We are pleased to share the work of Craig Brain, a student on the Watercolour Diploma Course tutored by Steven Hersey. Craig recently completed a pair of snowy landscape paintings, each capturing a striking mountain view with trees and reflections in the water. At first glance, the two pieces appear almost identical, but Craig’s own notes reveal how he used this project to refine his technique and focus on subtle yet important details.
In his first attempt, Craig set himself a series of goals: to make better use of the white of the paper, to work with a limited palette, and to spend more time capturing the finer details of tree branches and reflections. He carefully planned his palette, working with Manganese Blue Hue, Ultramarine, Burnt Umber, Charcoal Grey, and Lemon Yellow, and experimented with masking fluid to preserve areas of brightness.
Looking back at his work, Craig noted that he wanted to improve the variety of textures in the snow and add more detail to the branches. His second painting shows those refinements, with greater depth in the snow shadows, richer contrasts of light and dark blues, and more nuanced reflections in the water. He even experimented with applying paint using his fingertips and nails to create texture in the middle ground trees — a technique he hadn’t used before but enjoyed for the effect it produced.
Craig reflected that the process has given him much more confidence with watercolours than he had at the start of the course. As he put it, “The skill and knowledge I have obtained during the course has been invaluable.”
His tutor, Steven Hersey, has been delighted with Craig’s progress and thoughtful approach. The Watercolour Diploma is designed to help students develop both technical control and creative expression in this versatile medium. Through projects like this, students learn how subtle refinements can transform a painting.
We wish Craig continued success with his studies and look forward to seeing how his watercolour work develops further.
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Çok güzel, dinlendirici. bravo