Articles for Watercolor Lovers and Watercolor Artists

Welcome! I’m Virgil Carter, a full-time watercolor artist, teacher, and workshop leader. On this blog, I share thoughts on techniques, inspiration, and stories from my creative process and global travels. When I paint, I’m not trying to capture exactly what the eye sees—I’m more interested in what the heart feels. For me, it’s not about strict visual realism. It’s about sharing a personal idea, a feeling, or an emotion that a subject stirs in me. That’s where the real connection happens.

My goal is to share watercolor insights and ideas, sparking conversation and discovery for watercolor lovers and watercolor painters.

Sharing realism and abstraction
Capturing mood, emotion and engagement
Balance of technique and story telling
Originality and artistic
vision

"Approaching the Four-Way Stop", watercolor, 30” X 11

17 July 2025

The Importance of Seeing and Painting in Shapes in Watercolor

Early painters unerringly strive to paint objects as accurately as the eye sees them. However, It’s absolutely fundamental for budding watercolor artists to shift their focus from painting recognizable objects to perceiving and rendering the world as a collection of…

“Morning Light”, Watercolor, 15” X 11”

19 April 2025

The Color of Light Using Watercolor

The color of light is a crucial element in paintings to create mood and emotion.  Understanding how the color and quality of light changes throughout the day is essential knowledge for watercolor painters whose goal is to tell a story…

“Hill Country Last Light, No. 3”, Watercolor, 15’ X 11”

17 April 2025

Insight Into the Painter’s Intent

The title of a watercolor painting may often give insight into the intent of the painter for a given painting.  While titles may often seem a simple addition, they can be an insightful key, unlocking layers of meaning and providing…

“Between The Shadows and The Light No. 2”, Watercolor, 15” X 22”

12 April 2025

The Five Pillars of Watercolor: Keys to Mastering the Art

Today we are looking at a truly important aspect of making strong watercolor paintings—the five pillars of watercolor.  Why are these important?  Watercolor painting is an expressive and nuanced medium that captures the interplay of color, light, and texture like…

“Cypress Creek Morning, No. 1”, Watercolor, 30” X 11”

12 April 2025

Painting with Watercolors is Visual Storytelling

Today’s posting is both fun and important—visual story telling! Painting with watercolors is actually a journey.  Early in the journey, the important thing may be to craft as nearly perfect a copy of what one’s eyes see as possible.

“Getting Close To Home”, Watercolor, 30” X 11”

10 April 2025

Discovering the Beauty and Challenge of Watercolor: An Artist’s Perspective

Welcome art lovers, patrons and painters! My blog is intended for all those who love art, collect art and make art. And especially in watercolors. We begin by looking at how to better understand and appreciate that most challenging painting...

“Flowers, No. 7”, Watercolor, 11” X 15”

10 April 2025

Unlocking the Magic Insights into Watercolor Painting for Everyone

Welcome back!  In this blog we are exploring ideas and experiences to help those who love art, collect art and make art, especially in watercolor. Watercolor painting, with its luminous washes and delicate blooms of color...

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“You Must Go Left or Right” , Watercolor, 30” X 11”

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