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.

"Utah Christmas" - Transparent Watercolor, 15" x 22"

I want to wish all of you a very Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays. I hope that the new year brings you many wonderful painting opportunities.

Best wishes and happy painting.

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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