Having taught watercolor for many years, I realised that the medium of watercolor, with its fluidity and surprises, lent itself to working spontaneously for instance, with no preconceived subject matter in mind !
I selected color pigments that created effects and breakaway washes to add texture. (Alizarin Crimson, Ultramarine Blue, Yellow Ochre, Burnt Sienna/Umber) These colors were applied to semi-wet watercolor paper, with large brush, and spray bottle to help the Paint to mix and flow, then left to thoroughly dry.
The image created was looked at sideways or upside down, and sometimes resulted in a suggestion of landscape, trees, rocks, and shapes. Looking at these elements, it is then possible to add reference to the suggested composition, and a spiritual image could emerge!
In one example a student of mine, had been travelling through Nambia, and the work emulated a desert scene.. Lastly, my own personal experience. I visited my father( who was not well at the time) came home, took out my paints and proceeded to apply washes to the semi-wet paper, left to dry under some heavy books and forgot about it for next few weeks, as sadly my father passed away. Later I returned to the work, not expecting any result, but was amazed at what I perceived, when I took a closer look. There was the image of a figure, rising above towards the heavens, and I was spiritually moved beyond words and a few tears. Example of the painting is above.
Cheryl Curnick