It is always wonderful to watch what watercolors can do to surprise

one while undertaking the next painting project. Since the water has a

mind of it’s own, the artist is wise to learn that they have to allow

themselves to travel with the creative process as it unfolds. My

gouache resist watercolor and ink technique employs all of these

surprise elements; the great “reveal” at the end of the process creates

a pleasant experience of discovery which is hard to duplicate any other

way. Similarly, traditional watercolor is also laced with so much

uncertainty, and so is etching, yet hopefully and indeed most often with

pleasing results. I have learned to accept the unexpected.

Conversely, it can be said that oil painting satisfies the more

obsessive impulses. It is such a relief to know that one can revisit the

canvas and ever so carefully map out an area or redo it if it’s not

satisfactory, and these luxuries can’t really be indulged in with

watercolor, gouache technique, or etching. In some ways, this

produces a greater freedom of experimentation with the subject matter at hand.

I am thankful that all these varieties of technique exist to choose from

and I strive to master them singly, or in conjunction with one another

within a given theme. It is good to know that there are many avenues

and pathways for a creative work.

Emily Nicholson