Rafael Pita from Brazil shared his favorite palette and watercolor techniques:
Here’s a Q&A with Rafael:
Perché fai arte?
Because I need to express myself. Art is connected with my mood and my emotions. When I go a long time without it, I don’t feel good.
Da quanto tempo dipingi?
I have been drawing since I was a child, but I started watercolor painting in 2006.
Hai seguito un corso di formazione artistica formale?
I studied drawing for comic books at a school called Quanta in São Paulo. The first class I had about colors was by chance – it was not in my plans, but it was something that found me. After that class, my learning process became self-taught.
Sei un artista professionista o un semplice appassionato?
It was never a hobby, even in the beginning when I was still studying drawing, My goal was always to work with art. I started teaching art classes as soon as possible and took jobs as an illustrator.
Cosa ti ispira?
I like varied themes – but some flow more easily for me, like natural landscapes, seascapes and houses. Whatever the theme, I’m always looking for the most pleasing compositions.
Che tipo di musica ascolti mentre dipingi?
Light instrumental music like indie and folk, or sometimes Christian music. Sometimes I listen to lectures or sermons while painting.
Hai mai avuto un mentore?
Not as a teacher, but there is a Brazilian watercolorist named Antonio Giacomin who greatly inspires me.
Dipingi tutti i giorni?
I wish I could, but I have too many administrative tasks. As a working artist, it’s not only about painting.
Dipingi un'opera alla volta o lavori su più opere contemporaneamente?
Much of my painting lately has been for teaching classes, so I’m producing isolated pieces with a specific purpose. I would like to produce a more personal series of work, but I haven’t managed to start yet. It’s a very important project for me though – I will make the time!
Prima create un bozzetto concettuale?
Yes, I always use planning tools in my creative process, which is exactly the point I help my students explore in depth.
Preferisci dipingere in studio o all'aria aperta?
Plein air is wonderful, but I need time, so the studio is more practical. It also depends a lot on the purpose of my work – if I am teaching or painting for commission. I am actually planning a plein air course now.
Quanti colori principali utilizzi?
My basic palette has 12 colors: Grigio freddo di Joseph Z, Quinacridone Sienna, Yellow Ochre, Carminio, Rosso cadmio, tonalità media, Giallo cadmio, tonalità media, Phthalo Green Blue Shade, Blu oltremare, Blu cobalto, Phthalo Blue Green Shade, King’s Royal Blue, E Lavanda.
Tubi, padelle o bastoncini?
Tubi.
How do you know that your piece is complete?
When the piece is almost finished, I usually give it some time, then I look from a distance to see if there’s something undesired or that needs touch-ups. But when I start to make touch-ups that don’t add any quality to the piece, then I already know that it is passed time to stop!
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