George Politis shared his favorite watercolor palette and painting techniques.

Here’s a quick Q&A with George:

If you could take only three colors with you to paint on a stranded island, which three would you take?
Okay, this is tough. I would try to cheat with three colors in my left pocket and another three in my right pocket:  Cerulean Blue, Quinacridone Gold, Mayan Orange, Moonglow, Bloodstone Genuine, and Cascade Green. And even so, I am still betraying so many colors that I really count on.

Describe a recent art exhibit that you attended which was particularly inspiring.
One of the top exhibitions to follow is the Royal Institute of Painters in Watercolours in England. I have been a member of this watercolor society since 2006. Every exhibition is so diverse in styles, approaches, subjects…a great inspiration for any artist.

Where were the last few photos you took of scenery that might inspire you to paint?
I take a lot of pictures and I sketch a lot. A few will turn into paintings soon and some will stay aside. Although one day, those may end up in some new paintings as well. Visiting Santorini Island is in my plans, as it has amazing light, majestic colors and offers several subject possibilities with textures that I love. I hold an annual summer workshop there, because the inspiration is all around and meets the needs of any artist!

What is the best piece of advice another artist has given you?
In my first steps as a watercolor painter, I studied a lot. I read interesting articles and books on watercolor, which helped me build up a very good theoretical background. I learned the rules – what I should do and what I had to avoid. During one of my visits to the annual Royal Institute exhibition in London, I had the opportunity to see an RI member giving a demo. The way he painted was against the rules. So I asked him as politely as I could about that, and he answered, “Young man, if it’s in the rules, then don’t do it like that. Break the rules.” I think that this changed my philosophy about painting.

What are you excited about working on next?
I love to work with diverse styles and subjects – I want to find ways to push my own limits. I’m experimenting now with DANIEL SMITH Watercolor Ground and their new line of Gouache.

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