Loel Kathmann from the USA shared some of her favorite tips and techniques with watercolor.

Here’s a Q&A with Loel:

Why do you make art?
Art helps me center myself, feel connected, and build competency. Adding something lovely and positive to the world is meditative for me. I get a warm glow when someone connects with and understands my visual language. And it fills my cup to study and learn and practice and develop my art skill set, especially with watercolor. 

How long have you been painting?
I picked up a brush about five years ago and was immediately smitten. 

Did you have formal art training?
No – by formal training, I am a scientist. I think that background influences my paintings, giving them an experimental yet detail-oriented nature.  

Are you a working artist or a hobbyist?
I do enjoy selling my work, but I might be best described as an aspiring working artist.  

What inspires you?
Life. I like to tell stories, little snippets about my experiences, observations and emotions in abstract form.  

 What kind of music do you listen to while painting? 

All of it! My Spotify “On Repeat” right now starts with Radiohead, has Dan Romer’s wonderful tuba-filled Midnight Train to Georgia in the middle, and closes with TALK. 

Have you had a mentor?
No. But I would love for one to adopt me. 

Do you paint every day?
I paint every day that I’m able. My first priority is my role as a stay-at-home mama for my son, who was born with severe autism and a rare form of epilepsy. Painting helps me maintain a sense of self in what can be an all-consuming parenting situation, so I pick up a brush as often as possible. 

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

Do you create a concept piece first?
Very often, yes. Play is critical.  

Do you prefer painting in studio or plein air?
Studio. Definitely studio. 

How many core colors do you use?
I tend to pick up Quinacridone Gold, Phthalo Turquoise, Phthalo Blue (GS), Neutral Tint, Quinacridone Violet and Buff Titanium the most. Also Quinacridone Burnt Scarlet is a key ingredient in one of my favorite gray mixes. Indanthrone Blue and Undersea Green are important in my layered florals. Nearly all of my paintings get a bit of Iridescent Gold for just the right amount of sparkle. And my absolute most favorite tube of paint is Rhodonite Genuine. 

Tubes, pans or sticks?
All of them! I am partial, however, to the versatility of the sticks. I love the sticks. 

When do you know that your piece is finished?
I have overworked lots and lots and lots of pieces. This helped teach me to listen to my gut when it starts to say, “this needs something” or more importantly, “walk away.” 

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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.

If you prefer, you can visit our Facebook page at showtime to watch live. Replays can be watched on Facebook or YouTube. La traducción al español está disponible – selecciona el canal en español en Zoom.