Silvia Trad from Brazil shared her favorite watercolor tips and techniques:

Here’s a Q&A with Silvia:

Why do you make art?

I never thought about not making art – it is my essence, my source of vital energy.

How long have you been painting?

Since I was 4 years old!

Did you have formal art training?

Yes, I graduated with a degree in architecture and studied art in many ateliers in São Paulo, Brazil and Italy.

Are you a working artist or a hobbyist?

I have always worked as a professional artist and have raised my children with this job.

What inspires you?

The richness and beauty of nature in my country inspire me to create art that reminds us to care for and preserve our planet.

What kind of music do you listen to while painting?

I like silence most of the time or meditation music.

Have you had a mentor?

No, but I admire many artists.

Do you paint every day?

Yes.

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

I work on several paintings at the same time.

Do you create a concept piece first?

I work in a series – the first piece leads to the others.

Do you prefer painting in studio or plein air?

Studio.

How many core colors do you use?

This depends on the subject, but I use an average of 10 to 20 colors.

Tubes, pans or sticks?

Tubes and sticks.

Do you use masking fluid?

Sometimes.

When do you know that your piece is finished?

When I feel it is complete – when there is nothing else to do!

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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.