Fernando de Paiva from Brazil shared some of his favorite tips and techniques with watercolor and gouache.

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Here’s a Q&A with Fernando:

Why do you make art?
I make art simply because I love it – since I was a child, I have always been fascinated.

How long have you been painting?
20 years

Did you have formal art training?
Yes, I took a studio course and later I went to art college. I became a professor at university and I’m currently studying a master’s degree in arts.

Are you a working artist or hobbyist?
Painting is my work, my fun, my life!

What inspires you?
I always observe everything around me and everyday life as inspiration. I have many references, especially watercolor artists. My goal is to be a notable watercolor artist like Eudes, Alvaro, Beccari and Nicollas.

What kind of music do you listen to while painting?
Jazz

Do you paint every day?
As I use a variety of techniques and materials, I usually work on 2 to 3 pieces a day at the same time. With watercolor though, I dedicate myself to working on just one per day, as I consider it something more challenging.

Do you create a concept piece first?
I always do a small preliminary study to determine the colors and composition of the larger piece.

Do you paint en plein air or in studio?
I prefer to paint in the studio. I find it very difficult to paint outdoors, but I’d like to correct this.

How many colors do you use?
I use just over 10 colors. I especially love Opera Pink, Alizarin Crimson, Ultramarine Blue and Lavender – these are colors that give me a good feeling when painting.

When do you know that your piece is finished?
This is the most difficult question, but when I feel that it communicates the criteria of a watercolor – transparency, contrast, good colors and atmosphere – I consider it completed.

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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.