Watercolor or Oil?

The image posted here is an oil painting I did from an inspiration I had when driving through the Blue Ridge and Smoky mountains. The misty fog in the mornings was breath taking. Unfortunately I was on a fast moving highway with no opportunity to stop and take photos, so I tried my best to burn the images in my mind. While painting I focused more on the fog and trees than I did on composition. I went with the feeling, how I felt when looking at that fog. I think I’ll try another with a more aerial perspective of the lovely violet colors in the distance and see if I can improve my technique.

Every time I look at an oil painting I think, ‘I could do that’.

Now, whether I could or not is certainly up for speculation…and delivery. I am not a master and never will be. I am simply speaking of technique. I look at the strokes, the movement, the choice of value, color and contrast and I can see, in my mind, how the painting would develop. And, on those rare occasions when I do pull out my few tubes of oils and a canvas I wonder why I continue to struggle with watercolor. My finished oils seem satisfying and good enough.

I do adore watercolor. I can play all day with those flowing pigments; watching them move and blend and surprise. But, I can’t seem to translate all that play into a finished piece that satisfies me. My best pieces are tight and realistic. Technically correct but unsatisfying. My worst pieces are muddy, indistinct and ordinary and wind up in the trash bin. And yet I hang on to watercolor vehemently, clinging to it for some unknown reason.

I tell myself how economical watercolor materials are. And, how easy they are to transport and use in the field. How nothing is wasted as even dried pools of colors can be reused. Oh…and all those lovely color choices. My favorite brand has over 300 colors! And the granulation! Oooooooo, I just want to go right now and swirl those paints around again!

So, I continue to deluge my friends and relatives with hand painted greeting cards, chosen from the best of my experimental afternoons. They receive a sprinkling of landscapes, sea scapes, flowers, butterflies, mushrooms, birds, frogs, holiday renderings of pine trees, holly, snow scenes, Cardinals in trees, elves, gnomes and a few colorful abstracts. In my defense, all I can say is that my heart goes into those paintings if not much talent.

I wonder why I cling to watercolor. Does it have to do with commitment? Do I feel that once I have chosen my medium I should stick with it? Work through the kinks and come out victorious on the other end?

Do I feel obligated to use the materials that I have purchased with precious dollars? Is my frugal side sabotaging my growth? Am I afraid that if I commit to oils it will fall short of my expectations?

Or, do I have to decide at all? Can I walk and chew gum at the same time?

And maybe…just maybe I can make room for the two mediums to share my studio. ~ JoAnn