Imaging in Watercolor

In this instructional art video, world renowned artist, author and educator Gerald Brommer will guide you through the steps of creating a stunning watercolor painting from only the memories and images in your head. Most paintings begin with the artist sketching a scene with a reference photograph or live subject in front of them. Even landscape artists sometimes journey into the wild outdoors so that they can capture a breathtaking scene on canvas. But what about when there isn’t a photo or subject available? Brommer begins the workshop by discussing his unique technique of visual imaging: a process that allows you to explore the scenes, buildings and people that have been embedded in your memory. Without the use of photographs or other paintings, Brommer teaches students of all levels to capture those memories and give them new life on the canvas. Students will learn the importance of being able to work without a photo reference, which can often limit the creativity and vibrancy that you feel in the painting. Recalling images of places you’ve experienced allows you to paint with a freedom and passion that aren’t possible using any other technique. Brommer reveals that the best way to get started in this process is to sketch anything and everything that can be recalled from a certain place or experience. These individual elements don’t have to be perfect, or organized in a particular way on the canvas. Brommer encourages students to sketch the people and things as they remember them, not as they actually were. Once these elements are out of your head and on to the canvas, Brommer demonstrates his process for choosing the best sketches, and arranging them within the context of a larger painting.