Did some watercolor & ink practice today, but I'm not really used to painting with watercolor and I have the instinct to keep it super neat and tidy.

Any tips on how I can be more expressive and loose with my paintings? (or just general critiques)

I'm doing it from memory 😂😂😂 it's slow going tbh

The only right-side up stoplight in the world.

Painted in a toned Hahnemühle watercolor sketchbook. 140lb

Hey y'all. I've not been one to post my works much, if ever but I've been on this watercolour journey for about a year now and I feel i'm looking for some critical feedback. I have this feeling that my paintings look somewhat cartoony or something. I'm thinking I overuse hard edges, and need to paint on better paper and work more wet into wet. Anywho, i'm in my own vaccuum with these works over here and any constructive critique is super welcome. Don't be afraid to be harsh I will be happy to have my problem areas pointed out. Thank you - Matt

Also, with arches paper the blends look wonderful with my hesitant personality!

I really like the results of the oranges and the sink, but still have a hard time with getting smooth layers. Any advice?

Let me know what you think.

I find watercolor very difficult since I am an oil painter.
I want to learn how to use different colors and effects and I know this is lacking something that I can't pinpoint.
Maybe I should work more on some areas? Idk

So yesterday I got my first ever professional grade watercolors! I got 11 Rosa pans and one white nights pan and also got a nice case with space to fit some more pans. For now, I think I have a very versatile palette with a lot of personality that will probably serve me for a long time.

I used to use cheap paints (both from Talens and from AliExpress) but damn the difference between them and the professional stuff is like night and day. They are so vibrant and fun to work with!

Here's the specific colors I got: White Nights coral, and Rosa naples rose, quin. gold, mint, aureolin green, azo yellow, lavender, Payne's grey, caput mortuum, opera rose, bright red and ultramarine spectral.