5
Warm-up exercises
I do these before starting every painting session.
Delft blue is based on ornamental decorative art, and I’m
using its basic elements to train my hand. To achieve the
variability of the line, I hold the brush completely vertically.
7
Painting the outlines
I start painting the lines, beginning with what
I think are the minor parts of the artwork. Sometimes it’s
scary to start, even after warming-up! Rotating the panel
helps me to find the most comfortable angles and
positions for my hand.
6
Refining the sketch
I sketch the final version on watercolour paper,
which is secured to the polymer panel by light paper
tape. I prefer drawing a comprehensive, detailed sketch
for this decorative style. Using a small ruler helps me to
draw straight lines when I’m tired or my hands are shaky.8
Supporting the straight lines
I’ve learned this trick from a vintage art book. To
paint a straight line with a brush, I use a small ruler as
“rails” and glide my hand along it while the tip of the
brush slightly touches the paper.MATERIALS
PAPER
Q 100 per cent cotton
paper, Expression
Hahnemühle, matt,
cold pressed, 300gsm
BRUSHES
Q Mop (“French”) brush
no. 2
Q Rounded watercolour
brushes no. 0, 1, 2
Q Japanese brush
medium
Q Flat brush no. 40
WATERCOLOUR PAINT
Q St. Petersburg White
Night Prussian blue
Q Schmincke Horadam
Delft blue
Q Schmincke Horadam
Prussian blue
TEMPERA PAINT
Q Caran d’Ache white
MASKING FLUID
Q Schmincke drawing
gum, neutral
PENCILS
Q Mechanical pencil
Ecobra 2.0
Q Caran D’Ache Swiss
wood HB
ERASERS
Q Boesner kneaded
eraser
Q Caran D’Ache Technik
technical eraser
SHARPENERS
Q KUM Long Point
sharpener
Q Sandpaper blockIn depth Ceramic art