your blobs have dried, take a moment to stare at them. They might start to resemble something: a flower...

 

 Some stones...

Or some rather cute birds sitting on a branch!

 

Or maybe they don’t look like anything at all and that’s OK too. The point of this exercise is to free yourself from the idea that everything needs to look like something. Sometimes art is just about creating a mood, a texture, or a colour story. Or, a blob. 

Pro Tip: If your blobs turn into puddles, congratulations! You’ve just unlocked watercolour’s secret weapon—its ability to do its own thing. Let it be.

What You Can Expect from This Blog

Over the next few posts, I’ll be your watercolour guide, helping you embrace the beautiful mess that is painting with water and pigment. We’ll talk different techniques and how to make abstract and impressionistic art without losing your mind. By the end you’ll have created some art you never thought possible and hopefully had a few laughs along the way.

The Art of Letting Go

One of the best parts of watercolour is that you can’t really control it. You can guide it, sure, but at the end of the day, it’s going to do its own thing. And isn’t that kind of freeing? It’s like life—sometimes, you’ve just got to go with the flow (pun intended). So, next time your paint bleeds into an area you didn’t expect, take a deep breath and let it happen. It’s all part of the process.

Final Thoughts (For Now)

As you embark on your watercolour journey, remember: you’re here to have fun. Not every piece needs to be a masterpiece. Sometimes it’s about the act of creating, the joy of splashing colour on paper, and the feeling of freedom that comes from letting go of expectations.

So, get your brushes wet, start making blobs, and let’s see where this wild ride takes us!

Thanks for joining me in this watercolour wonderland! If you loved today’s post and want to see more of my art (or maybe even snag a painting or two), head over to my gallery at Jules Smith Art. I’ve got a collection of my watercolour pieces for sale, ranging from dreamy abstracts to vibrant landscapes.

And don’t forget to follow me on Instagram @julessmithshots for behind-the-scenes peeks, painting tips, and of course, lots of colourful inspiration! And don't forget to tag me in your beautiful blobs! 

Happy painting! 🎨