'Painting a picture is not sitting down to copy some object or scene before us, for that involves little or no activity of the mind. When we are arrested by something seen or experienced and are moved to express it in paint, we should ask ourselves what it is that chiefly inspires us. Is it the light, colour, pattern, space, movement?... Having decided, we can then proceed to talk in terms of paint, coming straight to the point.'

Jack Merriot

R
ecreating and interpreting experience in a direct way is what watercolour painting is about. When I started painting in watercolour a friend recommended Jack Merriot's book 'Discovering Watercolour' it is long out of print but I was lucky enough to find a copy while browsing a second-hand bookshop. I've been a Merriot—almost 'controlled wash'— watercolourist ever since. I say almost because you are never totally in control! Merriot's book is still, for me, the best watercolour manual.

What is a Watercolour? A visit to one of the prestigious watercolour exhibitions like the RI or Singer and Friedlander makes it clear that the medium is being extended and developed in remarkably creative ways. The use of gouache and notably acrylic is used alongside pure transparent watercolour. Acrylic has opened up new creative opportunities and painters nowadays move seamlessly between transparent gum arabic based watercolour and acrylic medium in the same painting. The only common element is the support which is usually paper. My admiration for Jack Merriot remains but perhaps it is time to take up the creative challenge of the new developments.

All images © Copyright Robert Kirk

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