Watercolor artist Stan Miller takes us to Venice, Italy, to share four watercolor studies he painted on location. “When painting a Venice, Italy scene, I usually start with the main point of interest, such as a boat, which is often the most important and difficult part of my painting,” he says. “I do this for a number of reasons. Primarily, when I wrap up my painting at the end of the day, even if it is unfinished, I want my painting to, in part, look good. If I take my time and do the beginning carefully and exactly, then this part of the painting, as it evolves, will look finished and will help inspire me to have hope and belief that my painting will come together.”
Stan recently released a three-hour art video workshop where he explains his watercolor techniques to help you produce more impressive paintings. Preview it and get your copy of “Watercolor Techniques for Capturing Travel Memories: A Journey to Venice,” here.
An Artist’s Journey to Venice: 4 Plein Air Watercolor Studies
By Stan Miller
1. “Venice Gated Door”
To paint “Venice Gated Door,” it was difficult to capture this angle so I found moss-covered steps, opposite this doorway, and sat down with my watercolor board, the water right below my feet. With my watercolor board resting on my thighs, I had my palette and unstretched but taped-down piece of Arches 140 pound watercolor paper, a container for my water, and paper towels to control the water in my brush. I sketched the scene very lightly with a pencil, then did the painting, fading out as I painted beyond the point of interest, which is the doorway. I still have this painting here in my home, and it brings back good memories.
Painting Tip: Choose a subject that matches your skill level. If it’s too complicated, you will find the painting very difficult. Choose a simple subject if you’re just beginning.
2. “Molto Bene”
I found this wonderful scene for “Molto Bene” by getting lost in Venice. To do this one simply takes one of the walkways that no one else is going down. Like a maze, one keeps going deeper and deeper into the heart of Venice. Very few people do this, so it’s rare to encounter anyone coming the other way.
When I found this classic wooden boat and a perfect place to sit, I started with a careful drawing and did my painting in near total silence. After more then two hours, I was nearly done with the painting when I heard from behind me, “Molto Bene!” (“Very good!”) It was a resident who had quietly been watching me paint. After finishing, I had to find my way out of the maze, which isn’t that difficult since Venice isn’t that large of a city.
Watercolor Supplies Tip: Use correct supplies. Inexpensive paints, brushes, or watercolor paper will hinder your ability to achieve what you desire.
3. “Venice Balcony Flowers”
I found this courtyard away from all of the tourists and activities, and there was this beautiful balcony with flowers dropping down. The light was perfect and I so sat down and did this sketch in about two hours.
Drawing Tip: Transfer or trace your image if you are not advanced in your drawing skills. You need an accurate drawing.
4. “Calm Waters”
On my last visit to Venice, I did this small watercolor on location. The water was so perfectly calm. I know as I paint that at any moment the owners of one of the boats could come and take away what I am painting; this has happened numerous times.
Design Tip: You need to decide if you are going to paint your subject as it looks or if you plan to change things. The more you change things, the riskier the painting. Painting it just as the image looks is the easiest approach for the beginner to intermediate.
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If you’re struggling with your watercolor paintings, there’s a huge chance you’re trying to solve the wrong problem. Once you know what the real issue is, it’s almost guaranteed that your watercolor paintings will improve … even if you’re completely new to watercolor! To learn how to paint with Stan Miller, check out his brand new workshop, Techniques for Capturing Travel Memories: Journey to Venice.
And browse more free articles here at OutdoorPainter.com
