18 Watercolor artist | APRIL 2020
WHAT WAS YOUR INSPIRATION FOR THIS PAINTING?
This painting was inspired by a photo I took
of the model. Later, when I saw the photo,
the deep impression of vicissitude in the
man’s face touched me. I often find emo-
tional power in images that display a sense
of age—whether it be the ruins of a sculp-
ture or building, a mottled tree trunk, or the
wrinkled face and bony hands of the elderly.
When painting portraits, I’m most interested in
capturing character and transmitting emotion.
Th at’s where the beauty can be found.DESCRIBE YOUR PAINTING PROCESS AND
MATERIALS USED FOR THE WORK.
I began by observing the model to seek
a connection, define the key focus,
consider the themes, and determine theemphasis on meticulous depic-
tion versus a more generalized
expression. I then selected the
paper accordingly. I have a better
understanding of the various
peculiarities of different papers
after experimenting with many
different brands, which helps me
be prepared.
Following a pencil draft,
I applied masking fl uid in rele-
vant areas as needed, such as the
man’s white whiskers and high-
lights on the nose. Once dry,
I began the application of vari-
ous colors to tone the surface.
When dealing with details,
I want to emphasize the fi ve
main facial features and show
restraint elsewhere in the por-
trait. Lastly, I fi ne-tune the
general structure of the painting,
strengthening or weakening
areas as needed. I may use
splashing, scraping and scrub-
bing as well to create some
special eff ects.WHAT’S MOST IMPORTANT TO
MAKING A SUCCESSFUL PAINTING?
A painting needs to perfectly
merge technique and emotion
in order to satisfy both the artist
and the viewer.WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT
WORKING WITH WATERMEDIA?
I’ve been involved in a variety
of creative fields. I’ve worked
as a freelance illustrator in the
advertising industry, where
I completed work for clients.
I’ve also created large historical
paintings. For me, when I work
on my own watercolor painting,
it’s a tool for relaxation—almost
like a tranquilizer.WHAT HAS BEEN MOST INFLUENTIAL
TO YOUR PAINTING LATELY?
Recently, I’ve been fi nding inspi-
ration in the Victorian Age artists
whose techniques were fantastic.SECOND PLACE
Yong Wang
Guangzhou City, ChinaThe Past, No. 1 (watercolor on
paper, 20¾x15)