Russell Black
Tin Pan Painter

My goal with this site is to promote outdoor sketching and watercolor painting. I love to paint using Big brushes, Bright color, and with Bold strokes. My hope is that I will inspire you to pack up your painting gear, go outside, and have an adventure exploring the world we live in.

What is it?

Here is an idea that I think you might like. This is the same painting, which I have turned in all four directions to show you the possibilities of orientation. The top left image was the original orientation when I began the painting, but the painting may not finish up that way. By rotating the painting, you get the other three possible orientations. I have grouped them together so that you can see all of them at one time. I will choose one of the orientations and then finish off the painting.

The point of this exercise is to create an abstract design pattern (in this case a cross), and then play the "What is it?" game. Too often we simply paint what is in front of us without any consideration to the underlying design possibilities. By beginning with a design pattern (sans subject), we open the door to our creativity.

The original orientation of the abstract "start"

There are any number of design possibilities available to us. In the above case, I used a cross pattern. Notice how each of the four corners are different, and the "start" has an overall warm temperature. Also, look at the variety of shapes that I created within the piece. Some large, some small, some medium sized, all done with a flat brush. I was not thinking about subject when this was done. This is not a painting about anything, but that is where the fun begins.

I will now ask myself, "what could this be?" I will begin to turn the painting around and around until I see a subject or scene within the piece. Is it a snow scene? Is it a seascape? Is it some red rock formation that might be local? What could this be? That is the creative aspect of this exercise, seeing something from a simple pattern of shapes, values, colors, and textures.

At that point I will orient the painting and then finish it off. This is a wonderful way to paint. It allows you to explore pure design and then challenges you to attach meaning to it.

So, stick with me as I complete this painting over the next few days. To see the next page of the process, click here.

New paintings are currently being placed into Gallery #3.

Please feel free to browse all of the painting Galleries. If you like a particular painting, then simply click on the painting to see if it is still available. Unless otherwise noted, all of my work is for sale.

Pricing (by size) is located on the Pricing & Ordering page.

If you would like to join me on one of my painting trips, please go to the Calendar and News pages for more information, location, and details.

As a painter of watercolors, I feel that there are three things that contribute to the success of a painting. They are the three B's of watercolor:

Use a BIG brush. I begin painting with a large flat brush. This keeps the work loose and fresh. You can't piddle around with a large brush in your hand. Stay with that brush for as long as possible.

Use BRIGHT color. I use fresh, moist, bright color for every painting. You can't make a great painting by using dried up bits of old paint. If your palette looks like a mud flat, all cracked and dry, then squeeze out some fresh paint. Use pure, transparent colors and keep the earth colors to a minimum. I have nothing against using neutrals, but it's easier to quiet down a bright painting than it is to liven up a dull one.

Use BOLD strokes. Take that large brush and pull or push it across the paper with feeling. Show the paper who's boss. Painting in watercolor takes a certain amount of bravado. You can't make a great painting by tickling the paper to death. Paint a watercolor like you mean it. Be bold!

Remember the three B's - BIG, BRIGHT, and BOLD.

To find out how to convert a camera tripod or traditional French easel into a more practical watercolor easel, click here.

For a brief bio, please click here.

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The Artwork Contained On The Pages Of This Web Site Are For Screen Viewing Only. They Remain The Property Of The Artist And May Not Be Reproduced Without Written Permission.