One aspect that captivated me when I first began working with watercolours was the simplicity with which muted colours reminiscent of graphite could be achieved, likely due to my initial use of watercolours in combination with pencil.

As I delved deeper into watercolour painting, I found myself drawn to experimental colour mixing techniques such as wet-on-wet, wet-on-dry, and glazing, which allowed me to create captivating colour combinations and effects. I also enjoy pushing the boundaries by experimenting with complementary colours, analogous colours, and triadic colours to achieve unique and harmonious colour palettes, even if they may sometimes result in earthy tones.

Exploring different colours, brush sizes, and water-to-paint ratios has been an exciting aspect of my artistic process as well. Wet-in-Wet techniques are particularly fascinating to me, as they produce mesmerizing paintings. To further enhance my wet-in-wet watercolour paintings, I have incorporated techniques such as using salt or bleach/alcohol. Sprinkling a pinch of salt onto wet watercolour paint creates captivating textures as the salt absorbs the paint, and I have experimented with various types of salt and amounts to achieve different effects.

Bleach has also been a valuable addition to my lifting techniques, as it enhances the colour blooms. By applying watercolour paint to dry paper and then lifting the paint off the paper with a clean, damp brush or cloth, I can create highlights or textures, and I often experiment with different lifting techniques such as blotting, dabbing, or dragging to achieve diverse effects.

I also appreciate the dynamic effects of granulation, which I achieve by using watercolour paints that contain granulating pigments. These pigments settle unevenly on the paper, resulting in a speckled or granulated appearance that adds an interesting and textured effect to my paintings.

I enjoy exploring unconventional tools and techniques in my watercolour paintings, such as sponges, plastic wrap, toothbrushes, paper rolls, cotton buds, or credit cards, which create unique textures and patterns. Experimenting with different techniques and tools always yields one-of-a-kind effects in my artwork.

For instance, splatter and spray techniques using a toothbrush, spray bottle, or other tools can create captivating textures, patterns, and atmospheric effects in my paintings.

I have also ventured into glazing or gradient washes, which involve applying watercolour pigments from light to dark or vice versa while the paper is wet or damp, to achieve smooth gradients of colour. Through experimentation with different colour combinations and blending techniques, I have gained a deeper understanding of colour theory and the ability to create depth in my artwork. Applying multiple layers of transparent watercolour washes, allowing each layer to dry before applying the next, can result in rich, luminous effects as the layers build up, making it a fantastic way to explore colour mixing and layering.

The classic dry brushing technique is also a staple in my artistic repertoire. By using a dry brush with minimal water and paint on dry paper, I can create crisp lines, rough textures, and interesting effects, particularly when depicting foliage, grass, or other natural elements. This technique is particularly effective for creating textures such as fur or tree bark.

Masking fluid or masking tape are tools I often employ to create areas of white or preserve specific sections of my paintings from being painted over. The satisfaction of removing the masking fluid or tape once the paint has dried and revealing the preserved areas, with their sharp edges and interesting contrasts, adds an additional layer of artistic expression to my watercolour paintings.

I am also eager to explore negative painting as a technique. Similar to pencil drawing, this approach involves painting the space around the subject to create a silhouette effect. I believe this technique has the potential to offer exciting opportunities for experimentation with composition and create unique, abstract watercolour paintings.

As an artist, I love to experiment with different types of gouache paints, including jelly gouache, artistic designer gouache, and acrylic gouache. I am amazed by the opacity of jelly gouache, the velvety texture of designer gouache, and the water-resistance of acrylic gouache, which allows me to create unique effects in my artwork.

One of my favorite techniques is dry brushing, which creates textures and patterns. Applying gouache on dry paper, with quick, scrubbing motions creates very interesting and expressive marks. I also experiment with layering gouache paint to create depth and texture in my artwork. I start with a light layer of paint and build up the layers to create a rich, opaque effect. For diluted gouache, glazing is one of my favourite techniques. It's all about patience, layer thin, translucent layers of gouache paint on top of dried layers to create rich and luminous effects. This technique allows me to experiment with different colour combinations and with different layering techniques to create depth and dimension in my artwork. I usually apply thick, opaque layers over dry layers or wet-on-wet techniques to achieve different effects.

Wet-in-Wet and Wet-on-Dry experiments can create interesting textures, blends, and visual effects. I usually like to wet the paper first, then I apply gouache paint for backgrounds or underpaintings. Mixing up these techniques is excellent for landscapes. I like applying gouache paint to dry paper and then wetting it with a brush to achieve different results.

I enjoy using additives such as salt, baking soda, or dish soap to create textures or effects in my gouache paintings, like salt textures or gritty textures from baking soda mixed with gouache.

Brushes and tools also play a role in my experimentation with gouache. Using different types of brushes, such as flat brushes, round brushes, or fan brushes, different brush sizes, or brush techniques can create different marks and textures with gouache. Other tools, such as sponges, palette knives, or stencils create interesting effects and patterns. I also like to experiment with dry brushes, wet brushes, stippling, splattering, or even palette knife techniques to create unique and expressive effects.

I usually create splatter effects by using a brush or toothbrush and having different colours can create interesting texture and movement in my artwork. I also experiment with scraping techniques some time: once my gouache paint has dried, I use a scraping tool, such as a credit card, palette knife, or toothbrush, to scrape away some of the paint to create textures, patterns, or highlights. Experimenting with different scraping techniques and pressures can achieve different effects. From the scraping techniques I especially like sgraffito with gouache, where you apply a layer of gouache paint, then use a pointed tool, such as a toothpick or the end of a brush, to scratch through the wet paint and reveal the layer underneath. This can create very interesting textures and patterns. Then scumbling with different colours and brush techniques is also great to achieve different textures and patterns. For this technique I apply a thin layer of opaque gouache over a dried layer of gouache with a dry brush or sponge to create a rough, textured effect. 

I've also used stencils and string to create interesting textures and patterns in my artwork. Mixing gouache with various texture mediums, such as gels, pastes, or granules can create interesting textures on my painting surface. Different additives and application techniques can achieve different effects.

Resist techniques are quite amazing as well. The principle for the gouache resist techniques is applying masking fluid or other resist materials to the paper before painting with gouache, then remove it once the paint is dry to reveal the areas underneath. Different resist materials, such as wax or frisket, and different painting techniques over the resist areas create interesting contrasts and textures. I also use masking tape, frisket, or masking fluid to create areas of white or preserve certain parts of my painting.

I'm equally enjoy experimenting with layering gouache to create transparent effects. The classic way is the best in this case. I dilute gouache with water to create translucent layers that allow the colours underneath to show through, creating subtle gradients, glazing, or other transparent effects in my artwork. Transparent washes of colour creates such interesting depth and watercolour-like effect.

Additionally, I often experiment with different surfaces. I've done gouache paintings on paper, cardboard, canvas and wood. I love the texture of gouache on all of these surface and depending on the surface I can experiment with different techniques. 

Gouache monoprints are a fun experiment as well. To these I apply gouache onto a smooth surface, such as glass or plastic, then press a piece of paper onto the painted surface to create a monoprint. Different colours, patterns, and pressure will create unique and abstract prints.

I mostly experiment with colour mixing in gouache to create unique colour palettes. Gouache has a wonderful ability to mix smoothly and produce vibrant colours. Same as with watercolour I like to mix complementary colours, analogous colours, or triadic colours to create interesting and harmonious colour combinations.

I also like to combine gouache with other art materials, such as watercolour, ink, or coloured pencils, to create mixed media artworks. Different combinations of materials and techniques to create unique and layered effects.

Gouache allows for easy colour mixing with other water-based mediums, such as watercolour or acrylic, to create interesting mixed media effects. I especially like the gouache and ink combinations. I use ink for line work, details, or textures, and then layer gouache on top for bold and opaque colours.

I have a strong affinity for shine and sparkle, which naturally draws me to the captivating metallic effects of gouache. I enjoy experimenting with mixing metallic gouache paint with other colours to create a diverse palette of metallic shades, as well as layering metallic gouache over other colours to achieve intriguing visual effects.

In my monochromatic studies, I find gouache to be a perfect medium as it allows me to easily achieve different values and tones within a single colour. I enjoy exploring various techniques, such as mixing different shades of the same colour, adding white or black to create tints or shades, and varying the opacity of the gouache paint to create monochromatic studies with depth and dimension. I also experiment with different dilutions of colour to observe how gouache behaves with varying levels of water, resulting in a range of values.

I am also keen to further explore techniques such as stencilling and impasto effects with gouache. Stencilling allows me to create crisp and clean shapes or patterns with gouache, and I enjoy experimenting with different stencil designs, sizes, and placements to create unique compositions and visual effects. I don't usually buy that many stamps or stencils, because I often create my own stencils using everyday objects, such as straws, paper rolls, or cut-outs, to add a personalized touch to my artwork.

To create the impasto effect, I apply thick and textured layers of gouache paint onto my chosen surface, be it paper or wood panels. I utilize palette knives, sponges, or other tools, such as old credit cards, to apply the gouache in thick layers, resulting in a three-dimensional appearance in my artwork.

In addition to these techniques, I am also interested in experimenting with collage and negative painting in my gouache paintings. Collage involves using gouache paint to create a range of painted papers, which can then be used to create collages with different patterns, textures, and shapes. This allows for endless creative possibilities in creating unique compositions. Negative painting, though challenging, offers the opportunity to paint the negative space around objects or shapes, creating depth and dimension in my artwork. I look forward to pushing my artistic boundaries and exploring the exciting possibilities that gouache offers through these techniques.

I particularly enjoy utilizing gouache and acrylics on cardboard canvases, as I find these mediums to be highly adaptable and conducive to creating detailed and intricate artwork when combined with inks and marker linework. I experiment with various techniques, such as monoprinting, layering, glazing, impasto, and stencilling, to create unique compositions and textured effects on canvas.

I experiment with creating monoprints by applying acrylic paint to a flat surface, such as a plastic sheet or glass, and transferring the paint onto the canvas. I like to try different paint consistencies, textures, and layering techniques to create unique and interesting compositions. Layering and glazing techniques can create interesting colour combinations and translucent effects on canvas. I also enjoy utilizing palette knifes to apply thick, textured layers of acrylic paint to create impasto effects, to add depth and dimension to my artwork and to create interesting tactile surfaces. And I use stencils with acrylic paint to create patterns, shapes, or textures in my artwork.  

In my exploration of colour, I often experiment with colour mixing, colour schemes, and colour contrasts on canvas to create dynamic and visually captivating colour relationships in my paintings.  I love colour play and I employ complementary, analogous, or triadic colours to add visual interest and harmonies to my artwork.

I also enjoy incorporating different art mediums, such as acrylics, oils, inks, charcoal, or pastels, in my mixed media artworks on canvas. Through experimenting with different combinations, layering techniques, and application methods, I strive to create unique and textured effects that add depth and dimension to my artwork.

In addition, I have experimented with abstract expressionist techniques, such as action painting or gestural painting, to create spontaneous and expressive artworks on canvas. By employing various brushwork, mark-making, and colour choices, I aim to create dynamic and emotive compositions.

Texture building and collage techniques have also caught my attention as intriguing possibilities to further explore. I use palette knifes, sponges, brushes, or other tools to apply thick layers of paint and I am keen to experiment with different texture-building techniques, such as the use of gesso, modelling paste, or collage elements, to create interesting and tactile surfaces on canvas. 

Similarly, I have been inspired by fascinating collage pieces on canvas that incorporate diverse materials, such as paper, fabric, found objects, or photographs, to create visually intriguing and textured compositions. I think I would also enjoy experimenting with different adhesive techniques, layering methods, and composition ideas to create visually intriguing and textured collages.

Image transfer is another technique that I am interested in trying, utilizing methods such as gel transfers, solvent transfers, or heat transfers to transfer printed images or photos onto the canvas surface, resulting in unique and layered effects. Although I find pouring and dripping techniques with acrylic paints or other fluid mediums visually satisfying and capable of creating abstract or expressive effects on canvas, I am mindful of the potential wastefulness of materials and messiness associated with some of these techniques, and therefore may limit my experimentation with acrylic pouring.