When to Leave It In… or Leave It Out – Watercolor Lessons from Monhegan Island, Maine
There’s a quiet kind of magic to painting coastal Maine — the way the light dances off the water, how the grass moves in the breeze, and the peaceful charm of those tucked-away island homes.
In my latest Patreon tutorial, I painted a scene from beautiful Monhegan Island, complete with ocean views, wildflowers, and a sweet little cottage. And right in front? Two Adirondack chairs — the kind that beg you to sit for a while and just be.
But here’s the thing… those chairs gave me trouble.
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| Original Painting in Etsy Shop |
I traced them in to keep it simple, but since I painted the scene fairly small, they still got a bit lost. There just wasn’t enough room to include the detail I was hoping for — and they started to feel more like a distraction than part of the story.
Looking back, I probably should’ve outlined them with a fine Sharpie and added just a light wash — something to suggest them without needing much. But hey, that’s part of the process. We’re always learning.
And the beauty of being the artist?
You get to decide what stays and what goes. You’re not locked into the reference photo. You can simplify, shift, or completely change course if it helps tell the story you're aiming for.
So that’s exactly what I did: I painted the scene a second time.
This time? No chairs.
Just the view, the sky, the garden, and the stillness. It felt just as peaceful — maybe even more so. And it reminded me how freeing it is to paint something twice and let it evolve.
When painting small and dealing with detailed objects (like chairs or windows), simplify. Try outlining them with pen and using a soft watercolor wash instead of overworking tiny brush details.
Patreon-only tutorial, I share:
– Layering skies and coastal grasses in watercolor
– What made the chairs tricky, and how I handled them
– My choice to revisit the painting with a simpler version
– Encouragement to trust your own creative decisions
The full-length video, traceable sketch, and reference photo are available now for my Patreon members. If you're looking for a relaxing project and a bit of behind-the-scenes honesty, this one’s for you.
Want to paint along with me?
Join me on Patreon where I share exclusive full-length tutorials, downloadable extras, and behind-the-scenes lessons from my watercolor journey:
👉 Patreon.com/KellieChasseFineArt
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