Welcome to the World of Watercolor
There is something almost magical about watercolor.
Unlike oils or acrylics, watercolor has a mind of its own. It flows, blends, surprises, and occasionally reminds the artist who's really in charge. That balance between planning and letting go is one of the reasons I fell in love with this remarkable medium.
Welcome to the first article in my new blog series. Whether you're an art collector, a fellow artist, or someone who simply enjoys beautiful landscapes and peaceful scenes, I hope you'll find these stories both informative and enjoyable.
A New Artistic Journey
Art has been part of my life for many years. Earlier in my journey, I painted primarily in oils and acrylics. I enjoyed their rich colors and forgiving nature, but several years ago I decided to try watercolor.
What I expected to be a new challenge quickly became a new passion.
Watercolor demanded a different way of thinking. Instead of painting light over dark, I had to preserve the white of the paper from the very beginning. Every brushstroke mattered. Every wash had to work with the next one. Rather than fighting the medium, I learned to work alongside it.
That process changed not only how I paint but also how I see the world.
Seeing Beauty in Ordinary Places
One of the greatest gifts watercolor has given me is helping me slow down.
I find myself noticing the way morning light filters through a grove of cottonwoods, the weathered boards on an old Oklahoma barn, the reflections in a quiet stream, or the fading signs along historic Route 66. These are places many people drive past without a second glance, yet they are filled with stories waiting to be told.
Those quiet moments often become the inspiration for my paintings.
When I travel—whether through Oklahoma, the mountains of the western United States, or along the rugged coastlines of Ireland—I carry a camera and an artist's eye. I'm always searching for scenes that evoke a feeling of peace, nostalgia, or wonder. My goal isn't simply to recreate a photograph. It's to capture the emotion of standing there.
Why Watercolor Is Different
Many people think watercolor is simply "paint mixed with water." In reality, it is one of the most demanding and rewarding painting mediums.
The luminous quality of watercolor comes from transparent pigments that allow light to pass through the paint, reflect off the white paper beneath, and shine back to the viewer. That natural glow is difficult to duplicate with any other medium.
Watercolor also encourages spontaneity. Sometimes the most beautiful effects happen when the paint is allowed to flow naturally. Learning when to guide the paint—and when to let it do its own thing—is part of the joy of creating.
What You Can Expect From This Blog
Over the coming months, I'll be sharing more than finished paintings.
We'll explore topics such as:
How a watercolor painting comes to life from sketch to final brushstroke.
Why I choose specific colors and papers.
The inspiration behind my Oklahoma landscapes and Route 66 series.
Stories from my travels that influence my work.
Tips for beginning art collectors.
How to care for original watercolor paintings.
Behind-the-scenes looks at new artwork before it reaches the gallery.
My hope is that these articles help you appreciate not only the finished painting but also the thought, planning, and emotion behind every piece.
Thank You for Joining Me
Thank you for taking the time to visit my website and read this first article.