A Different Perspective:Water... by Maury Kettell

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A Different Perspective: Water...	by Maury Kettell
It is the water that makes us watercolor artists. Pigments are pigments—and we can find pigments in any medium. Surfaces have a tendency to be textured at some level, no matter what the medium. But, it is the water that really turns us on and controls our destiny. In fact, I think we could say we are WATERcolor artists. Watercolor is different than any other medium because the medium is not the pigment; the medium is the water.
Water is really an amazing thing. I can remember reading an article about water in Discover Magazine concerning the properties of water. It is very peculiar. It behaves differently than any other compound—for example, it gets less dense when it freezes rather than more dense. The molecules just roll around in the liquid state and that is what makes painting in watercolor such an amazing thing. You dribble a few of those molecules on a paper, then introduce a bit of pigment and the result can be more incredible than anyone could imagine. Water controls my destiny as a watercolor artist. You can understand color theory, the elements and principles of design, and still fail as a watercolor artist unless you understand the fickle nature of water. Water can make you a God—or it can reduce you to tears—depending on how much you know of its nature, and its reaction with pigments and paper.		"Riots Of Stuff Untold" By Maury Kettell Watercolor 15" x 22"
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I’ve been painting with watercolor for 25 some years now, and I’m still amazed at what those little watercolor H2O molecules can do. A lot of water and a small amount of pigment can blossom into something beyond comprehension. The correct touch with pigment and water is a happening. The same thing with the wrong pigment and water combination is a disaster. Judging what combination in what circumstance is critical. I love riding the edge between the right and wrong. Many times I haven’t a clue where I want to go, but am always excited by the prospect of what will happen—good or bad. It kills me when it goes bad, but when it works right, it is something to behold. It seems so easy when it works well—a flick of pigment—and you watch things happen that you couldn’t have believed could happen in your wildest dreams. That is water—and its particular properties. If you want to be a watercolor artist, you will have to understand water. You will live and die by the water. The elements and principles of design, and color theory will serve you well, but when you are working in WATERcolor—it is the water that rules!!

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A Different Perspective:

Water...

by Maury Kettell

"Riots Of Stuff Untold"

By Maury Kettell

Watercolor

15" x 22"