Written by Hello, my name is Subhajit Paul and I am from Assam, India. I am a self taught artist. I have not taken any professional course or training in art, however, I was introduced to the art world by my father. He was my first Master and is still a great inspiration to me today.
I do paint in almost all media, but watercolour is my favorite medium. The unexpected outcome of this medium has always been challenging and interesting to me.
I paint mostly in a wet in wet style…
I do a sketch after stretching the paper. Then I wet the paper again and release the colours when it is damp and try to maintain the dampness until the end.
I try to maintain a limited palette that includes Viridian Green, Hooker’s Green, Cobalt Blue, Prussian blue, Burnt Sienna, Vermilion, Lemon Yellow, Indian Yellow, Payne’s Grey, Mauve, and that’s it.
I am very inspired by nature, which is reflected in my paintings. Painting nature’s tiny and unnoticed objects in watercolour is really a fun and quite interesting. I am inspired by the regular and common stories of life as well.
Mostly I paint on cold pressed rough paper that helps to get a good texture. Plein air and composition are used to develop my works.
Plein air is quite interesting and full of versatile scopes. Sometimes, I do take snapshots also of interesting objects, which I use later on to develop my compositions.
Visiting galleries, exhibitions, and attending workshops help a lot to develop new ideas, and styles of works.
Watercolour Painting Tools And Accessories
Paper: A properly-sized good quality paper is the most important for a watercolour painting. I do prefer acid free 100% natural cellulose paper. The texture of the paper has a vital role in the painting. I prefer rough and matte texture. Brands like Fabriano, Brusto, Chitrapat, Indian handmade, Waterford, and Arches, are my selected choices.
Pencil: For defining shapes and compositions I do a little sketching before watercolour painting. I prefer a 10B pencil for sketching, because of its softness. Hard lead pencils leave a mark on the paper which gets prominent after colouring.
Brushes: Good quality brushes are my first preference. I do use a big round sable haired brush to release a big wash. Flat brushes are used to give shapes to the objects. A rigger brush is used to draw fine lines and detailing.
Paper Stretching: For stretching the paper, I wet the paper throughly and keep it on the board. Then, I use water soluble tape to fix the four sides of the paper on the board. And I then let it dry for a few hours. After it is fully dry, the paper gets stretched and is ready for painting. By using this method, the cockling of the paper can be avoided.
Colouring Methods: After a little sketching, I wet the paper and release the suitable colours accordingly on the parts and items of the painting following a wet into wet wash. After the paint gets half dried, the finishing touch is done with fast brush strokes concentrated with colours.
I always try to avoid overworking the painting, which rather makes the painting dull and blunt.
I try to follow one basic rule in watercolour painting: Minimum Work with Maximum Impact. In watercolour painting, maximum works generally destroy the mysterious aspect of the painting. Too much detailing in watercolour dissolves the softness making the painting less interesting.
Subject Of The Painting: I am not confined to any special subject, at least to date. However, most of the Masters of watercolour have been witnessed to be confined to one or two subjects. I try to avoid too many objects in the painting, which can distract the viewers. I like to paint keeping a story in the painting.
Subhajit Paul
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Wow
Thank you so much 🙂
thank you so much
Thank you for showing us your art and the story behind it. 🙂
Thank you so much 🙂
Beautiful work! Great tips! Thank you.
thank you so much
Thanks for sharing your art with us!
Your art is amazing. Thank you for sharing your process and palette choices with us.
thank you so much
Your palette is fascinating. No doubt partly to do with where you live, but obviously artistic choice also. It is a breath of fresh air.
Beautiful work and your in depth story was enlightening. Thank you
thank you so much
Fantastic light and painting of water in your work! Love it!
Wow..Awesome paintings, Subhajit..Thanks for sharing..
Mind blowing work boss
Extremely eye-catching and heart touching.
Thankyou very much for showing this work. I think the colours are delightful.
Minimum work with maximum impact – that’s perfect way to approach watercolor painting. But you also have to consider an artist’s intuitive understanding of composition, color, shape, as well as how the paper will react to the paint. That comes with experience which you have mastered. You know just how much paint to apply and when your art story is complete – beautiful, and masterful art, Subhajit. You are truly gifted.
Your work is beautiful. Thank you for sharing your story.
What a beautiful collection of work! Thanks for sharing!
Subhajit is personally know to me.
Apart from his great skill in watercolour, he has a pleasant personality.
Always helps anyone who wants to acquire knowledge in painting.
Wishing him a great and successful life in future.
thank you so much Anindya Da
thank you so much
Oh Godly God!!!! Super amazing…..Mr. Subhajit…you’ve become an inspiration to me forever!!!
Thanks for sharing those beautiful pieces..!!!
Your work is full of warmth and life! Thank you for sharing!
Beautiful work, full of joy and the joy of life! Thank you 🙂
Beautiful, warm colours, and wonderful paintings! Thank you for sharing your w/c tips, and your journey.
As a self taught artist I have some doubts and your post clears that..thank you for that and of course the paintings are too beautiful.
Your paintings are just incredibly awesome and stunning, Subhajit!! I love them all! Your style is wonderful and I think it would be perfect for children´s books illustrations!
Lovely work!
Beautiful watercolors! Captures the story and life of everyday people.
Subrojeet , you are too good & your painting adding somthing new day by day . Keep it up. God bless you.