I have been dedicating most of my time to developing my own painting style. The medium I’ve chosen is watercolour and above is the work in progress of my latest attempts. I have documented the process in order be able to look back and see what is or isn’t working. This painting unfortunately isn’t working for me so I’ve decided to leave it and start again.

While I was painting this, I found myself thinking too much. Thinking, this line needs to be darker, this colour isn’t right, when I should just confidently paint what I see. It was all going well, after I laid down the blue shading, then when I started to apply the colouring, I found myself treating the painting too preciously, too delicately, like I was going to ruin it with a single brush stroke. This caused me to become tense, rigid and stiff. I can’t classify myself as a detailed painter. I don’t have the patience of painting every brick. I’d hate it if this painting turned out looking like it should belong in an architecture brochure. The only part that I like about this painting is the building on the left. The way the colours blend in with the dark shadows, having just a hint of detail. On the right however, There is no expression, no feeling, a cold representation of a building. When I stood back from it and realised this I had to stop right away. Though I’m putting this down as a failed attempt, I’m not throwing it away. I’ve learned from it and realised how many more mistakes I’m yet to make before I find my true and honest style.

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