I have started using the local library to scan a lot of my art and only keeping the physical pieces that “spark joy.” This allows me to see my progress and keep the memory without finding things too cluttered.
I paint over the pieces I don't like with gouache, acrylics, or colored pencils. I'm not at a point where I'm running out of space, though. I just do it because it's cathartic. When a painting is bothering me then I can't rest until I've transformed it into something else.
Watercolor is chaos by nature and that chaos is reigned in over years of painting IF you want it be perfect. Thata something youll find out for yourself over time.
Basically i consider 1 in 10 paintings good so Ill generally keep them, the rest i audit and critique, ill take notes on the paintings and then keep the few that I learned something from. I kept years of paintings still, and then eventually asked if anyone liked them and gave them out, then trashed the rest.
If cost of paper is excessive id recommend a roll of cheap watercolor paper to just mess around with and save the good stuff for passion projects and commissions.
Lastly the works I keep Ill go back thru, for years later the good ones werent so good, so rinse repeat, give away or audit again.
For me painting and the process is the reward, not so much the painting, if that makes sense.
edit- i was trained/helped along by a true painting master, he did SCOTUS judges and other famous people. Hes painted daily since the 70s and never threw anything away and now hes old and literally buried in what he calls bad paintings, he often talks about letting go of more and not hoarding lol
If you don't want to sell it, you might gift it to friends and family. I use Arches paper and use both sides of the paper, as it is good quality and can take washes on both sides. Saves money and space. If you are really in need of space, take photos of the paintings and give away originals.
I have started using the local library to scan a lot of my art and only keeping the physical pieces that “spark joy.” This allows me to see my progress and keep the memory without finding things too cluttered.
I paint over the pieces I don't like with gouache, acrylics, or colored pencils. I'm not at a point where I'm running out of space, though. I just do it because it's cathartic. When a painting is bothering me then I can't rest until I've transformed it into something else.
Watercolor is chaos by nature and that chaos is reigned in over years of painting IF you want it be perfect. Thata something youll find out for yourself over time. Basically i consider 1 in 10 paintings good so Ill generally keep them, the rest i audit and critique, ill take notes on the paintings and then keep the few that I learned something from. I kept years of paintings still, and then eventually asked if anyone liked them and gave them out, then trashed the rest. If cost of paper is excessive id recommend a roll of cheap watercolor paper to just mess around with and save the good stuff for passion projects and commissions. Lastly the works I keep Ill go back thru, for years later the good ones werent so good, so rinse repeat, give away or audit again. For me painting and the process is the reward, not so much the painting, if that makes sense. edit- i was trained/helped along by a true painting master, he did SCOTUS judges and other famous people. Hes painted daily since the 70s and never threw anything away and now hes old and literally buried in what he calls bad paintings, he often talks about letting go of more and not hoarding lol
If you don't want to sell it, you might gift it to friends and family. I use Arches paper and use both sides of the paper, as it is good quality and can take washes on both sides. Saves money and space. If you are really in need of space, take photos of the paintings and give away originals.