Written by My name is Teresa Santos and I live in Spain. For as long as I can remember, I’ve loved to draw and paint, although due to lack of time and other professional priorities, I did not start learning until 1994. At this time, I enrolled in the studio of the hyperrealist painter, Marina Gómez Madrid, in Vitoria, training for several years in drawing, oil and pastel. Mainly, I liked to paint “stories”; everyday elements that had a special meaning for me and ancient objects that marked another era, as well as landscapes.
During this time, I also enrolled in the School of Arts and Crafts of Vitoria in a Figure Drawing course with a live model, practicing the human anatomy, bone structure and muscular structure; a subject taught by Rafael Lafuente Pascual. Driven by my teacher, I opened my first solo exhibition in 1999, beginning to receive my first commissions with great joy.
I would not know whether to define myself as a watercolorist because my love for this technique is very recent, although it has me totally enamored today. Maybe because it is a complicated medium. I like difficult things because of the challenge of knowing that you do not have total control over water. That it does not allow many mistakes and because of its unparalleled luminosity, wonderful mixes, and beautiful transparencies.
In learning this new medium, the chance knowledge of Professor Hangel Montero, in October 2015, was also very helpful. He helped me start my watercolor journey and knew how to guide me with great skill and great professionalism. My works are now in various private collections.
Painters love to try new pigments and other materials. Although, in reality, we do not need many to be able to do a good job; being able to work perfectly with a reduced palette and a few quality brushes.
Materials: My favorite watercolors are by Winsor & Newton and Daniel Smith, although I have also used other brands. However, I prefer to use the pigments in tubes because I find it much more versatile.
Brushes: Escoda and Winsor & Newton. I also have some brushes from Rosemary & Co.
Paper: I always use Arches paper, 300 g. It is a magnificent paper that supports lots of water, delivering very good results. It is available in specialized stores in different formats: in glued pads, very comfortable for paint outdoors, and rolls and loose sheets. Generally, I use fine grain or coarse grain, depending on the project.
In my opinion, it is not a good decision to save on watercolor paper. It is almost impossible to get a good result using a mediocre paper, so choosing a good paper is always a good investment.
In watercolor, I find rural landscapes very attractive, although I do not rule out introducing other themes. It is imperative that I fall in love with what I am going to paint. So, I choose the theme and composition with great care, always according to my state of mind. Once chosen, I face it with enormous enthusiasm and for my own delight, enjoying the process of creating the work while hoping that it is also enjoyed by others.
Teresa Santos
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Thank you for sharing your story! The way you’ve captured the light in your paintings is amazing! Beautiful work!
I appreciate your beautiful comment! 🙂
Hola, Charlie!
Muchas gracias por invitarme a Doodlewash y por todo el trabajo que te has tomado en la presentación de mi trabajo. Estoy feliz de haberte conocido y pertenecer a tu grupo 🙂
Hola Teresa ¡El gusto es mio! I’m so happy to share your story and beautiful watercolors!
Very beautiful!
Thank you very much! 🙂
Really Nice! Thanks for posting!
Thank you so much for your comment, Vanessa!
Teresa, your work is marvelous and your love of your subjects shows in your paintings. Thank you for sharing your artistic journey with us.
It’s my pleasure, Sandra. Thank you very much for your beautiful comment!
Teresa very interesting story. I loved u r painting style. Fabulous.thaks for sharing.
That’s really nice of you, SnehLata! Many thanks!
Lovely work! Thank you for sharing it.
Thanks you too for your nice comment, Sharon!
The colors you use are so calming and beautiful. You do amazing work. Thank you for sharing.
I am very grateful for your comment, Lori!
Teresa, what a delight to see your paintings – you maintain the qualities of light and transparency that I think are the most extraordinary traits of a watercolor painting, and yet are so easy to lose by over painting.
I’m so glad you like it, Sharon. Thank you so much!
beautiful amazing wonderful!!! your watercolor! its really great.
I am very thankful for your comment, Rezwanul! 🙂
Wow. Your work is so beautiful. Thank you for sharing your creativity with us.
I’m very happy for your nice comment, Lin. Thank you so much!
Thank you for sharing your great art and inspiring story 🙂 🙂
It is really nice of you, Janneke. Thanks so much! 🙂
Amazing work you have done! All the best 🎨
Thanks Teresa for the article and tips. I’m a beginner in both Watercolour and Oils (have been photographing since the early ‘80’s but have spent more time painting in the last 18months than photographing). I find the article inspirational and with be checking out your sites. Happy New Year!😀🎨
Beautiful watercolor paintings!
Teresa I absolutely love your watercolours and the detail and transitions you are able to achieve. Your work is outstanding and I am jealous!! I wish I could paint with watercolour like you do.
Beautiful pictures. Have a sense of peace and serenity.