A quarter of a century in watercolours

THOUGH watercolour can be one of the most challenging and unforgiving mediums to paint with, Bellarine local Alan Eadie persists – with a selection of his paintings currently on display at the Boronggook Drysdale Library.

“It’s very difficult to use,” he said. “But when it’s good, it is really good.”

Watercolours can only get darker, he explained, “once the white is gone, it’s gone”.

“If you lose the white you have to chuck it out,” he said, which makes it an especially expensive artistic pursuit.

Eadie began painting 25 years ago at an art class in Melbourne. Looking back, he said: “I just tried something, and kept going with it.”

At the time, he was inspired by one of the artists in that class.

“There’s always someone who is better than you,” he said. “So you can look at them to learn.”

Alan said watercolour is one of the most difficult mediums to paint with due to its unforgiving nature, however he loves the result when it is done correctly. Photo: NYAH BARNES

“Even now, I’m still learning every day.”

He added he enjoys the creative licence he finds in painting.

“You might be painting something and there’s a tree in the way,” he said, “but you can move that tree in the painting to set it up to look the best.”

He said he tried to see his paintings through the eyes of subjects if they were viewing the art.

Ten years ago, Eadie moved to the Bellarine, providing him with many subjects, particularly for his maritime pieces.

Offering advice to those starting out in watercolour, Eadie said that while paint and brush quality aren’t everything, paper is crucial.

“Don’t get cheap paper,” he insisted. “You could even paint with your fingers, but you need good paper.”

A highlight of his latest exhibition is a piece inspired by the poem The Man from Snowy River, painted during a class on Australian poetry.

Alan’s artworks are currently on display in the Boronggook Drysdale Library. Photo: NYAH BARNES

The work demonstrates the translucent nature of watercolours, with pigment extending over the writing Alan has incorporated into the piece.

During the week, Eadie attends art sessions in Drysdale, where he enjoys working alongside other creatives.

“We give each other feedback,” he said.

“It’s not criticism,” he added, “it’s critique.”

Eadie’s artworks are now on display at the Boronggook Drysdale Library. Later this year, some of his maritime pieces will be exhibited in Queenscliff.