Ahmet Öğreten from Turkey shares his favorite watercolor tips and techniques:

Here’s a Q&A with Ahmet:

Why do you make art?

Because I enjoy representing nature and life through colors by painting. Art is a nice way to be alone with yourself and is very exciting. It gives me a sense of joy and life energy. I never get tired when I produce or teach something artistic.

How long have you been painting?

Since I was a child, painting has always been a part of my life. Of course, there were long periods when I had to take breaks. I was introduced to watercolor 30 years ago. But I have been working more effectively in the last 10 years.

Did you have formal art training?

I took drawing courses. Later, I entered Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University, Faculty of Fine Arts. But circumstances forced me to leave it unfinished. My painting skills improved while teaching others. One needs to be patient in the world of art and let yourself journey through life.

Are you a working artist or a hobbyist?

I’m a working artist and an instructor. I’m leading 2 workshops every week with Istanbul Design Center, plus 2 workshops at my studio. Also I have students in my online programs.

What inspires you?

My source of inspiration is the city I live in, nature, and the emotions that life brings. I have been most influenced by Hoca Ali Rıza, Prafull Sawant and Alvaro Castagnet.

What kind of music do you listen to while painting?

I like to listen to music that moves me and inspires me about the colors I will use.

Have you had a mentor?

In my early periods, I had a friend who often helped me with very useful advice in art.

Do you paint every day?

Pretty much… I paint once or twice a week for myself and 3 or 4 times for my students.

Do you paint one piece at a time or work on several at the same time?

Sometimes several, but I usually paint just one piece at a time.

Do you create a concept piece first?

A preliminary study is effective for the subjects that I will paint for the first time.

Do you prefer painting in studio or plein air?

I love both, but I don’t always have time for plein air works. I’m determined to devote more time this year.

How many core colors do you use?

My special DANIEL SMITH palette has 18 colors –  Aureolin (Cobalt Yellow), New Gamboge, Aussie Red Gold, Pyrrol Orange, Organic Vermilion, Carmine, Manganese Blue Hue, King’s Royal Blue, French Ultramarine, Sodalite Genuine, Phthalo Blue Turquoise, Cobalt Teal Blue, Olive Green, Chrome Titanate Yellow, Yavapai Genuine, Hematite Burnt Scarlet Genuine, Burnt Sienna Light, Iridescent Vibrant Raspberry. For daylight, I use Raw Sienna Light. For reducing the vibrancy of colors and shadow tones, I use Buff Titanium and Lavender. I also use many other DANIEL SMITH colors from time to time.

Tubes, pans or sticks?

I prefer the tubes.

Do you use masking fluid?

For some small spaces with lights, DANIEL SMITH Masking Fluid provides ease of use for thin and sensitive applications.

When do you know that your piece is finished?

It varies depending on the work I choose – complex or simple. There is no need to push too hard.

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Join us online each week via Zoom or Facebook for an Up Close and Personal Conversation with John Cogley (Daniel Smith Owner and CEO) along with guest artists from around the world. On Thursdays (2:00pm Pacific), John and some of our Brand Ambassadors highlight a group of colors and answer your questions. On Fridays (10:30am Pacific), a guest artist shares a demo with their favorite tips and techniques. Click here for the upcoming week’s Zoom links.

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