The Versatility of Watercolour: A Journey Through Painting Styles

Monet's "Woman with a Parasol" (although not a watercolour painting) is a perfect example of the Impressionist painting style, showcasing the artist's mastery in capturing the fleeting effects of light and atmosphere. This piece of visual art, created by one of the most famous artists of the 19th century, depicts an elegant figure against a vibrant, dynamically brushed sky, capturing the quick movement and immediate feelings that are important to Impressionist art.

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Finding the Perfect Artist Signature for Your Paintings

For me, signing artwork is important. It is a meaningful step in your artistic journey. It’s your seal of authenticity, a sign that the piece you've created is an original and a true reflection of your talent. This becomes especially important in the art market, where the distinction between an original piece and a reproduction can significantly impact the value of the artwork.

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How to Create Depth in a Painting

In the enchanting world of watercolour painting, we artists often play a delightful game of spotlight with our subjects. Some objects in our paintings are the stars of the show, boldly stepping into the foreground, basking in the spotlight, and captivating the viewer's gaze with their vivid charm. They're the showstoppers, the ones that catch your eye and refuse to let go.

Meanwhile, other elements in our artwork prefer a more subtle role, gracefully receding into the background. They're like the whispers behind the main melody, softer, a tad fuzzy, and less vibrant.

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Art and Mindfulness

Research has found that art can be a powerful tool for improving focus and reducing stress. It has been shown to reduce cortisol, the hormone released during times of stress, and increase dopamine, the neurotransmitter linked to pleasure.

Art also improves brain functioning by activating both sides of the brain; while one side is taking in visual information, the other side is processing it and forming new connections.

Other studies have shown that art therapy can help us learn to manage difficult emotions and cope with challenging situations.

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Wanting to become a professional artist? Here’s how.

There is no debate about it, art business in Australia is booming. Each year, thousands of established and emerging artists create and sell their work. Recent estimates suggest that the art industry in Australia contributes around $15 billion a year to the economy. In 2020 alone, Australia's major auction houses sold $108 million worth of artworks thanks to increased demand from buyers. What these figures show is that there are plenty of opportunities for aspiring artists to make a living from their work. And thanks to the advent of digital platforms, it is now easier than ever to connect with potential buyers from around the world.

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Why is watercolour so underrepresented in the Archibald Prize?

Despite the fact that watercolour is rarely seen in the Archibald Prize, there have been notable occurrences of its inclusion. One such example is Cherry Hood's portrait of acclaimed Australian pianist Simon Tedeschi which was awarded the 2002 Archibald Prize. This painting of the young virtuoso showcases Hood's mastery of the watercolour medium. From the lifelike piercing blue eyes to the intentional drip marks, Hood manages to capture a tender side of the subject not often seen in traditional portraiture. Standing at 3.2 metres tall and 1.9 metres wide, this painting is a testament to the power of the watercolour medium on a large-scale.

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Does being an artist have to be a lonely pursuit?

The idea of the solitary artist, working away on a project in solitude, has long been romanticised. It's true that much of the artistic process does require time alone to experiment and explore ideas. However, it is also true that art does not have to be a completely lonely pursuit. Working with other artists or even collaborating on projects can help to enrich the creative process and gain insight into how others approach their work.

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Can You Use AI in Art To Be Creative?

The recent first-place award in the Colorado State Fair's Digital Arts Competition, won by an AI-generated work of art, shows just how far AI technology has come in its critical reception by the arts community. Gone are the days of AI art being dismissed as simple, gimmicky, or lacking in creativity and human emotion. AI algorithms are now able to generate a variety of exquisite art forms, from abstract paintings to highly detailed 3D sculptures.

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Mental Health and the Creative Arts. How Does Being Creative Help with Mental Health?

Creative activities can be deeply therapeutic. Creative arts such as painting, drawing, music, dance, and drama can provide a much-needed opportunity for reflection, relaxation, and self-expression. Being creative can help to reduce anxiety, improve mood, and increase self-confidence. It can be used as a form of personal therapy to explore feelings, work through difficult situations, or develop an understanding of the emotions that we experience.

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How To Choose The Right Watercolour Paintings For Each Room In Your Home

Australia is blessed with unique and wonderful wildlife, the likes of which can not be found anywhere else in the world. Being conscious of this helps us not only feel connected to the natural beauty of our environment but also to appreciate the unique beauty of each species. When it comes to choosing watercolour paintings for your home, this is where the opportunity lies to incorporate Australia’s unique animals into your decor.

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A History of Watercolour Art in Australia

These artists were drawn to watercolour as it allowed them to capture fleeting moments and the immediacy of the Australian wilderness. Without these early watercolour paintings, we would be deprived of a crucial record of Australia's history. They provide a unique glimpse into a time and place that has long since passed and allow us to appreciate the natural beauty of Australia as it was seen and experienced by the first European settlers.

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