Let Me Paint You A Picture...
Last year I decided to give painting a try. I had done a little bit with acrylics in lockdown but this time I would try watercolor painting.
Hello, my name is Holly and I am a Video Editor and Motion Graphics Designer, in my spare time I love taking photographs of dramatic landscapes such as Ben Nevis or the rugged coastline.
I learnt the absolute basics in 2013 when I did an afternoon lesson on a cruise to the Caribbean but since then I have not done anything. I was in an area where nature was inspiring me to paint so I decided to just ‘wing it’ and paint how I felt suited.
I really enjoyed it and have ended up painting a lot over the last year. Each time I paint I learn something new and try to develop my style.
Since starting to paint on a regular basis, I have started to look at imagery different which also has an impact and developed my skills as a Motion Graphic Designer and Video Editor.
A painting of Stirling, Scotland
Colours
When I first started to paint I was looking at a picture and seeing only one or two colours. Over time, I have learnt to really stop and look at a section of a photo before painting to really see the shades that the image has. The colour of blue in an image can have grey and even hints of red in it but you need to really analyse the photograph.
When I do graphics now I tend to be even more constructive with the colours that I use and what they represent or what they look like. The same with video editing, I always make sure that the colour is at the best style for the edit at hand.
Planning differently
I have learnt over time that when you construct a painting, you should use brown colours to create the structure and build upon these lines as it helps with shadows and colour and structure development.
It has allowed me to think about the way I should start a project and how to approach them in a more creative way.
The right tools
As I develop on my paint journey, I have learnt that the better quality the paint, paper or the brushes you use are - the better the build or the art will come. This is similar to editing and motion graphics. Yes, you can create simple ideas on free programmes but using more advanced programmes mean you can do more advanced things.
I still have a long way to go on my paint journey but I am enjoying it and always learning something new.
Holly Bartolo is a video editor and motion graphic designer based in Scotland, remote and able to travel to other parts of the UK. If you want to find out more then please click here.