Ted is a member and former manager of Vic. Arts Society. He is a committed watercolourist. He says “I love plein air painting.. My philosophy is, keep it simple, see the image, paint the feeling”.

Today, he did a beach scene with cliffs behind and some figures in the water.

Discussing his materials he said that his brushes are always mops and rounds, no flats or squares. Get a favourite brush and stick to it. He seemed to use the same brush most of the time, using it in various ways. He had a big, full sheet of Arches 300gsm rough, on a 45 degree angle at hip-height. He painted with his left hand in his pocket all the time, which indicated his relaxed, casual nature. He kept up an amusing patter, rubbishing himself. When he noticed his bald patch on the screen from the overhead camera, he did a double take. He said, “I didn’t know I was that bald.” He said, “Squint your eyes. That’s why I have wrinkles”.

To start, he wet most of the paper and then put in a cobalt-blue sky. It was very loose, not careful. He said “Don’t go back into it. Let the accidents happen. There’s no right or wrong in painting. However, every brush stroke has a purpose”.

Timing is a big thing, to get the soft or hard edges. For example, in the sea, he let it dry to get the white waves. Also a bit of dry brush gives the sparkle. He mixes his own greens. For the shady areas on the cliffs, he mixed cobalt-blue and brown madder. After afternoon tea, he came back to the empty beach and added a touch of darker blue into the waves. Then he began on various figures, using a thicker mix of burnt sienna and brown madder. They were standing in the shallows. No much leg, no feet, head not too big or it looks like a child. Not much detail, just blobs. For reflections, he used his finger to drag the wet paint.

It was difficult to know when to stop, but having stopped, he discussed the colours in his palette, which were mainly transparent. He does use white gouache if necessary. He prefers Windsor & Newton paints.

A very pleasant and entertaining afternoon. Thank you Ted.

Report by Colin Browne

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