the sweet light » Film photography and natural light.

Masthead header

adventures in watercoloring

Adventures in Watercoloring - Azzari Jarrett

A couple weeks ago, my mom introduced me to watercoloring.  It was a quick lesson, but I was hooked.  I think it’s the “abstractness” of watercoloring – how things don’t have to be exact.  You never quite know how the paint will dry or when colors will bleed into one another.

Since I’ve been home, I grabbed some watercolors of my own (I have this inexpensive set) and this weekend I finally had some time to explore.  And yes, I totally used one of my daughter’s baby food jars to clean my brushes.

Adventures in Watercoloring - Azzari JarrettAdventures in Watercoloring - Azzari JarrettAdventures in Watercoloring - Azzari JarrettAdventures in Watercoloring - Azzari Jarrett

And as my mom explained, there are no mistakes in watercoloring.  Simply add more water.  Love that.

I also wanted to make a few abstract backgrounds for digital designs.  And here is what I came up with.

Adventures in Watercoloring - Azzari Jarrett

Adventures in Watercoloring - Azzari JarrettAdventures in Watercoloring - Azzari JarrettAdventures in Watercoloring - Azzari Jarrett

After drying, I scanned each design and opened them in Photoshop.  Love how the colors popped.

Adventures in Watercoloring

Adventures in Watercoloring

Adventures in Watercoloring

Of course, I have so much more to learn.  And that is part of what makes this so exciting for me.  Learning something new.

I am thinking about so many possibilities and things that I would like to try, including adding one of my favorite quotes to those watercolor backgrounds.

More, soon.

  • Jade Sheldon-Burnsed - June 16, 2014 - 1:32 pm

    How wonderful! I’ve recently fallen back in love with painting after taking a hiatus. If you love watercolor you should definitely look into playing with gouache!ReplyCancel

    • Azzari - June 17, 2014 - 7:11 am

      Thanks, Jade – I’ll have to look into gouache paints. You might have to give me a quick lesson!ReplyCancel

  • Jay - June 24, 2014 - 5:19 pm

    I did the same a few weeks ago too and rediscovered my childhood. It is quite therapeutic!ReplyCancel

    • Azzari - July 1, 2014 - 10:05 am

      definitely jay! i just wish i had found it sooner!ReplyCancel

  • […] hooked.  I’m realizing that the possibilities are endless.  Since I first shared my adventures in watercoloring, I’ve picked up this inexpensive set of watercolors.  There is a bit more mixing with water […]ReplyCancel